PS and trans return lines

[wander2039]

I have three vehicles i'm going to put wix's inline filter on the power steering and transmission, I might use magnefine depending on price. The three vehicles are going to be a Ranger, Escape and Vibe. Power steering only on the Ranger and both the trans and ps on the Vibe Escape. How do I identify the return lines on each?

The ps on the Fords I was told retuns through the hose on the side, both of them have hoses on the bottom.

 

[unDummy]

What wix filter PN are you using?

If you don't have the factory service manual, then identify lines with trail and error. Simply cranking engine over with test fluid hose disconected, with ignition or fuel disabled, should allow you to figure out which is return!

And, some will say that if the fluid is new, then location isn't an issue. Pick the most convenient place. Just make sure fluid flow direction through the filter is correct.

 

[wiswind]

You want to make certain that you are using the return line for the power steering.
The other line is at HIGH pressure, and is much more stress on the filter.
This is the line that is on its' way to do the work.....at the steering rack.
The return line is at low pressure, and is just going back into the sump.

The Transmission "out" line on my windstar is not at as high of pressure, as it is only intended to flow out to the cooler(s) and back into the sump.
However, it is still best to put it into the return line.

 

[wander2039]

Wix PN 58964. I think I figured out the ps return line. The inline filter won't fit on the pressure side, 1/2 inch line almost. Looks easy, but I know how that works. Transmission i'll figure out the hard way.

 

[JohnBrowning]

Return lines on PS are always held on by a simple calmp either spring tpe or aligator type. The presure side will have stell line witha fitting on it.

 

[kgb007stb]

If not sure, jack up the car, disconnect one hose at a time and have someone turn the steering wheel from lock to lock position. As you are turning it, fluid will be forced out of the return line. This is the old old old school style of forcing fresh fluid through a PS when changing fluids.

 

[wander2039]

The power steering units on the Fords uses a clamp style on both the pressure side and return side. Here in a couple hours i'm putting the wix filter on the Ranger, the wix filter was $17 from O'Reillys.

 

[brianl703]

The high pressure side should have crimped fittings on it much like an air conditioning hose. The high pressure is REALLY high pressure, upwards of 200PSI I believe.

 

[unDummy]

Thank for the PN.
http://www.wixfilters.com/filterlookup/PartDetail.asp?Part=58964
http://www.spxfiltran.com/bulletins/filtran/PDFs/138.pdf
http://www.magnefine.com/html/filtration.html

 

[wander2039]

Well it's on but Ford decided to use a 9mm hose on the return. The factory hose was loose on the filter and extra hose I had to get was tight on the metal line.