power steering fluid replacment

nathann88

might be in the wrong section? power steering fluid replacment?

i noticed that the engine has some form of oil/fluid build up near to the power steering fluid tank, when i looked at the tank the top of it was covered in the same stuff just dirty gim stuff. i think its over filled and just forces its way out the top somehow. the steering is fine no rough noises etc.
i had a look at it to see if i could remove a pipe of the tank drain it and then refill but it looks a bit of a pig to do not a lot of space.

i changed the pump on a mondeo mk3 tdci and renewed the fluid nice and easy. but my own car is not as easy typical 😉

so long story short whats the best way to drain the system? and is it like the ford once refild have the front jacked up and turn full lock each way till its smooth again?

thanks in advance nathan

vocky

just loosen a joint and drain as much as you can, refill and bleed by turning the steering wheel lock to lock with the engine running

nathann88

vocky said:
just loosen a joint and drain as much as you can, refill and bleed by turning the steering wheel lock to lock with the engine running

so it is like the mondeo thats easy enough then just less space. thanks vocky 🙂

nathann88

anybody know what type of fluid to use i went to halfords today and the book said use manual.no point asking them they have no idea. auto data says 90 544 116 however the bottles didnt have any numbers on them.

JohnnyN

It helps if you can get both front wheels off the floor too. I learn't that lesson many years ago. Its a huge struggle to turn the steering when you are trying to bleed the system.

nathann88

JohnnyN said:
It helps if you can get both front wheels off the floor too. I learn't that lesson many years ago. Its a huge struggle to turn the steering when you are trying to bleed the system.

i found that out on the mondeo i done lol 🙂 any idea what fluid to use?

JohnnyN

Auto transmission fluid IIRC

nathann88

never got round to getting any today is this stuff ok?
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_213983_langId_-1_categoryId_255219

Din

What pas system has it got? So far I have learnt that the vectra had a pump and resovoir on the end of the inlet camshaft, not sure what this takes.

If you have an astray or zafira etc with electronic hydraulic type steering (resovoir on the rack) then it takes either vauxhall stuff or chf 11s.

nathann88

no idea what it is lol just wanted to renew all its fluids as its now 10years old the only spec i keep finding is pfc and Dex II http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-745-castrol-atf-dex-ii-multivehicle-formerly-castrol-tq-d.aspx would this do it? how much fluid should be put into the tank, as i cant find any min max marks on it.

jwalker

I used the stuff from halfords which you linked to in my vectra, did the job fine

nathann88

jwalker said:
I used the stuff from halfords which you linked to in my vectra, did the job fine

thanks for that i think ill pick that up and be done with it. never looked into before how many types there is.

Din

So your willing to replace your old Pas fluid with new... but possably incorrect fluid which could do more harm than good :confused:

As i said, as far as i can work it out, Definately vectra Bs take normal ATF (what you linked too above) ! But Mk4 Astras (if the same as Zafira which i belive they are) use Electronic/hydraulic Pas and require CHF 11S...

As i work it out, the ATF one will be on the camshaft and looks like this http://www.auto24parts.com/en_GB/p/POWER-STEERING-PAS-PUMP-SUPPORT-OPEL-VECTRA-B-2001-2002-2.2-Z22SE/20056

The Electric one down above the rack and looks like this http://jaygee.co.uk/home-products/vauxhall-astra-zafira.html it takes this fluid http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/200745509940?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&cbt=y

nathann88

it looks like the Electronic/hydraulic setup, thanks for the ebay link i havent been able to find any fluid with the right spec. i can order soe of that now 🙂

nathann88

so anybody know how much fluid should be i the tank as mentioned iv not got any markings 🙁

Din

Not sure exactly how much, but if you remove the filler cap on mine there is a small dipstick in it, i would guess a 1 or maybe 2 liters at the most.

nathann88

Din said:
Not sure exactly how much, but if you remove the filler cap on mine there is a small dipstick in it, i would guess a 1 or maybe 2 liters at the most.

im such a tit lol i forgot thats how vx do it i had a mk3 astra which was a dip stick style. its cos the last few cars iv looked at have been fords. doh! thanks for your help 🙂

Matt

That's why Vauxhall are better 🙂