Power steering problem

[confusedperson]

I have a 1995, 4.6 thunderbird and I just finished installing a new rack and pinion due to excessive leaks in the old rack and pinion. Now it's very difficult to turn the wheels both ways, I assume it's an alignment issue which I can take to a mechanic to fix.

The problem I'm facing is will the alignment fix the problem or just part of it. Also, from what I read in another post is that the power steering system could have air inside as well.

If so, could I simply purge/bleed the air out of it by turning the wheels from side to side as the post suggests or does it need a special vaccuum?

[97Bird]

Turn the wheels all the way from one side to the other but don't hold them in a hard full turn position- keep moving. Holding them in a full turn position puts undo strain on the system. Doing this on a gravel surface or with the wheels off the ground is easier on the system also. Keep checking the fluid level. If it wasn't hard to turn before you replaced the rack then I don't feel your problem is due to any other components in the front end that an alignment would address.

[confusedperson]

Well I figured what the problem was, or atleast the majority of it. When I finished installing the rack I put about 2 or 3 quarts of powersteering fluid while the engine was on. I made sure that it was at the level that it was supposed to be and capped it.

Earlier today I checked the fluid and it was all the way to the top, I then removed the excess fluid. The car was then easier to turn. I also continously turned the wheels from side to side and noticed a big difference. So all that's left is the alignment. Thanks!