Power Steering Fluid is Dark Brown After One Week

[johnbob]

Some of you may have read or commented about my recent attempt to reseal my power steering pump on my 81 W123 300D a few weeks ago. After some rookie mistakes and some help from some of you, I got it done and the pump is no longer leaking. In the process of resealing my pump I also decided to flush out the old ATF and upgrade to enhanced power steering fluid. About a week later I checked the power steering fluid to see how the levels were and to make sure it wasn't still leaking. The good news is that the pump is not leaking, the bad news is that the new power steering fluid is already dark brown and dirty. So... I'm assuming I didn't get all the air out of the system and I probably didn't get all of the old ATF out either. I'm going to try to flush it out again this weekend and put in some more PS fluid. I just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts on this. Does this sound like the right plan or am I missing something?

Also, do I need to replace the filter? I put in a brand new filter last week but is it now contaminated or can I reuse it? Can I rinse out the filter with water or is this a bad idea? Sorry, for asking questions that might seem incredibly obvious to most of you, I'm new at this and I'm learning.

[Diesel911]

You can likely reuse the filter as the important part is filtration of particles.

The enhanced power steering fluid could be leaching stuff out of the old hoses as well as cleaning the interior or the steering box; I guess.

Another issue could be that the Dextron that originally was supposed to go into it is ATF not Power Steering Fluid.


Some US Cars use Dextron II or what ever claims to replace Dextron II or they use Power Steering Fluid. Even though they appear to use the same type of power steering pumps.


I have no idea of any interchangeability of the Dex to Power Steering fluid but one of my 92 Asrtro Van has a hydraulic power brake (no vacuum booster) and it calls for power steering fluid so that is what I use. The same pump powers the hydraulics and the steering.

[johnbob]

Originally Posted by Diesel911

You can likely reuse the filter as the important part is filtration of particles.

The enhanced power steering fluid could be leaching stuff out of the old hoses as well as cleaning the interior or the steering box; I guess.

Another issue could be that the Dextron that originally was supposed to go into it is ATF not Power Steering Fluid.


Some US Cars use Dextron II or what ever claims to replace Dextron II or they use Power Steering Fluid. Even though they appear to use the same type of power steering pumps.


I have no idea of any interchangeability of the Dex to Power Steering fluid but one of my 92 Asrtro Van has a hydraulic power brake (no vacuum booster) and it calls for power steering fluid so that is what I use. The same pump powers the hydraulics and the steering.

Thanks. Do you think I should rinse the old filter out?

[Diseasel300]

What kind of fluid did you fill the system with? The original stuff was ATF. If the old stuff was pretty horrible, you can expect to go through a good gallon or more of fresh fluid over the course of days or weeks before it stays clear. The fresh stuff will keep dislodging old fluid and muck collected in the system. There's no point in flushing out the filter, most of what's in there is passing straight through it anyway (which is why you see murky fluid!)

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by johnbob

Thanks. Do you think I should rinse the old filter out?

Well it is up to you.

I have not seen my Power Steering Filter for 9 year but believe it has a paper Filter Element. Compared to the other issue you mentioned once you drain the paper element is not going to hold much of the old fluid.

Unless there is large bits of hose on the filter that needs to be removed by rinsing I don't think rinsing it off will remove any tiny particles.

[johnbob]

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

What kind of fluid did you fill the system with? The original stuff was ATF. If the old stuff was pretty horrible, you can expect to go through a good gallon or more of fresh fluid over the course of days or weeks before it stays clear. The fresh stuff will keep dislodging old fluid and muck collected in the system. There's no point in flushing out the filter, most of what's in there is passing straight through it anyway (which is why you see murky fluid!)

I replaced it with this enhanced power steering fluid (see attached photo.) Yeah, I think I'll just need to do it a few times before it's totally clean.

[johnbob]

Originally Posted by Diesel911

Well it is up to you.

I have not seen my Power Steering Filter for 9 year but believe it has a paper Filter Element. Compared to the other issue you mentioned once you drain the paper element is not going to hold much of the old fluid.

Unless there is large bits of hose on the filter that needs to be removed by rinsing I don't think rinsing it off will remove any tiny particles.

Got it. Thanks!

[Zulfiqar]

That febi fluid is undyed atf dexron II, I dont believe its enhanced per se,

You can use regular dex/merc fluid in your car or if u fancy synthetic then ford mercon V, i have found the lube guard power steering flush and protect products work really nice, It made a really problematic land cruiser i was dealing with behave correct.

[vwnate1]

DO NOT fool with cleaning the filter ! .

Go to Dollar Store and by a turkey baster and dedicate it to your power steering fluid, check it weekly and once it turns dark brown and begins to stink, remove the filter and use the turkey baster to get ALL the old fluid out, re fill it and drive happy, after a while the fluid won't turn dark, it'll prolly still get stinky, then just change it every time you change the engine oil & filter and soon it'll remain red and sweet smelling .

BT, DT, many here are too lazy and so pooh pooh this then ***** up a storm when the pump's valves begin to buzz indicating death is near .

So far all I've had to do is replace the input shaft seal and do a few fluid changes and all is fine .

My idiot brother said "too much work ! " (he's a cheapskate ~ I do the work on his W126's, he just doesn't like to admit he cannot fix them himself) and ignores them until the PS pumps begin to buzz and stop working, then guess who gets called in to slap in another $35 dirty junkyard P.S. pump ? .

Remember : " OIL IS THE CHEAPEST MECHANIC " .

[okyoureabeast]

If you didn't drain the power steering box, you most likely have a lot of fluid left over inside of it that is still circulating.

You can drain and refill from the pump and box but you'll never quite get all the old fluid out unless you replace the pump, box, and pipes.

I would drain the box and pump and refill for good measure. My 2 cents.

[martureo]

I'd say you had dirty fluid still in the box and the lines.

1. Replace the filter (after the system is drained of course).

2. Turn the wheels to off center and remove the box drain plug. (It won't drain in the center position)

3. Refill the reservoir and have someone stand at the ready to fill the system back up when the car is turned on.


I'd also be looking at your hoses. If they are aged, cracked, or moist they could be contributing to the dirt in the system. I wouldn't worry too much about the box at this point as a change in fluid will give it a good cleaning.

As I rebuild these boxes often I can usually tell when a box has been neglected and then had it's fluid changed. The recesses in box internals will be bit filthy and stained by fluid (trans fluid dyes), but the moving surfaces will be nice and clean. This usually happens when someone drives for years without changing fluid and then adds fluid like crazy when then box starts leaking.