Would it be helpful if I provide photos/how-to on the power steering fluid flush and thermostat install?

[RT Cruiser]

Some of the maintenance I've done this week is a power steering fluid flush and changing the thermostat and hoses. The way I did my steering fluid flush was easy. For the thermostat change, I did it from the top loosening only a few things. I also took photos of accessing the engine-coolant bleeder valves.

I would like to give back to this community by authoring a post documenting these two maintenance areas with photos. If those of you who have seniority here think there is no need, then please let me know. Otherwise I can have it up after next week.

 

[fasteddie2015]

I have 0 seniority, but I enjoy seeing the DIY stuff for future reference. There aren't a lot of 200 series relatively speaking, so all info is welcome imo.

 

[Markuson]

Some of the maintenance I've done this week is a power steering fluid flush and changing the thermostat and hoses. The way I did my steering fluid flush was easy. For the thermostat change, I did it from the top loosening only a few things. I also took photos of accessing the engine-coolant bleeder valves.

I would like to give back to this community by authoring a post documenting these two maintenance areas with photos. If those of you who have seniority here think there is no need, then please let me know. Otherwise I can have it up after next week.

Mud doesn’t require permission for stuff like that & walk-throughs are always appreciated.

Post up!

 

[Sandroad]

Some of the maintenance I've done this week is a power steering fluid flush and changing the thermostat and hoses. The way I did my steering fluid flush was easy. For the thermostat change, I did it from the top loosening only a few things. I also took photos of accessing the engine-coolant bleeder valves.

I would like to give back to this community by authoring a post documenting these two maintenance areas with photos. If those of you who have seniority here think there is no need, then please let me know. Otherwise I can have it up after next week.

Whenever I tackle a DIY job (which is pretty much everything), the first thing I do is search for info from others. If you took photos and have a list of steps, for sure post them. It helps make up for those of us too lazy to do so! Put your info in separate threads, rather than combining the coolant and PS in one. And check the forum FAQs to see if there are existing threads there you can add to.

 

[tominboise]

Awesome - appreciate the effort to document it. I will use it for sure on mine. Post away!

 

[RT Cruiser]

Thanks for the kind words @tominboise @Sandroad @Markuson @fasteddie2015 . I'll start on them week after next and will make separate posts. I'm going to do the serpentine belt today/tomorrow and can take photos as well.

 

[PDoyle]

Thanks for the kind words @tominboise @Sandroad @Markuson @fasteddie2015 . I'll start on them week after next and will make separate posts. I'm going to do the serpentine belt today/tomorrow and can take photos as well.

Bump. What did you use for P/S fluid?

 

[Em cee]

Sub’d. Thank u!

 

[RT Cruiser]

Bump. What did you use for P/S fluid?

I used Valvoline MaxLife Synthetic ATF, the container is red.

Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 QT - Walmart.com

Buy Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 QT at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

If my memory is correct, I used 2-3 quarts. Mobil 1 would have been my preference because it's very good stuff but it costs more. I'll be changing my power steering fluid about every 12-16 months so a name-brand high-quality synthetic works for me.

Again, my apology for not posting my process. Though I'm doing much better from the time of our car accident and my surgery, I have to catch-up on accounting and taxes for our businesses.

 

[PDoyle]

That's great. Thanks. Matter of fact, I just picked up a quart this morning. I'm going to pull the old stuff out today, and refill.

 

[RT Cruiser]

That's great. Thanks. Matter of fact, I just picked up a quart this morning. I'm going to pull the old stuff out today, and refill.

I'm sure you know the basics of flushing the steering fluid:

1. Put the front axle on supports so the front wheels are off the ground.
2. Unhook the return hose from the reservoir and place the hose inside a catch container.
3. Verify the fluid level is near or at the top of the fill line on the reservoir. Clean the outside of the reservoir so it's easy to look through it.
4. Start the engine. Leave the tranny in park.
5. Turn the steering wheel are the way to the left or right.
6. Fill the reservoir to fill line.
7. Turn the steering wheel to the other direction.
8. Fill the reservoir to the fill line.
9. Repeat until the fluid coming from the return line is clean.
10. Turn vehicle off. Drop wheels to the ground.
11. Verify fluid is at the accurate level.
12. Re-check fill line over the next several drives.

During this process, DO NOT ALLOW THE RESERVOIR TO BECOME EMPTY!

It helps to have a small cup/container to use to fill the reservoir, headlamp to inspect the fluid, tuck the mirrors in with all the entry/egress from the front seat, and use a clean cloth to turn the steering wheel. If possible park the cruiser so the driver's door can remain open so you're less likely to put grease/atf fluid on the door.

 

[PDoyle]

I don't think I'll have problems if I drain the fluid to the bottom of the tank and replace the fluid without bleeding it all out.

 

[RT Cruiser]

I don't think I'll have problems if I drain the fluid to the bottom of the tank and replace the fluid without bleeding it all out.

That makes sense. If someone doesn't have the time/resources to do a full flush of whatever, then some is better than none. Give us an update after the work.