I want to dump my PS fluid and put in some fresh valvoline. Can't get the iluvmyrx7.com site to load on the school computers, I'm trapped at college, shop manual is in the old man's garage. Where does is drain? Colleges need to have auto hobby shops like military bases do.

 

There's not an actual drain plug that I know of? I'd empty the reservoir and then undo the lines at the rack one at a time. Turn the wheel (engine off!!) to full lock each direction with each line undone. Refill. Repeat and refill again.

 

Just looked at the manual and they don't list a drain plug.

When you're done draining it and you fill it again, you bleed the system just how Damon stated.

 

Thanks.

 

Actually you don't need to undo the line on the rack to fill & drain the PS system..........


There are two hoses connected to the PS pump reservoir.

One at the bottom, forward end & goes to the PS pump inlet.

The other hose attaches to the back of the reservoir, mid way up is the return line from the rack.

1. Jack up the front end of the car to clear the wheels from the ground.

2. Suck out the PS fluid from the reservoir until the level is below the return (aft) hose.

3. Install a temp plug on the reservoir return hose nipple.

4. Position the return hose to drain into a coffee can.

5. Cycle the steering wheel from lock to lock (eng off)

6. Monitor the remaining fluid level in reservoir. When it's almost empty, add new fluid & fill it to the top.

7. Cycle the steering wheel from lock to lock numerous times & add more new fluid as needed. Monitor the coffee can drain level.

8. Finish up with the fluid level below the return line nipple on the reservoir. Remove the temp plug & reattach the return hose.

9. Fill the reservoir to full mark.

 

Do the above like said. Just mase sure not to run the motor with the pump low on fluid or dry. It will get damaged very quickly.

 

True..................

Step #5 Note in parentheses (eng off) ie. ENGINE OFF.

It will drain the reservoir in 1/2 second with the engine running & the return line not connected.

 

Awesome step by step direction, Sled Driver!

I need to do this to my 7s

 

You can disengage the fuels system to the car and make sure the car will not start. Then follow the directions till number four and then have someone crank the engine while you add fluid into the resviour. Do not crank the car too long at a time or you will fry your starter. Or you can use a remote starter and do it yourself. But it would be easier if you had a helper. This way you are using the starter to turn the ps pump which will force fluid through the rack and out of the system. Just make sure the car does not start when you are doing this. If it does, you will have fun cleaning up the big mess.

 

Not such a good idea............... If fact pretty stupid.

The point of this exercise was to FLUSH & FILL the PS system.

Do you understand basic hydraulics?


With the engine running fluid is only circulating from the PS pump to the control valve on the rack until you turn the steering wheel. Even then the power assist is only when the steering wheel is in motion.


Picture the steering rack as a actuator with the piston centered when the wheels are pointed straight ahead.

The control valve ports pressure to either side of the piston by input from the steering wheel. If you don't bottom the piston out by turing the steering wheel from lock to lock the old fluid remains inside.

Simple as that..........................