How do I flush the power steering pump???

[SoCal Rebell]

I guess after 5,000 track miles it's time to flush the p.s. pump before this weekend's Viperdays. Usually I get it professionaly done but I don't have the time now. How hard is it? What p.s. fluid should I use? I do have a brake bleeding suction tool if that's needed. Please advise on the procedure!!!

 

[Janni]

Ron,
Get yourself some RedLine Power steering fluid... Then, with the suction tool, **** out the reservoir. Refill, The start car, cycle the steering 3 times lock to lock.

Then **** out the PS fluid again, refill, cycle steering 3 times.

**** out one last time and then replace. That way you will have gotten over 95% of the fluid without breaking the closed system...

We then replace the reservoir fluid after each track event and its always fresh... and it takes about 5 minutes....

 

[LPE 383]

I normally just disconnect my fluid return line and attach a clear hose to it. I run the hose into a container and start the vehicle. As the old fluid flows through the clear hose I fill the PS reservoir with new fluid. When the new fluid is flowing through the clear hose you have completely flushed the reservoir, lines and cooler.

 

[Andy]

How much fluid do I need to flush it, and how much would I need for the tripple **** method?

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">It took about a quart of Red Line to do what Janni suggested, though I bought two. Cheap enough.

I'd suggest having the front tires off the ground when you cycle the steering.</FONT f>

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Two bottles will do it. I buy it by the case.

 

[ssssssnake]

Where can I get the pump to get out the fluid? What is it called?

Thx Mark

 

[jgfurr]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ssssssnake:
Where can I get the pump to get out the fluid? What is it called?

Thx Mark

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I heard the Swedish-made pumps are great. They're even endorsed by Ausin Powers. Oh, you said fluid pump.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ssssssnake:
Where can I get the pump to get out the fluid? What is it called?

Thx Mark

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I use the Vacula brake vacuum tool
http://www.vacula.com/

 

[ssssssnake]

Thx Chuck!

 

[Bugeater]

Is there a reason you should have your front wheels off the ground when you cycle the steering wheel lock-to-lock?
I thought you would want the pump to work with more resistance (ie: wheels on the ground) to cycle the fluid, or is this a wrong assumption?

 

[Toby]

I want to do this as well...so if I did use red line...It wouldn't hurt mixing what's in there now (stock fluid) by doing the drain/fill the reservoir procedure?

If I can't find red line locally..what else would work?

Thanks

 

[Janni]

Based on what you can remove from the reservoir, and doing it three times, you have effectively removed 95% of the old fluid. The 2 fluids are compatible with one another. We've been doing this for three years of track use with no power steering failures, boiling of fluid or leaks in the system.....

 

[Toby]

thanks for the info Janni.

 

[Bugeater]

(Frantically raising hand in the back of the Classroom)

- What about my question??? Wheels up or down???

Thanks as always in advance. I have some brake questions next, but will wait until after class for those.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Sit down and be quiet Bug. We'll get to you.

I have never raised or lowered the front of the car for PS fluid flush. I cycle it several times like Janni (the sexist) said.

 

[Bugeater]

OOOOh. Almost forgot - Some of you really experienced road racer-types have fabbed a PS Cap holder. Screw type I think.
Tom Sessions mentioned it in a previous thread.

Anyone have more specific info on how to keep that [******] thing from popping off? A best-approach to this?

 

[Janni]

Bug - either or - our car is usually up on jackstands for between track service so it's just be default. We've done it both ways - whatever is easier....

Now put your hand down....

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Anyone have more specific info on how to keep that [******] thing from popping off? A best-approach to this?

Tighten it by hand then put a pipe wrench on it for a half turn or until snug.

 

[slaughterj]

&lt;BLOCKQUOTE&gt;&lt;font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial"&gt;quote:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;HR&gt;Originally posted by ssssssnake:&lt;BR&gt;&lt;B&gt;Where can I get the pump to get out the fluid? What is it called?&lt;P&gt;Thx Mark&lt;P&gt;&lt;/B&gt;&lt;HR&gt;&lt;/BLOCKQUOTE&gt;&lt;P&gt;I use the Vacula brake vacuum tool&lt;BR&gt; &lt;A HREF="http://www.vacula.com/" TARGET=_blank&gt;http://www.vacula.com/&lt;/A&gt; &lt;P&gt;

Where can you get this from? (Not readily apparent from google search...)

Anything available from the local Advance / Autozone to do this?

 

[ViperJoe]

Where can I get the pump to get out the fluid? What is it called?&lt;P&gt;Thx Mark&lt;P&gt;

At the grocery store - a turkey baster (cheapest one around)