power steering fluid change
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette IN
power steering fluid change
Hi guys,
I just got done replacing the hoses for my power steering ('79). Now I just don't know how to refill it....
I've read in the archives to plug the low pressure line and unhook a line (which one?) and stick into some fluid and turn the car on. Is this how its supposed to be done?
Thanks,
Chuck
I just got done replacing the hoses for my power steering ('79). Now I just don't know how to refill it....
I've read in the archives to plug the low pressure line and unhook a line (which one?) and stick into some fluid and turn the car on. Is this how its supposed to be done?
Thanks,
Chuck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Originally Posted by ceweaver
Hi guys,
I just got done replacing the hoses for my power steering ('79). Now I just don't know how to refill it....
I've read in the archives to plug the low pressure line and unhook a line (which one?) and stick into some fluid and turn the car on. Is this how its supposed to be done?
Thanks,
Chuck
I just got done replacing the hoses for my power steering ('79). Now I just don't know how to refill it....
I've read in the archives to plug the low pressure line and unhook a line (which one?) and stick into some fluid and turn the car on. Is this how its supposed to be done?
Thanks,
Chuck
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,222
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Originally Posted by Duke94
The low pressure hose is the one held on with a hose clamp. The high pressure hose(s) use tube nuts and a piece of steel tubing. You should be able to just fill the pump start the car and turn the wheel lock to lock a couple times (that's what I did). I would think if you took the LP hose off, you'd get a lot of fluid in a hurry. I'm sure someone else will chime in with another way.
I think you got some bum info to remove the hoses. Sounds like a big grease spot on your driveway waiting to happen. Do as above.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
pump is attached to the front of the block on the drivers side, down low. there is a pulley on the front of the pump and you will have a belt attached to it (similar to your fan belt). on the top of the pump is a screw on filler cap. remove the cap, fill the pump with fluid, start the engine and turn the steering wheel all the way right and then left several times. that will get the air out of the system. shut off the car and check the fluid level (the filler cap has a "dipstick" on it). if it isn't up to the checkpoint put in more fluid and repeat the process until the pump is full to specs. tip: if you can, jack up the front wheels just off the ground to do all this. it will make turning the steering wheel easier when there's still air in the system.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
If you raise the front wheels and rotate your steering wheel lock to lock BEFORE STARTING YOUR ENGINE, you will mechanically pump the air out of your power steering system as large bubbles. It will be much quicker and easier than using your engine.
If you just start your engine, you immediately circulate power steering fluid and air through your system. Any air that is in the hoses, valve, or assist cylinder is immediately circulated with the fluid and reaches the spinning power steering pump rotor and vanes. The air/oil is immediately whipped into a froth. It takes considerably less time to work the large air bubbles up into the pump reservoir and out of the fluid before you start the engine than it takes for the tiny air bubbles to work their way out of the foamy fluid.
The air will make its way out of your system eventually. It just might take a couple days to eliminate the air that is trapped in foam.
BTW, I always recommend that you use genuine GM power steering fluid. It is available from any GM dealer. It is the only fluid that is specifically formulated to operate with the Saginaw power steering pump.
Jim
If you just start your engine, you immediately circulate power steering fluid and air through your system. Any air that is in the hoses, valve, or assist cylinder is immediately circulated with the fluid and reaches the spinning power steering pump rotor and vanes. The air/oil is immediately whipped into a froth. It takes considerably less time to work the large air bubbles up into the pump reservoir and out of the fluid before you start the engine than it takes for the tiny air bubbles to work their way out of the foamy fluid.
The air will make its way out of your system eventually. It just might take a couple days to eliminate the air that is trapped in foam.
BTW, I always recommend that you use genuine GM power steering fluid. It is available from any GM dealer. It is the only fluid that is specifically formulated to operate with the Saginaw power steering pump.
Jim
