Check your fluids ...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 465
Likes: 72
From: Discovery Bay, Ca.
Check your fluids ...
Hey guys/gals,
Just thought I'd remind everyone when they are doing their oil changes to double check those fluids.
While it's only been about 5K since I last checked my fluids and I do not have any leaks I was amazed that I was low on the antifreeze and power steering and washer fluid. Also, it looks like my brake fluid and clutch fluid could use a flush soon. Last time I checked 5K miles ago everything looked new and was right on the fill lines where they should be.
So if it's been over 5K check those fluids. It will save you tons of money down the road.
I thought my slightly heavy steering was from cold tires with low air pressure. Doh, she needed some fluid. Glad I found this out before I labored the pump or burned out the steering motor from overheating or lack of fluid.
BTW- I run a spreadsheet to make sure I'm checking those maintenance items and put mileage of last check and some notes to help me along.
I find that checking everything stone cold it's easier to measure and you can see fluids on sticks better. Then double check after she's warmed up to make sure those levels looks good too.
Just thought this would be a good reminder so that we have trouble free events this Spring and Summer.
Just thought I'd remind everyone when they are doing their oil changes to double check those fluids.
While it's only been about 5K since I last checked my fluids and I do not have any leaks I was amazed that I was low on the antifreeze and power steering and washer fluid. Also, it looks like my brake fluid and clutch fluid could use a flush soon. Last time I checked 5K miles ago everything looked new and was right on the fill lines where they should be.
So if it's been over 5K check those fluids. It will save you tons of money down the road.
I thought my slightly heavy steering was from cold tires with low air pressure. Doh, she needed some fluid. Glad I found this out before I labored the pump or burned out the steering motor from overheating or lack of fluid.
BTW- I run a spreadsheet to make sure I'm checking those maintenance items and put mileage of last check and some notes to help me along.
I find that checking everything stone cold it's easier to measure and you can see fluids on sticks better. Then double check after she's warmed up to make sure those levels looks good too.
Just thought this would be a good reminder so that we have trouble free events this Spring and Summer.
Last edited by Mecinoid; Apr 4, 2012 at 04:28 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 263
I've been somewhat curious about the power steering fluid. I haven't noticed any leaks from underneath not even spots on the ground where I park daily.
Had to fill it up a while back cause I was hearing the horrible sound it makes when low/no fluid for power steering, bad I know. It's been over 5months I'd say and now I can catch that sound but it's super faint. Really only when sitting still and moving the wheel just a tad, again I know it's bad to move the wheel a lot when not moving.
Anywho, how often are you guys filling/topping off the power steering fluid?
Had to fill it up a while back cause I was hearing the horrible sound it makes when low/no fluid for power steering, bad I know. It's been over 5months I'd say and now I can catch that sound but it's super faint. Really only when sitting still and moving the wheel just a tad, again I know it's bad to move the wheel a lot when not moving.
Anywho, how often are you guys filling/topping off the power steering fluid?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 465
Likes: 72
From: Discovery Bay, Ca.
I haven't had to top mine off until 32K. Until then no fluid required. The fluid has to go somewhere right. I've looked and looked and I do not see any leaks at hoses etc...
Evaporation from bad seal on pump tank? Is that even possible? I noticed this time that it isn't sealing as good as it used to. Just sloppy fit. I wonder if the o-ring is going bad/easily replaced?
Evaporation from bad seal on pump tank? Is that even possible? I noticed this time that it isn't sealing as good as it used to. Just sloppy fit. I wonder if the o-ring is going bad/easily replaced?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 264
From: Near Charlotte NC
Did all of my fluids ( except coolant) yesterday on my 02Z.
Changed Oil,Filter,Trans,Diff,Clutch,Brake and Power Steering fluid.I do the Trans & Diff every year in the spring and the others every OCI,which is usually 4-5k miles.
\db2
carolina
Changed Oil,Filter,Trans,Diff,Clutch,Brake and Power Steering fluid.I do the Trans & Diff every year in the spring and the others every OCI,which is usually 4-5k miles.
\db2
carolina
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Neosho MO
Yes, a great reminder to stay on top of the fluid levels!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 219
From: West Branch, MI
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Your post is a good reminder to check things that may go unchecked a lot - but yes, the time of your posts were pretty early in the morning, therefore the lack of responses. Thanks for jogging our memory on checking the car on a regular basis.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 465
Likes: 72
From: Discovery Bay, Ca.
Thanks for the replies. I was working on the car until early morning and just forgot the time of day. I generally only get about 3-4hrs of sleep each day. My friends don't see how I do it. It's just the way I'm wired.
Dougbfresh - Yeah, that was what I was thinking. But, I do not see any leaks. I hope I'm not boiling out the power steering fluid. I'll inspect further. Low washer fluid understandable....
Brakes and clutch fluid just need to be changed out every once in a while if you cook them.
Dougbfresh - Yeah, that was what I was thinking. But, I do not see any leaks. I hope I'm not boiling out the power steering fluid. I'll inspect further. Low washer fluid understandable....
Brakes and clutch fluid just need to be changed out every once in a while if you cook them.
Last edited by Mecinoid; Apr 4, 2012 at 05:01 PM.