Power steering and brake flush questions

Tim Reynolds · Jan 11, 2006

With all this warm weather up here in New England I'm getting the bug to futz around the ST again. Two quick questions for you guru's.

1) I sucked out the power steering reservoir and refilled, started the car and turned the wheel several times back and forth. Repeated the process several times. Is this all there is to it? Does the fluid circulate through the system right back into the reservoir? It looks like there are two hose attachments to it. Seems too easy.

2) I'm going to order the speed bleeders from Summit tomorrow. If I understand this correctly you siphon the old fluid out, top off with new. Crack the bleeder 1/4 to 1/2 turn and slowly pump while keeping a close I on the fluid level. Back passenger, back driver, passenger and then driver side, doing each until clear fluid comes out.

Are all the fittings easily to get at?

How much fluid do I need to get for a complete flush.

Thanks

Tim

Tom Schindler · Jan 11, 2006

1) That is what I do. That is all there is to it.

2) Make sure you get all the air out of the system. When you remove the old screws, you will get air into the system. All you need is a pint or two to flush the braking system. Besides that, you got it figured it out. You will be amazed to see how dirty the old brake fluid is.

Tom

Tim Reynolds · Jan 11, 2006

Thanks Caymen, so the fluid does get circulated back into the reservoir? How do you ensure you get all the air out? I thought the very act of pumping them with the bleeders cracked did that.

I'm actually scared to see how dirty the fluid is.

Tim

troy malone · Jan 11, 2006

for the brakes you should use a vacum pump to suck the fluid through the system, do not pump it out with the brake pedal! you will suck back air into the system everytime you let off the pedal.. auto stores sell a vacum brake bleeder kit.. you pump it up, open the bleeder.

troy

missed the boat on speed bleeders... but i will check them out.. thanks

Tim Reynolds · Jan 11, 2006

I thought that was what the speed bleeders were for? :huh:

Tom Schindler · Jan 11, 2006

Troy, Ever hear of SpeedBleeders? If not, check them out. SpeedBleeders prevent air from entering the system.

TimR, Yes, the fluid gets circulated into the resovoir. (Power steering, not braking system) It is a circulation system.

Before you flush the braking system, get a good feel of the pedal pressure. Once the system is flushed, compare that feel to the old feel. It should feel the same. If not, you have air in the system.

Tom