How Do You Bleed the Power Steering Fluid From a 1991 Toyota Celica?

Bleeding the power steering from your vehicle is typically done to remove air from the system. Power steering provides effortless turning ability in a vehicle; however, if air gets into the system it becomes compromised. Power steering operates through hydraulic pressure. Fluid will neither compress nor expand when placed in a pressurized system, but air can do both. A smoothly running power steering system must be free of air. Bleed the power steering fluid in your Toyota Celica so that you can add new fluid, for easier steering.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Clear vinyl tubing
• Penetrating oil
• Catch container
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Check the power steering fluid level. Turn your steering wheel to rotate the tires several times. If the wheels are difficult to turn, you need to refresh your power steering fluid.

2. Take a reading of your power steering fluid level to further diagnose your car. Use your Toyota owner's manual to locate the power steering liquid box and check the fluid. If the level is low, or if there is foam in the fluid, you need to drain the old fluid and replace it with new power steering fluid.

3. Find the bleed valve on your power steering fluid box. Place the clear vinyl tubing on the end of the bleed valve, and run the tubing down to the catch container. It is better for the vinyl tubing be too long than too short, to avoid spillage.

4. Put the funnel into the top opening of the power steering fluid box, and pour the penetrating oil into the box. This will help flush out the box and evacuate any of the power steering fluid still in your Toyota.

5. Start the engine of your Toyota, and open the bleed valve very slowly to allow the liquid to drain. Turn the steering wheel several times in both directions, then close the bleed valve. Add power steering fluid, and repeat this step until the fluid running out of the car is clear of air. Once air is no longer present, close the bleed valve and top off the power steering fluid. Before driving, turn the steering wheel several more times.

Tips & Warnings

• Elevate the front end of your Toyota with a jack and jack stand to make turning the wheels easier.

• To avoid running out of fluid in the future, run the return line back into the fluid reservoir. Only do so if the fluid is new or clear of debris.

• Do not allow the power steering system to run completely out of fluid. Damages may occur if the system runs dry.

References

• Bleeding Power Steering
• Engine Mechanics: Principles of Hydraulic Pressure
• Toyota Celica Reference