Power Steering Fliud Change

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Dec 8, 2000 | 08:59 AM

weatherguard

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Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Lexington, Ky

Power Steering Fliud Change

My 92 F150 power steering pump is producing too much noise. The truck is almost 9 years old, but only has 45,000 miles. The fluid does smell oxidized. I would like to change it, but I am not sure if there is a way to drain the system. Will it hurt if there is air in the system like brakes? Any ideas would be greatly apprecitated.
Thanks,
Jim

92 F150 Custom, I6 auto, Reflex Shocks, Weather Guard R-125-3 Tool Box, Alpine CD, Kumho Tires, 45,000 origional miles, vinyl seat and floors

Dec 8, 2000 | 11:03 AM

PAUL_2

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Power Steering Fliud Change

If the pump is noisy it may be a problem with the pump itself , not the fluid . Make sure it has no leaks & it has the proper fluid level .

You can replace the fluid by removing the return line to the pump . Put the return line in a container to catch the old fluid , have lots of new fluid on hand & ready to pour . Start the engine & add fluid as fast as the old fluid is expelled . Dont let the pump run dry . Having a helper to start & stop the engine would be helpful . When the fluid coming from the return line is the new fluid , stop the engine , reattach the return line & recheck the fluid level , add as nessecary . Turning the wheel from stop to stop to expell any air in the system .

Dec 8, 2000 | 11:59 AM

weatherguard

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Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Lexington, Ky

Power Steering Fliud Change

Thanks for the info. Should I go with a synthetic power steering fluid or will conventional work just as well?
Jim.

92 F150 Custom, I6 auto, Reflex Shocks, Weather Guard R-125-3 Tool Box, Alpine CD, Kumho Tires, 45,000 origional miles, vinyl seat and floors

Dec 10, 2000 | 12:44 PM

PAUL_2

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Power Steering Fliud Change

I would stay with a conventional PS fluid , Just make sure you use what the systems specifies .

Dec 11, 2000 | 02:09 PM

stephenw

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Central Oregon

Power Steering Fliud Change

I'd like to chime in here, as I just finished performing the same operation. It's probably obvious, but when you disconnect the return line at the PS pump to run the return oil to "waste", you definitely need to cap the pump's return fitting. Otherwise you can't keep enough oil in the pump to avoid sucking in air, and then you get to do a lot of bleeding all over again. I'm sure that all you experienced wrenches wouldn't miss something this simple, but just in case . . . .
Good Luck :-)

Jun 6, 2002 | 11:19 PM

Stab

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Joined: Feb 2002

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From: in a house

Power Steering Fliud Change

I know this is a old post but I just use a hand pump (8 bucks at the part store) to pump all the old stuff out and replace with new. Am I missing something or what?

Jun 7, 2002 | 10:05 AM

jimandmandy

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From: Running Springs CA

Power Steering Fliud Change

Use type "F" ATF, as called out in the owner's manual. Don't waste money on little bottles of "power steering fluid". Once these pumps get noisy, a fluid change probably won't help, but it's worth a try. They will run a long time making noise, but otherwise work ok.

Jim