Power Steering

[Bluespear]

Since the MOT last week there has been a strange groaning noise, almost like something was rubbing in the steering / suspenders, in the Ex.
My first thought was that there was some air in the power steering system (I have been told that the mot wheel wobble test can airate the system if done with the engine off ?????). Or are there any other likely causes for thi8s new noise?

Anyway there has been a small leek from the reservoir where the pipe connects, since I bought the car & always meant to sort it out - now seems a suitable time to do it. So is the process of draining & refilling the P/S system fairly straight forward or is it typically Explorer-ish and problematic ??
I understand that bleeding the system is just turning the steering from lock to lock a few times whilst running the engine .....yes ??

 

[janolsson]

If you have a syphon type thingy then use that to empty the reservoir. Otherwise i would suggest a lot of shop towel stuffed around as that stuff gets everywhere!!

If you gonna do it properly take off the reservoir and give the outside a good clean so you can then see the level once refitted and filled.

Once all back together fill up to the mark then have the engine idling (could even have the front wheels on a couple of magazines) cap off and turn lock to lock a few times (do not hold on lock as this puts strain on the pump), then top up the level if needed. Then lock to lock a few times and check the level once more and you should be good to go.

I have had mine disconected a couple of times (2 engine swaps) and had no probs appart from fluid spilled when taking the reservoir and pump off.
HTH