Yes, I searched and searched and couldn't find anything, so here goes.
My steering rack has started grinding whenever I turn the wheel. Numerous people have said I need to top off the fluid, but should flush the system just to be safe. I know where the power steering fluid filler cap is, but I have no idea how to get to the drain plug for the reservoir (7afe). Can anybody help?

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ever flushed a tranny? there is no drain plug

Uhh yeah I just changed my tranny fluid about a month ago, and there actually IS a drain plug . It's just like changing your oil. It might be different for the 5sfe in your case.

If there isn't a drain plug for the power steering then how do I flush it?

This post has been edited by flyinglizard: Dec 13, 2009 - 9:23 PM

Heres and answer from yahoo......

"Purging the system of power steering fluid is a relatively simple process. Unfortunately flushing and refilling the system is probably not going to solve your problem.

The power steering system consists of 2 primary components, the pump and the hydraulic steering rack that forces tie rods in and out to move the front wheels. If you're hearing a strong grinding noise there's a good chance the rack is in disrepair.

Power steering pumps rarely go out, typically only when they're put under severe stress...i.e. performing radical steering in a dirt field for 15-20 minutes. This causes to pump to overheat and fail. I doubt this is your situation however.

If the rack is in failure or is starting to fail on the far ends you can attempt to drain the fluid and refill with fresh fluid with an additive. Draining the system requires you to follow the outgoing tube from the PS pump to the rack, disconnect the line at the rack (incoming) and start the vehicle. This will pump all of the fluid out of the system, be careful not to let it run long...just enough time to release 95% of the fluid. Refill the system with power steering fluid and a PS additive...these can be found at just about any auto parts store in the country.

If the rack is in severe condition expect to pay $400 - $600 for replacement!

Hope this helps!"

Source Page: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qi...12105108AAehwbc

oh, i used my steering excessively without the powered assist recently, and now it leaks. is that the cause? pump failure?

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Depends on where it's leaking from, but for the most part, I would say yes, most likely.

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didnt get to check that yet. The car was towed home with a tow strap, and now in the garage i see some small (1in) puddles of fluid. I havent been able to start and drive the car properly yet. ill know by then, i searched and didnt see anyone had replaced that yet? difficult??

I haven't had to do it yet in my car, but for the other cars that I have, it wasn't very difficult at all.

Power steering pumps rarely go out, typically only when they're put under severe stress...i.e. performing radical steering in a dirt field for 15-20 minutes. This causes to pump to overheat and fail. I doubt this is your situation however.


oops

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Lol(literally), is yours leaking at all? If not, I'd probably try the "flush" method listed above first to see if maybe that and some fresh fluid would resolve your problem before spending money on a new pump.

Lol don't ask why
I'm pretty sure it's not leaking. I'll try to flush it and see if it helps.

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You know helicopters don't usually get lost by dust clouds right? Maybe the cars, but those helicopters are a lil more technologically advanced

Just playin..... Keep us updated

dumb question...

can you siphon it?

as well as the brake fluid?

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i read that siphoning it with a suction tool is one of the main ways to get the fluid out.

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$3 on walmart. i grabbed one last weekend and searching if it is safe to do it that way.

I use a Shop Vac and just suck it up while running, yes while running but DO IT FAST don't let it run longer than 10 secs.

It's more so the age of the rack and how its been treated its whole life than going crazy in a dirt field. I didn't even think there was a drain plug? I thought youd have to syphon it.

You guys can syphon all day long if you'd like, I kinda got out of that after my mid teenage years. Just disconnect the outgoing line and all that jazz and start the car and follow the steps above....... OR go down to harbor frieght/your local hardware store/car parts store/I think even walmart carries them..... and get one of those pump things. I got mine for $30 at harbor freight....... I don't know about you guys but I'm not too keen on putting strange liquids in my mouth that come out of a hose, ESPECIALLY if you think it's too dirty for your car. Just my .02

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i wouldnt as well but ill be using a siphon w/ a handpump

I think the Yahoo method is dumb. I remove the return hose at the reservoir, plug off the reservoir, then route the return hose into a container. have someone start it and turn the wheels lock to lock a few times while I keep adding fluid until it is coming out the return hose clean. Then I let it pump dry, shut it off immediately and fill with Amsoil synthetic PS fluid or synthetic ATF.

Drain and fill is not the same as a flush you need a machine pump to do a flush. Doubt doing a drain and fill is going to get rid of the grinding sir.