How to Bleed the Power Steering System for a 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette

In the 1990 model year, General Motors released three wildly designed minivans, the Chevrolet Lumina APV, Pontiac Trans Sport and the Oldsmobile Silhouette. In 1997, GM redesigned the Silhouette, giving it a more conventional design that allowed it to stay onboard for another eight model years. The 1998 Silhouette came standard with a 180-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 engine and power steering. The power steering system uses hydraulic fluid to make turning the wheel easier. When air gets into the hydraulic fluid, it can cause all sorts of havoc, including: noises., skipping, intermittent failure and even pump failure. Bleeding the power steering system helps eliminate this unwanted air and protects the pump from the damage it causes.

Instructions

1

Lift the front of the van with a floor jack and slide jack stands under its subframe. Lower the van onto the jack stands and lower the vehicle onto the stands. With the engine off, turn the steering wheel as far to the left as it will go.

2

Unscrew the cap from the power steering reservoir and wipe the fluid from the cap-mounted dipstick, using a clean, lint-free cloth. Reinsert the dipstick, but dont tighten the cap, and pull it out again. Check that the fluid level is within the Full Cold range. Add GM power steering fluid in small increments, as needed, until the fluid reaches the Full Cold range.

3

Instruct an assistant to turn the wheel back and forth, right to left, without hitting the locks, as you watch the fluid in the reservoir for air bubbles and check the fluid level every five back-and-forth turns. Add fluid, as needed throughout the turning process. Once no air bubbles appear in the fluid, start the engine and let it idle.

4

Verify that the power steering fluid level is within the Full Cold range and add more GM power steering fluid, as needed.

5

Return the steering wheel to its centered position and lift the vehicle off the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and lower the van to the ground.

6

Allow the engine to idle for two to three minutes, then turn the wheels back and forth to verify that there is no noise. If noise exists, shut the engine off and restart the bleeding procedure from step 1.

7

Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir, the fluid should now be at the Full Hot range. If needed, add more power steering fluid and shut the engine off.