240 DL 1989 B230F auto, 304K kilometers, highway

Hi all,

For the past couple months I have noticed occasional "tight" steering. This occures intermittently, usually for a very small portion of travel and then corrects itself. It's not completely tight, just a bit weak from a pwr sterrng perspective.

Last week I checked the fluid level. It appeared about an inch low in the container. I toppped off.

This week I verified it again, level was good, but I noticed the fluid was chocolate color (brown).

This seems like a sign of burned fluid. Historically, I would belive it might be original, at least never flushed recently.

Before I flush it, what can cause this? Is it possible there is internal corrosion ? anyone experience this before?

For flushing, I assume I should just tap off the line going to the resevoir so it goes into a bucket and keep the resevoir full, until I see clear fluid coming out the other end. Any other/better way?

Thanks!
Greg Mustang
Montreal - Canada