Power Steering - 1989 400SE

[KJR]

Had the car out for a run yesterday and the steering was decidedly iffy: road wheel movement was lagging behind steering input and noticed a noise which was engine speed related not sure if it is the exhaust or related to the steering problem.

Had a look in the power steering pump and noticed that the fluid was filled to within an inch of the top i.e way over filled. The fluid also looks as if it could do with changing.

How do I drain the existing fluid from the system ?

KJR

[djc1001]

There's no drain plug or anything. Crack the lower union on the back of the pump or on the rack.
Check the PS belts not slipping. (Makes steering feel heavy and belt/pulley noisey under load.}

r's
David

[KJR]

djc1001 said:

There's no drain plug or anything. Crack the lower union on the back of the pump or on the rack.
Check the PS belts not slipping. (Makes steering feel heavy and belt/pulley noisey under load.}

r's
David

Thanks for the info

Stupid question time. As this is a hydraulic system, will I need to bleed it after refilling ?

[gsx600]

From memory you just refill and start motor - which turns pump, and then pumps round the system pushing the air through and make the liquid look very bubbly in the resovoir, and then you will slowly start to get more assistance in the steering

[KJR]

Self doubt moment ...

Can someone confirm the location of the power steering pump:

passenger side, in front of the engine, below the engine oil filler?

[blaineuk]

yes passenger sides, bottom front of engine.

[KJR]

blaineuk said:

yes passenger sides, bottom front of engine.

Thanks for that.

KJR

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

The very early 400SE had it on the pasenger side, but higher up.

[AM400]

Mine is one of the first 15 400's made in 88, and its passenger side at the bottom of the engine. Mind you it does have the very rare poly V drive pulleys fitted as per the old SD1 rallycars!shouldn't make any differance though.