Changing AHC fluid

[dominic]

Hello all,
Spent yesterday changing the AHC fluid.
Got three actuators and the accumulator done but am having trouble with the fourth actuator bleeder nut.
Don't know if it was me or the elements, but the 10mm spanner is not fitting properly. ( slipping ).
If I just leave it, will the new fluid eventually get into that actuator and all of them become the same or would it need to be done. I think I could get a vice clamp onto it but am not sure whether I should try that.
Any advice would be very welcome.
Thanks.

 

[lexi4darin]

See if the zerk is something you can buy at a hardware store. If so, grip it and rip it. If not replaceable, then I'd still put a clamp on it (locking type wrench maybe) and see if that helps. Also, PB Blaster is your friend in this case.

Did you notice any difference in how the truck rides/feels/handles?

 

[dominic]

Hi, Thanks for your reply.
Took it for the 400 ft drive after each bleed and it levelled out ok.
About two hours later I took it for a drive and was convinced I had a flat tyre. Bumping (flapping) noise coming from the direction of the actuator that I hadn't bled, (rear left). Got out and checked the tyre, was Ok. Drove off again ang the noise seemed to move around the rest of the LC and then disappeared. ( was a bit nervy ). During the drive, I got the feeling that it is definitely smoother except for the back left so, maybe it IS necessary to do the remaining actuator.
Cheers.

 

[arbetrader]

All the fluid will eventually mix over time as you drive. I would run a few low-high cycles every so often just to help it. The first time I did the fluid change, I didn't have enough fluid (only 1 can) to do all 4 (you need a little more than 1 full can) so I just did 3, and then did all 4 a year later after I bought 2 cans for the job.

 

[MilkmanVX]

Hey Dominic, when I bled my AHC, I got some air out before the fluid..... I also noticed that once I had bled one side, the other would give cleaner fluid once I got to it. I would assume that if you can't get the bleeder opened on one side, you could bleed it from the opposite side -just a bit of wasted fluid. I would rebleed the rear a couple of times from the one side and check if it clears it up. Goodluck!

 

[jmaclaug]

I just spent some time today bleeding all the AHC components, following the really excellent directions on the forum. I know my actuators are okay because I get 10 hash marks between L and H, so I was hopeful that the fluid change would fix my ride. The ride is somewhat soft and bouncy. Just drove a few blocks, so I can't really judge whether the AHC change improved the ride.
Next step, checking my neutral pressure on the front, and probably going to need some bushings replaced, the truck is 11 years old afterall.

 

[dominic]

Thanks guys, for all your responses. Yes, I noticed that after the first bleed, the fluid which came out from the others was cleaner. So, it must make it's way through the system. Still have some fluid left, so will bleed the opposite side again.
Cheers again!