Oppo Mechanical Help Requested

"Deal Killer - Powered by Focus" (dealkiller-ii) 10/08/2017 at 20:03 • Filed to: None

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I just changed the power steering fluid in the wife’s ‘00 Explorer, after following the owners manual and using Mercon V ATF fluid. Surprisingly easy to change the fluid, but now the steering has a slight shudder when turning. I’m assuming some air is in the system, as it is a bit better after driving around the block a few times. Am I on the right track here, as I don’t want to my wife pissed that I ruined a previously working power steering system. The old fluid was pretty dark, however.

E90M3 > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 20:08

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Jack it up, take the cap off the reservoir, and turn it lock to lock several times and see if that helps.

Frank Grimes > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 20:09

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It could be air in there. I think when you change power steering fluid you just leave the top of the reservoir off and turn the steering wheel back and forth nearly to the lock on each side but for some reason you arent supposed to go to the full locks. This is how you get the air out.

Nibbles > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 20:10

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What Grimey said.

Discerning > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 20:16

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Did you use a turkey baster or did you drain It? Either way, you likely have a little bit of air in the system. Keep sawing away at the wheel and top off as necessary.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > E90M3 10/08/2017 at 20:25

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Yep, did that, and took it for a drive. It appears to be better than when I first dropped it down off the jack stands. My wife works next to a auto service center, and they seem to be pretty straight with her, as she gives them good discounts on chiropractic & massage therapy at her office. If the shudder doesn’t go away in the next day or so, she’ll just take it there and see where I fucked up. Which will do wonders for my self esteem as far as DIY auto mechanics.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > Discerning 10/08/2017 at 20:27

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Yep, drained out the system, even pulled the low pressure line to get as much old fluid out as possible. Filled it back up, turned the wheel several times and topped up the fluid. Apparently if the engine is off, that is where air can get in. I’m hoping that is the cause of the shudder.

E90M3 > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 20:28

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Well, hopefully it’ll get better. I used to have a 1997 Explorer, I can’t remember what the steering was like.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 21:03

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I’ve had good luck with the Lucas PS stopleak stuff too. Add 1/2 pint to an empty reservoir and top off with fluid, then raise the wheels off the ground and saw back and forth 10-20 times slowly. Quiets down some really knarly ps pumps. I’m talking 150-200k with black fluid, works wonders.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 10/08/2017 at 21:12

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Yeah, I might try something like that. The PS still wines a bit, so that might help quiet things down a bit.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 21:18

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Usually you have to turn the wheel back and forth a whole bunch. Get the wheels off the ground (or park it on ice, so you don’t flat-spot the tires) and go lock to lock for five minutes or so. It’ll slowly get better with driving too, usually, but if there’s too much air in the system the pump can sometimes turn the fluid into a nasty froth that hangs onto the air... not great.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 21:20

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I don’t use the stuff on newer or low mileage vehicles, just the ones that have been neglected or really high miles. Saved me from replacing the rack on my ‘87 vette a few years back.The rack was seeping at the bellows, so only way to repair was a rebuilt rack, so I threw a Hail Mary and dumped a pint of Lucas in it and drove it for a few months. Smoothed out the steering and stopped the leaks. 140k on it at the time.  

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 10/08/2017 at 21:23

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2000 Explorer with 155,000 on the odometer. Marvel Mystery Fluids can’t hurt.

Discerning > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 21:27

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It can take a lot of sawing at the wheel if you do a complete drain. Just have to keep going at it until it goes away.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/08/2017 at 23:03

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Marvel mystery is more for cleaning though. I’d stick with the Lucas stuff. But yeah, given its age, shouldn’t hurt.