Are Explorers very sensitive to type of Power Steering Fluid used??

[vapester]

...I changed the rack & pinion and power steering pump but it still turns kinda rough. It's the newer, I believe c3 Saganaw pump. So I drain the reservoir and add some Lucas treatment. Now it's even worse. when the pump was changed, after the rack, the system was filled with Pyroil PS fluid. Which says it's just petroleum oil. Do I need to drain the system and go with another type of fluid??

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Sounds like you need to bleed the system- open the reservoir cap, turn the wheel nearly lock to lock a few times. That should let any air in the system out and help steering function.

 

[vapester]

..I did that after the pump change alot, haven't done it after adding the Lucas, don't know how air could have gotten in there, all I did was suck it out with a baster and refill. Now it's bubbily when turning left. I'll try to bleed again, but something else is wrong. After changing the rack, me and a buddy changed the pump about 2 months later. But there was some crud in the reservoir and when I sucked the fluid out it a few days ago it was kinda dark. Should I just keep draining the reservoir and try a better fluid, or do I need to look into a flush ??? How does dirt get in there anyway ???

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Time, heat and wear makes fluid dark.

If you have bubbles when turning your wheel, you still have air in the line. Are you sure you got the lines tight?

If not your rack , have you checked the intermediate steering shaft?

 

[vapester]

..ok, well i'll try bleeding the system again using that method and check all the lines. I don't have a leak though. As for the steering shaft, what should I check about that ?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

The double universal joint near the rack can become dry and "bind" up as you turn the wheel. Sometimes removing the shaft and lubricating the joint helps.

 

[vapester]

alright, thanks, i'll look into that.