PAS again

[BillyC]

Hi, I need to top up the steering fluid on my NA as its on the lower level and the whining noise seems to be coming on intermittently when I am turning at slow speed. Then its normal again. After reading Chiefgroovers (I think) thread I think I need to sort this sooner rather than later.

 

I've read some of the threads on here and jsut need some confirmation that I'm doing it right so I dont end up mucking it up.

 

Firstly the discussions mention that the transmission luid s the same as the PAS Fluid. I have some Toyota ATF Type IV and just really need to put my mind at rest that this is OK to use.

 

As for the procedure I think I've got it sorted but again, could do with some confirmation to put my mind at rest before I go ahead. Bette safe than sorry.

 

1) Engine off and cold.

2. Check fluid level is between the cold markers. (its not)

3. Raise the vehicle (just enough to clear wheels?)

4. Turn the wheels in both directions a couple of times.

5. Recheck the level.

6. Start the engine and run at idle.

7. Turn the wheels in both directions again a few times.

8. Lower the vehicle, and rotate wheels again a few times.

9. Put steering wheel into centre.

10. If theres no foaming or boiling over then bleeding is complete.

11. If the fluid level rises or there is foaming then repeat till its gone.

 

That seems to be what I can find out about the procedure. Just a couple of questions. Numpty one first.

 

I've only got the car jack so where's the best place at the front of the vehicle to jack it up. I have a bit of level ground.

 

When do I actually top it up? Do I do it to the cold level immediately after checking the first time, and then move the wheels and start the engine.

 

After the engines started do I still work on the cold level as it wont have warmed up?

 

I know these have probably been asked before but getting it all nailed down in my head in one thread, before I carry it out would be a help.

 

Cheers

[BillyC]

Guys,

 

Any help with this as I intend to be doing it over lunchtime at work. At least confirmation that the fluid type is OK if only for a top up.

 

cheers

 

Billy

[AlanM]

Never jacked mine up yet to top up fluid, just top it up and swing wheel from lock to lock with top off to clear airlocks, check level again and thats it

[stevie_b]

The PAS fluid is the same as automatic transmission fluid. The bottle from Halfords will probably say Automatic Transmission Fluid. The Type IV fluid *sounds* about right: to be safe, do a search on here: I'm sure all the different fluid types are listed. Look under the FAQs perhaps.

 

I wouldn't bother turning the wheel, unless your PAS system's bone dry (in which case the procedure is equivalent to a full fluid change). Just top up the fluid via the normal place in the engine bay.

 

If your PAS is very empty, you're better off getting a trolley jack, jacking the whole of the front of the car up and doing it, so you can easily turn the front wheels without "dry-steering" which puts a fair bit of strain on the steering system IMO.

 

Edit: just re-read that your fluid level is on the dipstick still. You should be fine to top it up without jacking the car or even turning the front wheels.

[BillyC]

Done

 

Thanks for the help guys.

 

I've got a new stock exhaust to fit next week, and will attempt an oil and filter change at the same time.

 

Then I'm going to try and get some second hand shocks and fit them. Well I might get the bottle to attempt it.

 

Then I'm off to Tenerife for a week.

 

Then I'm gonna sell her I think.

[stevie_b]

Wow, a lot to take in on the last post. Have you done much work on cars in the past? Exhaust work can be harder than it seems because of seized bolts. Some seized bolts can hold you up by hours unless you've got the tools to deal with it.

 

I've never changed the shocks on car, but you may need spring compression tools, etc. Just trying to save you some hassle.

 

Why are you selling? Just being nosey...

[BillyC]

Wow, a lot to take in on the last post. Have you done much work on cars in the past? Exhaust work can be harder than it seems because of seized bolts. Some seized bolts can hold you up by hours unless you've got the tools to deal with it.

 

I've never changed the shocks on car, but you may need spring compression tools, etc. Just trying to save you some hassle.

 

Why are you selling? Just being nosey...

 

Not really done anything at all. But I've read enough on here that I'm pretty much sure I can tackle most of the things. I've just never actually got round to buying the things that I'd need to do things (axle stands/the various oils/even an oil pan etc). Just usually put it in for service and have done. I'm by no means gonna turn into Mighty mechanic overnight but I'll manage to get most of the easier stuff done if I just actually get off my arse.

 

After fitting a new grab handle last week I'm pretty confident now ;-)

 

Hopefully the exhaust will come off and go on like a dream but if push comes to shove then I have a mate that can hopefully travel up and he's pretty handy (although its a long way from Liverpool for him). And I'm gonna give the bolts a good soaking beforehand. No pain no gain.

 

The shocks are a bit of a worry, but it all seems pretty much straightforward enough if you just really have a bit of belief and probably bottle to do it. The guy down the street has built a mini from scratch so hes probably got some compressors if needed. I dont really know him but I'm not shy to ask for a lend.

 

Selling because I want to get something else really. Something a bit bigger. I might actually end up keeping the Supe and selling the Mrs' Focus so she can pose. Kids seat will go in the front no prob. Shopping in the back. That'll be up to her though.

 

My Bomex front has a "bit" of a crack (actually its now a hole) in it that probably cant be repaired. But if I sell it to my mate then he's not too bothered about that as he's already said he'll get it fixed or get something else on. I think overall that I just want to move on from the Supe. I've had good times with it, but it has a few basically irritating cosmetic problems with it that keep pissing me off. Like the bumper. And the ciggy lighter not working. just small things but irritating to me. I think I've had my time with it and now fallen out of love with it. which is quite sad.

 

Anyway my mate'll be getting it for cheap, and there's a couple of things need doing to make it look as good as she used too. He'll have the time and inclination to do that.

 

I'm really only trying to sort things out on it at the moment as I dont want to sell it to him with any problems apart from bumper. After changing the oils etc then I'll put it in to be serviced/checked before I let him have it.

Edited April 21, 2009 by BillyC (see edit history)