Technical Changing Power Steering Fluid?

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Technical Changing Power Steering Fluid?

vfourracer

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Nov 5, 2004
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Had a peep at the power steering fluid the other day, and decided it could do with a change, and since I have changed all the fluids on the car except that one, I guess it wouldn't hurt.
How do I go about changing it, are there bleed nipples on each side behind the wheels? Turn them a few times? I have done a search on this site, but nothing comes up!
I don't have all the 'workshop tools', but I am guessing they aren't needed? Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated! (y)
 
Thanks for that, but where does the old fluid go?!

Also, I have noticed a slight crackling sound as the steering is turned, would this be of any concern?
 
Just want to know how you drain it completely, its not like a braking system or similar?
 
Undo the PS fluid cap.

Follow the drive belt to the PS unit.

Loosen one of the pipes and capture the end (in a plastic bottle, preferably)

Start her up and turn the wheel a few times.

You will probably get more than you bargained for!

Stop the engine.

Do the pipe back up and refill the reservoir ( probably have to fill it a couple of times, with plenty of wheel wiggling)

Keep your eyes on the fluid level over the next week as the bubbles come through.

The question begs itself - why would you want to??? it doesn't wear out, it is just hydraulic fluid used for pushing things backwards and forwards.... you won't get any appreciable benefit but may very well bugger things up in the process.....

Leave well enough alone.... diggers go for years on the same fluid, only replacing that which weeps out past seals - and they do a huge amount of work, fluid wise... it will last the life of your car, no worries.
 
Bluejohn, I was getting the same strange noises, changed the fluid yesterday, and it has gone. I wasn't expecting it to make a difference in steering.
 
I stand corrected!

I've always put my strange noises down to the drive belt, not the fluid, but you live and learn!

Thanks.
 
Trancendental said:
I get a funny whining noise at full lock aswell, maybe I should change mine.

Me too, but I've traced it to the wife :D
 
Glad you're sorted Racer, nice to know these little problems are fairly common and easily fixed with the right advice. I've just changed my shocks for some Ebay gas ones, happy with the ride improvement at 84000 miles. Still got the problem with it hunting at idle when warming up, it's got a bit worse but I don't think it's the rubber hoses to the injection - they are perished but I gaffered them up to test - no improvement. :confused:
 
Thats it Blue, most problems on Fiats are common anyway, and due to their simplicity, easily solved!
Also, hunting whilst cold is common too, a friend of mine has a 98 Punto, and it idles all over the place. I am placing a bet it is the coils, as they are prone to failures, I found when I had that problem, I just cleaned most of the parts up, plugs etc, and its fine, but your problem could vary. Best of luck, let us know how you get on if you tackle it (y)
 
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