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I posted questions a while back asking about PS fluid, groaning, etc.
Anways, I promised I post a report so here it is:
2002 9-3SE. ~90K miles in 3.5 years. (almost all hwy), but lots of terrible MI roads too. (I like to change lanes)
I found (from research here) that excessive heat can cause PS fluid to "boil off" or leak somewhere. My experiences in the summer (long trips) agrees with these observations. (PS fluid level drops only during long trips and only during hot summer days)
I first noticed a drop in PS Fluid level after ~2 years (~50K). I've always toped off using the most expensive PS fluid at the local store, NOT the recommend Pentosin CHF-11S. I've noticed last summer (2005 ~85K) the PS system is a little louder than I like, so I figure I'd flush it.
The process is simple. Buy 2 cans of the CHF-11S fluid. Lift the car (or not, but easier if you do), suck out the fluid from the reservoir ($3 from the kitchen dept at Walmart), disconnect the fill tube from the reservoir (the tube that is higher up). When you turn on the car, the fluid should pump back into the reservoir (and come out of the hole if you don't plug it up...) Using a funnel, fill the disconnected fill tube with fresh PS fluid. (you should be able to pour ~1/4 can per fill). Turn on the car, the old murky gunky fluid will come out. Have someone turn the steering wheel from left to right a few times until almost no fluid is coming out. Turn off the car right away, or else, you may damage your PS pump by pumping air for too long. Fill the fill tube with another 1/4 can of fresh fluid, and repeat. By the 3rd time, it should be almost entirely clear. You can keep doing this until you're down to ~75% of your 2nd can of fresh PS-fluid, as thats how much you need to fill the system fully. Attach the tube back on the reservoir, bolt everything back in place, and fill the reservoir. Turn on the car, turn the steering wheel full left to full right and back. Check the PS-fluid level and fill to the line. Thats it! You should have ~100-200mL left for top-ups later...
The result: Subjectly, the steering is a little lighter and quieter... :-) I think its well worth the price of the fluid and the 15 minutes of work. I'm sure its good for the health of the Power steering system as the fluid I flushed out was dark colored and gunky... The new fluid is greenish, clear and flow almost like water!
posted by 71.227.72...
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