Lazarus-F150

Hi Everyone,
I have leaks in both of my power steering lines and I want to replace them. Do I have to do anything special like bleed the fluid (I know that I would have to drain the system somehow) and/or is there a special way to refill the system once I have the new lines in place?

Finally, any suggestions on a source for good, durable lines?

Thanks

93F-150

i wouldn't bleed the whole system. when you go to fill it back up just put a little bit in at a time and leave the cover off while turning the wheel back and forth with the engine running. thats how i did mine and it doesn't seem to have any air in the system

santa06

Steering fluid will foam pretty quick after you cycle the steering like already mentioned.

I usually stop engine after 40-50 seconds to let foam die down , then top it up as it will still be low.

Some use $2 throw away turkey baster to first drain old fluid before starting line replacement ; or unhook pressure line and run pump into a quart container for 40 seconds. Good luck.

sylver91

Get new lines and flush it out with the turkey baster, the pumps don't like to be run low on fluid even for a second. Top it off with some fresh fluid and maybe some Lucas additive, made a noticeable difference with firmer steering and response.

5Rangers

I just changed my pressure line last month. Got it from Napa. I put it on, serviced it up, jacked the front up, started it, cycled the steering lock to lock a couple times. Serviced it again , cycled it and good to go. Ole turkey baster sounds like a good idea though.

sylver91

Lol I keep one in my tool box from the dollar store

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

That's how you bleed the system.

93F-150

Sean you smartass. i meant i wouldnt drain it all the way

Lazarus-F150

Thanks everyone for the great information! I'll be ordering the new lines with the hope of swapping them out this weekend. I'm hoping that I can get some additional advice regarding the aftermath of the leaky lines. So, I haven't had the truck that long and bought it as a fixer and it looks like the lines have been leaking for a bit. Can I get some suggestions on how to clean and re-lube (or not) the linkages from the power steering gearbox (and other steering linkages)? I have attached a picture. Sorry that its poor quality (I couldn't be home while the sun was still shining).

Also, any recommendations on cleaning and re-lubricating the joint between the steering rack and the knuckle (I think this is the right part that I am referring to; pictures of right and left also attached)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

sylver91

If they have grease fittings on them, get a grease gun and pump it in, just don't overdo it where it will burst the boot.