Power Steering - Air in system !!

Hello-

2001 Windstar. Had the high pressure line burst (long story) - anyway I replaced the high pressure line as well as the power steering pump. Now - I've tried EVERY method I found in the manual and online - can't get the air out. Persistent whine at about 1200 RPM and turning the wheel. At idle - the pump is as quiet as can be. I asked a mechanic buddy of mine - and he offered some vague theory about air being caught behind the check valve - and cracking the high pressure line at the rack while adding fluid to the reservoir. Sounds pretty messy and was hoping I might get a few more ideas here. Any ideas at this point welcome. BTW - this is the 2nd rebuilt pump I installed. When I couldn't get the air out the first time - I brought the 1st rebuilt back thinking it was bad. Oh well.

Just be patient! It takes awhile, if you don't have the evacuate process the manufacturer uses.

I would keep the level on the "high side" ... and eventually all entrained air will work itself out ........

.... unless you have a leak on the low pressure side of the pump or rack!

I have had LOTS of problems with reman pumps, sometimes have never had them get quiet. The best way I have found to get the air out of the system is a vacuum bleeder. I have modified a resivoir cap with a fitting on it and attatch a air power vacuum pump to it. You can use a hand pump, but its much more work. Drop the level in the p/s to about 1/2 to alow for fluid movement when the vacuum is applied, or you will just suck the fluid out.