ibcrusn
Greenie N00B Member
From my how to thread on the other forum...
Here's a quick how-to to replace nearly all of the power steering fluid on Gen2 MS3. I have always been surprised that manufacturers create service schedules to deal with major fluids on the car (oil, transmission and coolant) but neglect the smaller systems and treat them almost as an on-condition servicing of the fluid level only. At any rate after 75k miles and 5+ years on my Pu it was time to figure it out so I don't have to replace my PS pump unit at some point in the future.
After some research I found a video on Youtube of a guy doing the same service on a standard MZ3 so feel free to watch that as well. I will forewarn you he becomes a bit painful to listen to. Regardless, I can't take full credit as this guy did a decent job of documenting the process.
Let's get started.
Tools:
Steps:
If you're doing this by yourself it shouldn't take but 45 mins to an hour, less if you have two people.
Have a look at the crap in the fluid and difference in color from new fluid. I did notice a slight difference in the sound of the PS pump unit, it's probably happy to have fresh fluid versus the dirty shit. Take note the metal container was an acetone jug and had no crap in it before starting. It gives you a good idea of the particles in the system.
Here's a quick how-to to replace nearly all of the power steering fluid on Gen2 MS3. I have always been surprised that manufacturers create service schedules to deal with major fluids on the car (oil, transmission and coolant) but neglect the smaller systems and treat them almost as an on-condition servicing of the fluid level only. At any rate after 75k miles and 5+ years on my Pu it was time to figure it out so I don't have to replace my PS pump unit at some point in the future.
After some research I found a video on Youtube of a guy doing the same service on a standard MZ3 so feel free to watch that as well. I will forewarn you he becomes a bit painful to listen to. Regardless, I can't take full credit as this guy did a decent job of documenting the process.
Let's get started.
Tools:
- Jack
- 2 jack stands
- lug wrench or impact
- torque wrench
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- 8mm socket or Phillips screw driver
- small bowl/Tupperware type container to catch fluid
- rags
- 1 Qt of the appropriate fresh PS fluid (I used Amsoil PSF)
Steps:
- Get the front of the car up on jack stands
- Remove the right front tire/wheel
- Remove the fasteners and plastic plugs for the front half of the inner fender well including the section that attaches to the front bumper cover near the lower lip. (ref pic #1)
- Place your catch container under the two PS fluid lines on the lower tray (ref pic #2 where the drop light is)
- Disconnect the upper hose (low pressure return line) and let the fluid in the pump reservoir drain into the container. (ref pic #2)
- Unlock the steering wheel and run the wheel back and forth lock to lock several times to work most of the fluid out of the rack and pressure line. (Do not do this with the engine running)
- You'll know you've done it enough when you hear sucking sound going both directions and fluid stops coming out.
- This is where I note that you're not going to get all the fluid out of the system but you should get most of it out. I didn't find a system capacity but I got approximately 20oz out.
- Reattach the hose to the plastic return line and reseat the hose clamp.
- Clean up any mess.
- Reattach the inner fender covers
- Reinstall the tire/wheel (Lug torque 70-90 ft/lbs)
- Move topside and fill the reservoir with new fluid.
- Turn the wheel back and forth lock to lock several times.
- Repeat - fill & run the steering wheel back and forth. I think I did this four times.
- Once the system is not taking anymore fluid doing this mechanically it's time to start the engine and run the wheel back and forth slowly.
- Make certain you keep an eye on the fluid level as it will go down as you do this process a few times.
- All told I serviced the system with ~20oz. of fluid before the level stopped dropping.
- Reinsert the little screen filter, rubber seal and install the cap.
- Take the car off jack stands.
- Go for a drive.
- Check fluid level after return.
- Crack a beer and enjoy.
- Make a note to do this again in 50-60k miles if you plan to keep the car.
If you're doing this by yourself it shouldn't take but 45 mins to an hour, less if you have two people.
Have a look at the crap in the fluid and difference in color from new fluid. I did notice a slight difference in the sound of the PS pump unit, it's probably happy to have fresh fluid versus the dirty shit. Take note the metal container was an acetone jug and had no crap in it before starting. It gives you a good idea of the particles in the system.
