How important is power steering level fluid?

miniyazz · 17 Jul 2012 at 00:28

As title, what sort of problems with too empty/too full? How tight are the tolerances usually? Much variance between systems?

I topped mine up as it was running slightly low on the dipstick, put in 50-100mls.. and now it's reading too high, lol. I have no tubing with which to siphon it out. Do I need to buy a hose? Or will it be fine?

bledd · 17 Jul 2012 at 00:40

Straw?

acemastr · 17 Jul 2012 at 00:58

dunk a rag in there and soak some up?

Can't imagine it'd be a problem, it's not quite as urgent as brake fluid and oil

scottmuir424 · 17 Jul 2012 at 01:07

if the fluid is to low then you run the risk of getting air bubbles throw the power steering making it feel light and heavy at times, if this happens fill to appropriate level and turn steering wheel full lock from side to side a few times pushes the air out the system.

miniyazz · 17 Jul 2012 at 01:23

bledd. said:
Straw?

No straws either

Was kinda hoping whatever made it low in the first place would kick in..

But *touch wood* it won't, lol.

Rag - I wouldn't want to contaminate it accidentally.

Maybe a long tea spoon I don't like and bend it into the right shape?!

Evoss · 17 Jul 2012 at 02:20

miniyazz said:
No straws either

May sound simple but, you could buy a straw

realscot · 17 Jul 2012 at 07:37

Don't worry about it, its just a reservoir, to little is a problem as already mentioned, plus too low is also an mot failure! A little over max is absolutely nothing to worry about and will in no way affect the operation of the power steering. Engine oil is about the only thing under the bonnet that is really bad to overfill, everything else doesn't really matter that much as long as your not filling it to the neck!

miniyazz · 17 Jul 2012 at 10:30

Evoss said:
May sound simple but, you could buy a straw

Off to Maccy D's later today, lol

realscot said:
Don't worry about it, its just a reservoir, to little is a problem as already mentioned, plus too low is also an mot failure! A little over max is absolutely nothing to worry about and will in no way affect the operation of the power steering. Engine oil is about the only thing under the bonnet that is really bad to overfill, everything else doesn't really matter that much as long as your not filling it to the neck!

Thanks for the reassurance. Reason I was a bit hesitant is my Bentley manual says if it's too low, fill it up (and check for leaks if majorly low) and if too full, siphon some out - but I guess they're erring on the side of caution!

Matt82 · 17 Jul 2012 at 11:10

if it expands too much when warm etc it will just flow out the overflow on the cap

low level is something to worry about. the pump runs dry, you lose power steering, both of which are a headache

shauncr91 · 17 Jul 2012 at 11:15

If you need to drain some out you just need to disconnect the top hose and turn the wheel a couple of times until enough has drained, make sure you have a container at the end of the disconnected hose though.

miniyazz · 17 Jul 2012 at 12:51

shauncr91 said:
If you need to drain some out you just need to disconnect the top hose and turn the wheel a couple of times until enough has drained, make sure you have a container at the end of the disconnected hose though.

I guess that would work

Dr Who · 17 Jul 2012 at 12:57

The main risk of overfilling is spillage. If the spillage gets on the exhaust it can ignite, unlike fuel which would typically evaporate.

miniyazz · 17 Jul 2012 at 13:04

Dr Who said:
The main risk of overfilling is spillage. If the spillage gets on the exhaust it can ignite, unlike fuel which would typically evaporate.

Cheers

Dr Who · 17 Jul 2012 at 13:17

miniyazz said:
Cheers

YW

I would go to KFC and ask them for a big krushem straw, dip that in the fluid as far as it will go and then cover the top with a finger and take it out, like a big pipette with the depth staying in the straw, then release the end over a container to catch the fluid.

Rinse/repeat until correct level achieved.

:cool:

B@Th*nG · 17 Jul 2012 at 16:16

get a syringe for under a quid from a chemist/supermarket

B@

miniyazz · 17 Jul 2012 at 18:18

Dr Who said:
YW

I would go to KFC and ask them for a big krushem straw, dip that in the fluid as far as it will go and then cover the top with a finger and take it out, like a big pipette with the depth staying in the straw, then release the end over a container to catch the fluid.

Rinse/repeat until correct level achieved.

B@Th*nG said:
get a syringe for under a quid from a chemist/supermarket

B@

Both excellent suggestions (and I work in a hospital

, although I wouldn't want to further bankrupt the NHS!)

Scania · 18 Jul 2012 at 14:06

Matt82 said:
if it expands too much when warm etc it will just flow out the overflow on the cap

low level is something to worry about. the pump runs dry, you lose power steering, both of which are a headache

Arm ache more like!!

Outcast · 18 Jul 2012 at 14:16

R420LA6X2/4MNA said:
Arm ache more like!!

Absolutely.

I once went a week without Power steering on an old ERF.

2 things can be gleaned from that experience..

1: You learn very quickly to do the reverse in one (No shunt)
2: It's brilliant for body building

Scania · 19 Jul 2012 at 20:00

Outcast said:
Absolutely.

I once went a week without Power steering on an old ERF.

2 things can be gleaned from that experience..

1: You learn very quickly to do the reverse in one (No shunt)
2: It's brilliant for body building

Fair play to you!!

The steering pump failed on my Scania a while back, I could not drive the thing in any safe manner whatsoever!

I'm far from a weakling either...

Scania · 19 Jul 2012 at 20:06

Double post - bloody iPhone!