Power Steering Fluid
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 28
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Power Steering Fluid
Does anyone know how to complete change out the power steering fluid. My 1988 F-150 302V8/AOD has brown-clear fluid in the power steering pump. I just bought the truck and am restoring it. I would like to completely change the fluid. Chilton's/Haynes recommend removing the "return line" to the pump, but what about the gear box?
Any advice appreciated.
Rob
Any advice appreciated.
Rob
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 4
Power Steering Fluid
Rob ,
All you have to do is remove the return line and secure it or have someone hold it in a container to catch the old fluid ...otherwise you will have Ps fluid all over . Just keep the pump resevoir full . Eventually all the fluid will be pumped ...when it runs red from the return line , you will be done . Have enough Ps fluid handy and a big enough container to catch the old fluid.
Paul
All you have to do is remove the return line and secure it or have someone hold it in a container to catch the old fluid ...otherwise you will have Ps fluid all over . Just keep the pump resevoir full . Eventually all the fluid will be pumped ...when it runs red from the return line , you will be done . Have enough Ps fluid handy and a big enough container to catch the old fluid.
Paul
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Power Steering Fluid
Have it running, and turn the wheel from right to left a few times(lock to lock) BE SURE TO KEEP THE PUMP FULL OF FLUID!. I usually have someone turning the wheel for me while I keep pouring fluid into the pump.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Power Steering Fluid
Your best bet is to disable the ignition, plug the return port on the power steering pump, put the end of the return line in a large container and crank the engine over with the starter while adding fluid. The pump will go through a gallon of fluid in less than 30 seconds if you run the engine at idle...meaning you'll run the risk of starving the pump. I use 5-6 quarts when flushing and filling a typical Ford P/S unit, so I pour 3 quarts into 2 1-gallon milk jugs and keep a steady pour going while I run turn the engine over with a remote starter button. It's really not necessary to work the wheels left and right while doing this, it won't hurt anything, but it won't gain much of anything either unless your system is really contamintated with lots of grit and metal particles...in which case, flushing is only going to extend the life of the components a short while anyhow.
