The technician bleeds the power steering system by which action?

The technician bleeds the power steering system by which action?

• A. Releasing the reservoir cap
• B. Turning the steering wheel
• C. Starting the engine and moving the wheels
• D. Pumping the brakes

Answer: (B)

Bleeding this system is about removing trapped air from the hydraulic circuit. Air in the power steering fluid can make steering feel spongy or create noise because air compresses while fluid pressure cannot. The way to purge that air is to cycle the steering through its full range so the pump moves fluid and air together through the lines and toward the reservoir. Turning the steering wheel accomplishes this circulation, especially when the engine is running so the pump is active. As you turn from lock to lock, fluid is pushed and pulled, pushing air toward the reservoir where it can escape. The other actions listed don’t actively move the fluid through the system to purge air, and pumping the brakes has no relation to the power steering bleed.

Bleeding this system is about removing trapped air from the hydraulic circuit. Air in the power steering fluid can make steering feel spongy or create noise because air compresses while fluid pressure cannot. The way to purge that air is to cycle the steering through its full range so the pump moves fluid and air together through the lines and toward the reservoir.

Turning the steering wheel accomplishes this circulation, especially when the engine is running so the pump is active. As you turn from lock to lock, fluid is pushed and pulled, pushing air toward the reservoir where it can escape. The other actions listed don’t actively move the fluid through the system to purge air, and pumping the brakes has no relation to the power steering bleed.