Flushing power steering pump.

[rbh]

So this summer PJ was over and pointed out which line to remove on the power steering pump (return line)
94 f350 super duty 7.3 turbo

So I could flush out the old fluid, but of course just getting around to it now and I forgot
So, is it the top one that goes into the resevour or the lower one on the pump that I need to worry about????
And besides fresh power steering fluid any additives?

Just double checking.
thanks
Rob

 

[robert graham]

Re: Flushing power steering pump.

I run the motor, remove power steering fluid cap, and with a rubber basting syringe just suck the old fluid out as it circulates, keep adding fresh fluid as you go so pump never runs dry. When fluid is real pretty and clean then you're in good shape. For steering gearbox or pump seal leaks I've used the Lucas Seal Additive and it works great to stop leaks but may take a few days or weeks to work. You can spray off your gearbox and pump with carb cleaner so you can detect any new or persistent leaks. Good Luck!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Flushing power steering pump.

When I flush the fluid in my power steerings, I use a vacuum pump and suck it all out wiith engine Not running. I then fill and run for a few minutes turning the steering lock to lock. I repeat the process 4 times.

Do not add any stop leak to anything ever. Worst thing you can do.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Flushing power steering pump.

When I flush the fluid in my power steerings, I use a vacuum pump and suck it all out wiith engine Not running. I then fill and run for a few minutes turning the steering lock to lock. I repeat the process 4 times.

Do not add any stop leak to anything ever. Worst thing you can do.

Well my Roadmaster power steering gearbox was leaking and I changed the fluid and added that Lucas Seal stuff and it hasn't leaked since!...what can you say!...it worked for me and that was several years ago! A steering gearbox rebuild/seal kit is a lot of time/trouble/money!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Flushing power steering pump.

Its one thing to put it in something that is leaking but to just put it into a perfectly working system? Its going to soften the seals unnecessarily.

Personally, when something is leaking, I usually fix or replace it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Flushing power steering pump.

Its one thing to put it in something that is leaking but to just put it into a perfectly working system? Its going to soften the seals unnecessarily.

Personally, when something is leaking, I usually fix or replace it.

I agree 100%, but with my old Buick(1996),it was worth a try and it worked!...it would have cost me more than the car was worth to replace/repair that steering gearbox. But I wasn't recommending adding stop-leak to a system that wasn't leaking.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Flushing power steering pump.

But I wasn't recommending adding stop-leak to a system that wasn't leaking.

OK...for some reason I read that you recommended adding it in any case. Sorry about that.

 

[rbh]

Re: Flushing power steering pump.

So this is what I remembered from the conversation this summer.
Draw down the old fluid with a sucker pump????
Top up the reservoir with fresh fluid, remove the return line???????, fire up the truck and slowly turn the steering wheel from far left to far right and back till the fluid thats coming out of the return line is clear (new)

And yes you have to keep the reservoir topped up at all times.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Flushing power steering pump.

Top line going to the reservoir is the low pressure line and the one you want.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Flushing power steering pump.

So this is what I remembered from the conversation this summer.
Draw down the old fluid with a sucker pump????
Top up the reservoir with fresh fluid, remove the return line???????, fire up the truck and slowly turn the steering wheel from far left to far right and back till the fluid thats coming out of the return line is clear (new)

And yes you have to keep the reservoir topped up at all times.

Yes grasshopper you do remeber well