How to Bleed the Power Steering System on a Dodge Ram

How to bleed the power system of air in a third generation Dodge Ram. This is a 2006 1500 model equipped with a 5.7L V8, however this is a generic procedure that can be applied to other models or vehicles as well. Bleeding the system of air is required when the fluid is replaced, a component has been replaced where it requires the fluid to be drained, or if an excessive amount of fluid has leaked out. Low fluid or air in the system, you may notice excessive pump whining or the pump cavitating and your steering may be hard to operate. Prolonged usage with low fluid or having air in the system can damage the power steering pump. #dodgeram #powersteering #mopar

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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-power steering fluid
-funnel
-clean rag

Procedure:
It’s always important to refer to your owner’s manual to determine what fluid is required for your vehicle. For this model of truck specifically, it takes Mopar ATF +4.

With the engine off, start by opening the hood and locating the power steering fluid reservoir.

One this truck, it’s above the pump on the driver’s side.

Remove the cap, the cap is equipped with a dipstick to determine the fluid level when the system is either hot or cold. The level readings are different on each side of the dipstick.

A funnel is best, add fluid to the system. Careful not to add too much where it can spill out and do not get oil on the belt. Ensure the reservoir has fluid inside.

With the engine still off, elevating the front of the vehicle with the weight of the wheels does help. Put the key in the ignition to disable the steering lock, then turn the steering wheel full lock to lock left and right.

Do this multiple times, check the fluid level every few times and add more fluid as needed.

Do this until the fluid level stops dropping in level.

Next is starting the engine for a moment, then turning it off and checking the fluid level again. This operates the pump where it builds up pressure, forcing fluid through the system and potentially letting any air out. Then add fluid again if needed.

The fluid is normally red, but here you can see it’s a pink color with bubbling, this means there is air in the system. When the system is properly bled and no air is present, the fluid will be a solid red.

Start the engine again this time leaving it running, then turn the wheel full lock to lock left and right. Do not hold the wheel at the lock position for a longer time as this too can damage the pump. Do this multiple times, and keep monitoring the fluid level.

Add fluid as needed, once it stops dropping, continues operating the wheel a few more times and then stop. How long this takes depends on how much air is in the system.

When done, depending on the engine temperature, check the finalized fluid level using the dipstick on the cap. Typically I like to keep it between the minimum and maximum lines.

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