BA. Changing the PWS fluid.

Howdy all,

The level in my PWS reservoir was getting pretty low and it was dirty and smelt burnt. I hunted around the forums for the correct grade of oil and a procedure to follow. There are around 8 different grades and brands of oil recommended by posters and about 4 procedures to follow.

What I did was first check SCA and Repco for pricing with the non-syn priced around $10-$14 and Castrol Syntrans 75w/85 at $33. Someone in there mentioned that the recommended Ford oil was R1-424 and was available at Ford for $13 (2009 post) so I bit the bullet and went for a visit. I ended up paying $16 for 1 litre of the actual Ford genuine oil.

Procedure: I have used different things from some posters but the main procedure used here is loosely based on the Mainlube section (How to flush........)

1. Ensure PWS fluid is up to operating temperature.
2. Place a thick, absorbent towel above the alternator to stop any fluid dripping into it.
3. Loosen the hose clamp at the rear left hand side on the bottom of the PWS reservoir.
4. Place a small 500ml-1000ml container under the reservoir and pull off the hose trying to get as much fluid into the container. Empty the top 50mm of the hose as well.
5. Refit hose and tighten hose clamp. SLOWLY fill reservoir back to FULL level. Replace cap, start car and ensure steering is working ok.
6. Proceed to an area where you can move your car in figure 8`s (I have a carpark nearby). I do this to get rid of any air in the system.
7. Remove cap and SLOWLY do figure 8`s while gently touching on the outer limits of the turning circle.
8. Replace cap and proceed back to work area.
9. Repeat the first few steps to drain and replace the now dirty PWS fluid and clean up any areas where the fluid has been spilt.

My steering is lighter than it has ever been and I might even do another drain/replace (I still have 300ml left from the original 1 litre) if the fluid is dirty after a week or so.

PLEASE add anything that you think will improve this procedure and do not hesitate to correct me if I`m wrong. Would pictures help?

Cheers
Mick

Thanks for the great write-up, that's very handy.

No problem Youssef. I just wanted to have it written here because it wasnt so clear over there :) Will copy over my diff oil change soon.

Cheers
Mick

Hardest part is telling people to get the 75/85 instead of regular 'Power Steering Fluid'. "Nah mate thats for gearboxes I need power steering".