Expert: Tim hagan - 6/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: One of two power steering lines in my 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 is leaking, how can I tell if it's the return line or pressure line? This is a hard line leading to the back of the power steering pump from the steering shaft.

ANSWER: if it is the metal line coming out of the back of the pump then it is the pressure or inlet line.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: When replacing this line, do I bleed the line? if so, how is this performed?

Answer
install the new line, make sure to use new o-rings, fill half way to the full mark on the pump cap stick,leave the cap off the pump then lift the front wheels off the ground, turn the wheel, (engine turned off) steering lock to steering lock 12-15 times, check the fluid level, fill to hot mark, start engine, if fluid turns a whiteish color or steering is noisey, shut off engine, wait for all the bubbles to go away in the resivoir, then start engine again, continue until all bubbles and or noise is gone