power streering

[nickb123]

I need to change the power steering pump in my 96 exlporer 4.0. It does not work at all. My question is I want to flush the system because the fluid in the pump is brown and looks dirty. So should I flush it out with ATF or power steering fluid? I know you disconnect the return hose from the pump and just run fluid through in tell its not dirty or brown.

Thanks for the help

 

[nickb123]

ok, no one answered that question. So heres another question, I when i looked to buy a pump i had 2 chooses one with a "aftermarket filtration improvement" and one with out. the filtered one is $5 more. should I buy that or just the basic one?

 

[Joe Dirt]

you can use ATF or PS fluid. The manual calls for ATF.

Whichever pump is fine. If you'll wish you spent the $5 on the other pump in a few months whether or not you have issues- get that one.

 

[ranger7ltr]

I just replaced mine last Saturday...

I actually used the non filtered unit and added a seperate filter inline with the return line...I used PS fluid to flush mine and in the system too...I also put a fitting in the return line with a valve so I can flush the system every year...

This is how I flushed mine...I removed the pump and then installed the new one...I attached the pressure line and left the return line loose and into a catch container...I left the plug on the return fitting and filled the resevoir and disconnected the coil pack connector and spun the engine over with the starter while turning the steering wheel back and forth until the fluid came out clear...

Then I attached the return line and filled the reservoir again and spun the engine over to bleed the pump before I started the engine. With the fluid level at the correct level, I reattach the coil pack and start the engine... The pump fluid level did not drop and the pump is more quiet than the other pumps on the engine.

Just remember to use the proper tool to remove and replace the pulley and make damn sure the pulley is in the right plane or the belt will not live long...

 

[nickb123]

I got the new pump in, didnt flush it because my dad finish it. anyways, it is not any better, still really hard to turn and it makes a clicking or knocking noise when turning. could it be that we didnt flush it? or is could the rack be bad? (I hope its not)

 

[nickb123]

Any ideas???

 

[budwich]

you need to get the air out of the new pump.... that's what the "bleeding" is for ... i don't think "flushing" is the correct term.

 

[nickb123]

we did bleed it. we where turning the wheel for 5 min with the wheels on and off the ground, it never got anybetter. But flushing would be getting all the old fluid out and putting in new fluid.

 

[nickb123]

Im pretty sure i got the problem. The linkage connecting the steering wheel to the rack and pinion, I think its called the intermediate shaft. The boots where ripped up and the joint was pretty frozen. it seems like the only place to get it is at the junk yard, they must not make these.