Power Steering fluid over fill

[robcass]

I recently filled my power steering resevoir (yes, with ATF). The problem was I could not tell the level for the life of me. I probably over filled it.

Is it possible that when over filled, the fluid will spew out? (Asking because there is wetness at either the resevoir or the upper hose with the metal end.

If it is that upper hose, can I simply replace and refill the system or is there a critcal bleed process?
Thanks in advance!

[syncrodoka]

There is no bleed process that I have ever heard of. Just add fluid, start motor, turn steering wheel lock to lock and add more fluid if needed. I once had a reservoir develop a small crack just on top of the mount and it took me a while to figure out where the leak was.

[Timwhy]

If you feel that you have TOO much ATF in the res.and want to get rid of some. You can always diconnect the return line from the rack to the res. and start the engine for a couple of seconds. This will send fluid out so you'll need something to catch it. Never reuse ATF that comes out in this process, I think that you have to top the res. off when you attach the low pressure hose. The top hose is the low pressure return line.
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[tencentlife]

The only rson you don't fill the res to the top is to leave a little space for fluid expansion. If you've overfilled you'll know it by the fluid overflowing, but that will also correct the level. Mop n' go.

Bleeding is as described: run engine and work steering lock to lock a few times, then correct fluid level if needed.

If you wish to draw out excess fluid before it makes a mess, a bulb syringe is a lot easier and neater than undoing hoses. It's a good tool to have around, I like the automotive ones where the bulb can be separated from the nozzle to clean it out. They can be found at some FLAPS for a few dollars, or small one-piece ones can be had at pharmacies (also called a baby syringe).

Did you know there's a filter in the PS fluid res that you can replace?

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[robcass]

I was thinking it did not look like much of a filter.... I was hesitant to unscrew the big cap on the tank, as everything plastic on my van seems to break when I touch it.... Thanks for the tip, much appreciated.

[tencentlife]

Yes, getting the big black cover off the res can be tough, but if you want to do a nice service on the PS, something that never gets done, then it's worthwhile to get at the filter. It's easiest to just remove the res to do all this, then you can get a good grip on the cover because it can definitely take some twist to get it moving, and also clean the sludge out of the bottom of the res at the same time. When the res is clean, you can actually read the level, imagine that! Clean filter means a happy pump, a happy pump and clean fluid means a happy rack, and that's about all there is to it. I promise your old filter is probably the one VW put in at the factory, these never get changed because no one knows they're there, and I also promise it is blacker than black with filth. In contrast, I used to work on high end Euro cars and we changed the PS filters with a major service. They were mostly mounted like this one inside the res but there was slightly easier access to get the top off.
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[OilNBolts]

My '89 had a power steering pump that was really noisy in cold weather until it had a chance to warm up. As a Saturday Vanagon project I removed the reservoir, replaced the nasty black filter, and flushed the system with clean new fluid.
Big difference- pump noise was gone and it even felt smoother, though I may have been imagining that part. This procedure has come right after fuel line replacement on the next two vans.
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[robcass]

What is the best way to flush the system?

[randywebb]

[robcass]

The procedure worked great, thank a bunch. I bought both replacement hoses that come the resevoir from Van Cafe and simply cut them off the resevoir rather than try to get them off. I removed the resevoir which made it easier to unscrew the black cap which was tough. I had to carefully cut the hoses off the res ports as they were hardened and would not move. The filter and fluid was pretty black. The bolt on the res pump was on there really tight. I had to use a beefy 6" extension on the 24mm socket and a long ratchet handle to break it loose. (I suggest you not replace the res hoses if you only have a simple wrench.) I ended up putting about a quart and an eighth of ATF back into the system. Note- be careful when removing the res. There is are two tabs on the bottom of the unit (works like a backpack clip) that clips it onto the holder welded to the side of the engine. I got lucky and did not break those but I can see how it could be easy to do.

[binger59]

I'm about to do this In the next month or so and had a question. I was browsing the FLAPs today and didn't see any Dexron II just dexron III and VI and a couple other atf products. So the questions is does it have to be "dexron II" or will III or VI or the other be ok?
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1984 Westy
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[Timwhy]

should be the same evolved product with a different name.
_________________
'15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS


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[binger59]

Thanks Timwhy I thought that might be the case but I wasn't positive.
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Binger

1984 Westy
1986 7 Pass R.I.P. Donor van
2019 Jetta
2014 Passat
2019 Atlas
2006 Passat R.I.P.
1998 Jetta R.I.P.
1984 Vanagon R.I.P.

[randywebb]

"...to break the bolt on the reservoir pump loose.

I'm not clear on why the pump had to be removed to flush out the system (??)

[Timwhy]

[randywebb]

new question:

how do you know if you are running the power steering pump dry or not??

Bentley says to bleed the system with the engine off (48.8 ) - is there some noise?
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[dobryan]

If the pump runs dry it makes a nasty noise. In my experience you'll know, don't ask me how I learned this.
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[randywebb]

thanks much
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[randywebb]

I was unable to get any power steering fluid out with the engine turned off.

So, I turned it on & cranked the wheel back & forth, lock to lock - that got out a bit more fluid.

Can't tell if I'm done or not as I don't want to tear up the pump - no unusual noises yet.


Any thoughts on using compressed air into one hose to try and blow fluid out the other??
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[syncrodoka]

I have never tried to do it with the engine off because the pump pressurizes the fluid to go through the rack.
Just drive it around with a bottle of ATF for a day and check if it needs to be topped off. Once it is full there isn't anything else to do to it.