Changing brake and PS fluids?

[brianl703]

Well if you want to do a total drain and fill, just disconnect one of the low-pressure power steering hoses. All of the fluid except for the small amount in the rack will then come out of that hose. You also most likely won't need to bleed the system because you haven't disconnected the high-pressure side. (I didn't need to bleed the system on the Mustang. Very little fluid came out of the rack when I disconnected the low-pressure hose from it)

Probably it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the low-pressure hoses--they aren't very expensive, especially if you buy them by foot and cut to length. I need to replace the hoses on my '96 because I noticed that one of the clamps on the reservior was slightly loose--meaning that the hose is deteriorating.

 

[FL-400S]

Do I need to be careful of how much fluid I siphon from the tanks? I mean, if I siphon it down too low from the reservoir, is there a chance that an air bubble gets into the system?

What about clutch fluid? I forgot my old tercel has clutch but not PS fluid. Does it recirc?

 

[drm7]

My manual states to flush the brakes every 24k. I'm guessing this is partly due to the ABS system. I remember in the 80's I'd do my brakes and probably went over 100k on cars w/o every bleeding. I'd use the old c-clamp to push the piston back in. A brake guy told me that you can damage ABS piston seals this way and to open the bleeder valve to get the piston back in. I haven't done my own brakes in years but I'll keep this in mind. I do plan to have the brakes bled, trans flushed, radiator flushed, etc, every 30k. I never thought about the power steering, I'll add that to my list. I need to keep my vehicles much longer than 100k now. Single income, baby girl on the way.

 

[brianl703]

quote:

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Originally posted by FL-400S:
Do I need to be careful of how much fluid I siphon from the tanks? I mean, if I siphon it down too low from the reservoir, is there a chance that an air bubble gets into the system?

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Any air bubbles should rise to the top of the reservior so I would not worry about it.

 

[Robbie Alexander]

Powersteering do flush or should I say replace unless you have LC, I believe it can help there too... about the same time the brakes fluid. And Yes it MUST be replaced from time to time. Just because some can get away with it doesn't mean it can be ignored.

As for me, I do mine with a front break job, between 60-100K. If I have a good mechanic do my brakes they last about 100K and I'll flush then and bleed.

Use to do it myself.
There are machines you can buy to help you, you can have a friend or spouse help...

Heat air and time all attack the fluids.

quote:

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Originally posted by FL-400S:
Is it as simple as a siphoning (or turkey basting) the fluid reservoirs and refilling with new fluid? I thought I read that in another thread. But -*-*

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