Hello all,

I started hearing a bit of whining from my power steering pump under load several months ago... mostly only when the A/C was on... So I figured I wasn't long from some issues.

That said, I had never replaced the fluid, so I decided I'd give flushing it a try first. I used Disco Mike's method with the turkey baster, and filled it with Lucas to start, moved it back and forth to the stops, then let it sit overnight as I ran out of time and figured I'd do it in the AM.

I started up to take it for a drive around the block, and could feel a lot of dead spots, where it was hard to turn the wheel. By the time I got down the drive and around the block, I was fighting to turn it into the driveway.

I figured that at 120,000 miles it's time for me to replace the steering pump anyway, and I usually try to follow the Atlantic British recommendations and replace the components that they list in the videos, etc.

I planned to replace the pump, lines, and reservoir, as per recommendations.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a new reservoir anywhere. The filter looks gunky (there was quite a bit of gunk generally), but I couldn't figure out how to get the turkey baster over into that side to suction it, as there's a baffle in the way... I'm concerned about reduced flow damaging the new pump or reducing its lifespan.

I'm not quite sure what to do here; anybody had this issue or can speak to the challenge?


[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

 

hit up Will Tillery for a good, used reservoir. google Roverguy.

 

I'd remove the reservoir and clean it. Never seen on go back. Pull it out, put a bit of gas in it, shake it around real good and pour it out. Repeat a few times. Should get all your gunk out.

 

And use Pentosin CHF 11S for the fluid. Expensive, but amazing stuff.

 

I cleaned mine and blasted the mesh filter with some CRC Lectra Clean 3000. New O-ring on the cap. Good as new!!!

 

Thanks, all.

As I'm looking through all of the challenges with replacing the hoses, dealing with the radiator, etc., I find myself wondering if I really want to get into (or need to) change all of the hoses right now, as I have limited access to a decent garage at the moment. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on this, assuming the lines all look to be in good condition?

 

If you aren't seeing any leaks, just run it. With the quality of parts these days, I do not replace anything that isn't already bad.

As for the fluid, some swear by the pentosin. I always run ATF and have never had a problem.

 

If you are ordering parts, might be worth getting the o rings for the high pressure lines. Anything that you might remove, replace the seal on it. Speaking from experience, buy a higher quality pump. I bought a cheap one and it lasted a couple years before replacement was in order.

 

As mentioned if no leaks and if you notice rhe whining with ac and haven't cleaned the reservoir yet other than attempting to change some fluid. Just watch the reservoir while is running see if the reservoir looks to get low but slow to refill causing the whine. Which also shows clogged screen. But yeah getting the reservoir put and clean it good before replacing parts. I run the pentosin now and I added a bit of zmax as I had a whine 2yrs after I replaced my pump after hard line had a leak. The whine has ceased and with a clean reservoir it's been running fine since.

 

This a something of an aside, but I have always scratched my head about the maintenance schedule recommendation to replace the power steering reservoir at 150,000 miles.