Checking PAS fluid level?

[mattg7]

All,

I have a whining PAS pump and have been advised to check the fluid level. Excuse my ignorance, but how do I do this, and where do I top it up?

I understand from a search on this topic that Dextron II or III is the best thing to use.

[tvr keith]

Its the black plastic thing next to the alternator on top of the engine.
Cannot remember whether there's a dipstick in it or markings on the container itself

[davidlscott]

Yes there is a dipstick built into the cap - well mine anyway.

My pump was whining and topping it up properly cured it. I now try to keep an eye on it the same as oil chacking etc.

I was told any normal, good quality power steering fluid is OK.

[chassis 33]

ATF is what's usually reccommended, many these days are Dextron II/IId/IIe/III compatible.

Regards
Iain

[munky]

chassis 33 said:

ATF is what's usually reccommended, many these days are Dextron II/IId/IIe/III compatible.

Regards
Iain

I use shell 'automatic transmission fluid', in case the op is wondering what ATF is!

[mattg7]

Well, just been out and removed the cap and cleaned the dip stick. Stuck it back in and screwed it back on, pulled it out an no fluid was on it all... I presume that means that its empty then so will be picking some fluid up tomorrow. How much does the PAS resevoir take in litres?

Forgot to say that I've seen no puddles of fluid on my garage floor, so am not aware of any leaks... Does the PAS system "use" fluid like an engine uses oil?

Edited by mattg7 on Tuesday 1st May 21:19

Edited by mattg7 on Tuesday 1st May 21:20

[mdotrutherford]

mattg7 said:

Does the PAS system "use" fluid like an engine uses oil?

No. Would only have gone by external leakage, out of the rack or loose hose/clip.
When you have filled to level start the engine and do a couple of lock to locks to bleed, recheck level.
Ian

[chassis 33]

The favourite place for them to leak is the U bend under the pump, a few drops here and a few drops there soon becomes an empty reservoir.

A litre bottle should be enough to top it up and leave some in the bottle for when you check it.

Regards
Iain

[mattg7]

Thanks guys,

Will let you know what the outcome is.

[jonathant]

mdotrutherford said:

mattg7 said:

Does the PAS system "use" fluid like an engine uses oil?

No. Would only have gone by external leakage, out of the rack or loose hose/clip.
When you have filled to level start the engine and do a couple of lock to locks to bleed, recheck level.

I had pooling of PAS fluid in the steering rack gaitors - no noticable drips in the garage floor. It was just weeping out of the gaitor itself.

[mattg7]

All,

Put some fluid in the resevoir and all is well once again! Didn't dump it all over the drive on a few lock to lock turns which was a relief! Will monitor the level to check if its seeping out of the gaiter and onto the rack...

[That Daddy]

The gaiters should not be full of oil, but if you have lost oil with no signs of leakage thats where it may have gone thats a sign the rack shaft seals are worn,this means the rack will need an overhaul soon,the gaiters will fill up with fluid and you may have to empty them sooner or later,and the Mot tester wont be happy if your loosing fluid out the gaiters,sorry to be the bearer of bad news and maybe you just have an external leak and this is not your problem,monitor the oil loss for a while

[jonathant]

The garage reported PAS oil weeping out of the gaitors and *did* mention worn rack seals. The oil loss is thankfully small given how infrequently I need to top up the reservoir.

[Al Up North]

Anyone know what the correct level should be? There are 2 level marks, about a cm apart from the bottom of the dipstick. Are they a minimum & maximum indicator, as on an engine oil dipstick?
Cheers,
Al

[midas dude]

As you said Al,minimum and max levels.

With regards fluid loss,could also be steering rack seal,part shared with Cerbs.£20,Fernhursts.
AL

[Al Up North]

midas dude said:

As you said Al,minimum and max levels.
AL

Ta mate!