Power steering flush, capacity and method?

[Adam W in MN]

Anyone know how many quarts of fluid the power steering system holds? I couldn't find it in my manual, although it's in German so it is a challenge to locate info.

Also, is there a defined method for bleeding or filling the system? I've heard of putting the fluid in and then with the car running, turning the wheels back and forth to work the fluid in the lines, and then topping off.

[Lenny D.]

I couldn't find the spec. either, but it's something less than 2 quarts.

I withdraw the old fluid from the reservoir (with whatever method you are comfortable with), remove the cover plate at the bottom of the reservoir and replace the filter. I don't worry about the residual fluid in the lines or the pump, just replace what you can, it's more than 90%.

Yes, refill, start the car, run the pump wheel lock to wheel lock to remove air, but if you don't get the fluid completely out of the system, I doubt you'll see bubbles. Been doing it successfully this way for over 20 yrs.

[Adam W in MN]

I couldn't find the spec. either, but it's something less than 2 quarts.

I withdraw the old fluid from the reservoir (with whatever method you are comfortable with), remove the cover plate at the bottom of the reservoir and replace the filter. I don't worry about the residual fluid in the lines or the pump, just replace what you can, it's more than 90%.

Yes, refill, start the car, run the pump wheel lock to wheel lock to remove air, but if you don't get the fluid completely out of the system, I doubt you'll see bubbles. Been doing it successfully this way for over 20 yrs.

Yeah, I've already been in there and removed nearly all the fluid except for a tiny amount in the pump itself. I put in a new reman ZF steering box, so while I was in there, I pulled the hoses, drained and cleaned the reservoir, replaced the filter, and put it all back together. The only thing left is to fill it with fluid now.

Holy crap, getting the pitman arm off the shaft of the old steering box was a huge ass-pain. And tightening it back down on the new ZF box would have been impossible if not for an impact wrench (it's a giant 32mm nut as well).

I'll do the lock to lock thing and recheck the amount of fluid in the reservoir and top off, thanks.

[Mike W.]

Holy crap, getting the pitman arm off the shaft of the old steering box was a huge ass-pain.

Even though I've never tried, somehow I knew that. Which is why I'll swap out a box before I replace a leaky seal. Not that it's a fun job either, but less work overall. I know, not an option in your case, but for the rest of us...