Bleeding the power steering system (Opel Insignia A)

Note.

• Use only clean, fresh power steering fluid of the specified type.
• Hoses that touch the subframe, body or engine may cause extraneous noise. Make sure that all hoses do not touch other parts of the car.
• Loose connectors may not leak, but will allow air into the system. Make sure all connectors are tight.

Pumping

Caution: The power steering pump must not be operated without fluid. Do not reuse drained power steering fluid.

1. Turn off the ignition.

2. Fill the power steering expansion tank to the MAX mark and leave the cap removed.

3. Start the engine and immediately begin adding working fluid to prevent the level from falling below the MIN mark.

4. Slowly turn the steering wheel 2-3 times at an angle of approximately 45° to the left and right with the engine running, and then twice from lock to lock, holding in the extreme position for approximately 10 seconds.

5. Stop the engine and check the power steering fluid level again. It should correspond to the MAX mark.

Note: Carefully remove all traces of power steering fluid. Air released from the system during bleeding may cause fluid to splash out of the reservoir.

6. Turn the steering wheel to check the consistency of the working fluid level. There should be no air bubbles in it. If bubbles are found, check the tightness of all connections and repeat the check.

7. Start the engine at idle speed and adjust the working fluid level in the tank again. Install the tank cap.

(Source is on this resource: «opelbook.ru»)



8. Set the steering wheel to the center position and let the engine run for two minutes.

9. Turn the steering wheel in different directions to check:

• Smooth rotation.
• No extraneous noise.
• Working fluid level.
• No leaks.
• Liquid state (no bubbles, foam or discoloration).

10. If any problems are detected, refer to the "Special Conditions" section.

Special conditions

Liquid

The liquid should not have bubbles or foam. The presence of bubbles indicates loose connections or damage to the sealing rings on the pressure or discharge hoses.

Discoloration of liquid (milky color, opacity or light yellowish-brown color): Turn off the ignition and wait two minutes. Check the hose connections. Repeat steps 8-9 of the previous section and, if nothing has changed, check the following possible causes:

• Return hose clamps.
• Return hose sealing ring.
• Feed hose sealing ring.
• Steering gear line sealing ring.

Fill the system and repeat the bleeding procedure. Make sure that the malfunction is eliminated.

Noises

Whining or groaning noises from the power steering pump.

With the engine running, check for possible contact of the hoses with the subframe, body or engine. If no contact is found, use one of the methods below to cool the working fluid and restore pressure in the system.

Method 1 - Normal cooling:

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Wait until the system cools down.

3. Install the expansion tank cap.

Method 2 - Partial Fluid Replacement:

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Using a syringe, remove the liquid from the expansion tank.

3. Pour cool, clean liquid into the tank.



4. Install the expansion tank cap.

After the working fluid has cooled, start the engine and warm it up to operating temperature. If the noise continues, replace the power steering pump with a new one.