Turn steering with engine not running...should or should no do? 2013 Escalade ESV

[skpyle]

G'morning, gentlemen.

I have a stupid question: is it a bad idea to turn the steering of my 2013 Escalade ESV with the engine off? Meaning does it cause issues with the power steering hydraulic system?
I know this seems simple, but I come from over 8 years with my 1999 Explorer. On it, turning the steering with the engine off introduced air into the power steering system, and was a pain to bleed out.

This coming weekend, I am doing more brake work on my Escalade, and would like to know if I need to keep starting the engine every time I need to turn the steering for access to the calipers.

Thanks!

 

[George B]

No problem turning without power.

 

[skpyle]

Thank you very much!

 

[OR VietVet]

Yes, agree with @George B, no problem turning with engine off, especially since will be off the ground. Easiest to use steering wheel but I have grabbed the caliper body and pushed/pulled on rotor and turned that way too.

 

[skpyle]

Yes, agree with @George B, no problem turning with engine off, especially since will be off the ground. Easiest to use steering wheel but I have grabbed the caliper body and pushed/pulled on rotor and turned that way too.

Sweet!
That is how I do it when I work on my little 1984 S-10 and its recirculating ball power steering gear.

Thanks!

 

[OR VietVet]

By the way, there had to be something wrong with that 99 Explorer steering system. The system is sealed unless has a leak somewhere. Or, could have been low enough in the pump reservoir that the fluid, being pushed and pulled in there, could have aerated in there and bubbles of air formed and caused the problem.

 

[skpyle]

By the way, there had to be something wrong with that 99 Explorer steering system. The system is sealed unless has a leak somewhere. Or, could have been low enough in the pump reservoir that the fluid, being pushed and pulled in there, could have aerated in there and bubbles of air formed and caused the problem.

I would agree, except it was common lore for all 2nd Generation Explorers. The service manual even warned against turning the steering without the engine running the pump. It was quite the pain in the kazooie when doing brake and suspension work.

 

[97YukonNZ]

By the way, there had to be something wrong with that 99 Explorer steering system. The system is sealed unless has a leak somewhere. Or, could have been low enough in the pump reservoir that the fluid, being pushed and pulled in there, could have aerated in there and bubbles of air formed and caused the problem.

Yes most systems self bleed.