I got my motor and trans out awaiting my new engine so i'm basically cleaning everything up and doing a bunch of fixing while I have everything out. Whats the easiest way to change the power steering fluid?
if you have a means to spin the PS pump, i disconnect one of the lines going to the PS 'cooler' up front. i put that disconnected line into a bucket and then run the motor and add fluid to the reservoir as it comes out into the bucket.
with things apart, i wonder if there is something else that can be done - i cant think of it. i might hook a drill up to the pump's pulley and spin it that way.
I did what HISSIN suggested minus running the engine. When I unhooked the low pressure line going to the "cooler", it all just slowly drained out(even the pump).
Hissin- I could try it the way 65shelby said and then once the engine is running I can keep the cap off and add fluid as needed right? With the engine running and cap off that basically bleeds it correct?
yeah Mike, it sounds like 65 knows better than me (i was thinking that it would be hard to get fluid out of the rack without the pump working).
either line that goes to the cooler is a low pressure line. the fluid goes from the pump to the rack through the HP line, then exits the rack to the cooler (via one LP line), then leaves the cooler (via another LP line) to go back to the pump. pick either line (i use the one from the rack to the cooler since it was low - good for going into a pan). you can also disconnect the LP line at the pump if you want - it does not matter.
for bleeding once the flush is done, i like to jack the front end up (takes stress off the rack and pump while bleeding). turn the wheels back and forth, almost lock to lock, but dont hit the locks (you know how it sounds as it loads up near the locks - which is bad). it will purge the air out as you turn it back and forth, like you said.
i think you are asking 65Shelby - i am not the one to ask (he is more familiar with doing it with the motor out, etc, from the sound of it). when i removed the LP line with all the stuff in the car, not much came out (it was full).
i just posted to say that (in case you were asking me - I did not want ya to think i blew ya off. ).
If there was any confusion, I did this with the engine in the car. When I pulled the engine, I left the pump and fluid alone. Now that I think about it, it is probably easier to wait until the engine is back your car.