Changing PAS Fluid

[bgunn]

Yes you can change the fluid - and it's a good idea if there's been a leak.

Firstly, drain the reservoir by sucking the fluid out with a syringe or something. Then disconnect the small return pipe that goes onto the side of the reservoir. Put it into a drain pot, jack the car up (so the steering can be turned freely), and then start the engine and let it idle.

The fluid will come out of the pipe, turn the steering lock-lock until it stops coming out. When it does, stop the engine asap, and centralise the steering.

Connect the pipe up, then start filling the reservoir up. Do it slowly, don't fill it up above the max mark, as when the air starts coming out it'll overflow. When full, turn *slowly* from lock to lock, you'll see bubbles coming up and the fluid level will go down. Top up when the steering is central. When the bubbles stop coming up, you can then spin the steering lock-lock faster until the gurgling in the pipes stop, topping up the level etc.

Once you get to a situation where you don't hear gurgling and air noise when turning the steering, you can then start the engine and again, turn lock to lock. Centralise the steering, stop the engine and check/top up the level.

It sounds like a longish procedure, but doesn't take long in practice. Just filling the system up and letting the pump cavitate can damage it very quickly. The system isn't sealed, bit airlocks can occur.

This is the procedure shown in Honda service manuals (Rover never mention much in theirs), and if it's good enough for Honda, it's good enough for me!

Brian.