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PS Fluid type
Beware the potential confusion.
Power steering requires "Auto transmission fluid" and a search for specific type has not shown any particular type for ps fluid.
Some (all??) manual trannies require Auto trans fluid Type F. Go figure!
Auto trannies require Dexron II/III.
My own choice for ps fluid is to use the same type auto trans required by our transmissions, which are auto, so we use Dexron III in ps and in trannies. I usually end up buying fluid rated Dexron III/Mercon, it covers both types.
Yeah, I know book says that ps fluid doesn't need changing. I think that most 240s now have enough miles on them that we've gotten beyond the range that the book writers considered. Shucks, that fluid is 15 years old! See notes on changing fluid at end of this post.
Power Steering Leak locations:
We've had leaks from two locations in our 240s
1) Out the boots at ends of steering rack. Caused by worn rack, and only cured by replacing the rack at substantial cost, like $400-500 or so.
2) Leak in hose from ps pump to rack. All soggy and messy at rear of pump where hose connects. Cured by new hose or tightening the clamp.
I suppose it could leak anywhere else in the system - but I would guess that these are the likely places.
Changing ps fluid:
I tried 2 different ways.
What DOES NOT work:
Disconnect return hose to ps reservoir, direct it into bucket or bottle, idle motor and replace fluid from new supply. Does NOT work well because fluid comes out of the hose way too fast for you to control. NOT slowly like when changing auto trans fluid.
What DOES work:
Use a turkey baster to empty the reservoir.
Refill.
Idle motor, cranking steering fully left to right a few times.
- (lift both front wheels if you want to make that part easy)
Suck reservoir dry again and refill.
Do the above a couple times till you get bored or lose patience.
PS fluid will likely ruin the rubber bulb on turkey baster. It's rated only for turkey gravy and not for tranny fluid. But it will last long enough for the job.
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Sven: '89 245, IPD sways, electric rad. fan conversion, e-codes, 28+ mpg - auto tranny. 850 mi/week commute. '89 245 #2 (wifemobile). '90 244 (spare, runs).
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