Power Steering for a newbie.

[Bessie the Mud Slayer]

I'm pretty certain my power steering fluid is toast. Based on the only thread on the topic that search gave me, it sounds right. I get a sort of moaning with a little odd vibration in the steering wheel on some turning. Only happens when one of two factors are in place; first: First few turns of the day, as in coming out of the driveway. Second: when the bus is not under power, as in idling through a turn.
This morning I went to check it out, and realized how clueless I am in an engine cavity. I couldn't even find the pump, let alone the reservoir, assuming there is one. The wiki had some info, but nothing much more than basic diagrams.
I'm not a mechanic, but I can pull a wrench and learn pretty quick, so here's the punch line............. Is changing the power steering fluid a simple job? and Is there somewhere else I can obtain the info to do such a task?

Thats my saga. Comment, help, laugh........

Thanks,
Tyler.

[mararmeisto]

Tilt the driver's seat forward, reach behind the seat, lift the carpet, unscrew the access panel, unscrew cap marked "Power Steering", read level, top-up as required. Re-assemble cabin and adjust seating as desired.

[Erebus]

To be even more thorough, use turkey baster, remove as much fluid as you can, then top up. That will replace most of the fluid.

[Journeyman]

Tyler, your power steering fluid is likely just low due to a slow leak. When the fluid is cold it has a lower volume (molecules get closer together) and thus will not fully cover the pump vanes causing the noise as the pump tries to push both oil and air together. As the fluid warms up it expands and thus the level raises and the noise goes away. If this is left unattended to you will eventually loose all power assist and possibly wreck your pump. This is a condition that is not caused of cured by p/s fluid condition, but rather level. Once you find your leak and set the fluid level you should be golden.

-Nick

[nvanadm]

unscrew the access panel

Can someone post a picture of the INSIDE of the access panel where the power steering fluid is? Mine appears to have a hose missing, but for some reason that may be normal.

Thanks!

[loki]

unscrew the access panel

Can someone post a picture of the INSIDE of the access panel where the power steering fluid is? Mine appears to have a hose missing, but for some reason that may be normal.

Thanks!

if your talking about the "missing" hose going to the air filter, the gap is there by design, and this info should be pretty readily found with a search :)

[FalcoColumbarius]

To be even more thorough, use turkey baster, remove as much fluid as you can, then top up. That will replace most of the fluid.

How is turkey with power steering fluid?

This might help you Tyler: "Forum Index"/"Delica Canada Technical"/"FAQs And Downloads"/'L300 Delica Downloads"; scroll down to L300 Steering & Front Axle Manuals (http://www.delica.ca/forum/l-300-steeri ... -7334.html). Click on the appropriate manual and read away... smiles.

Falco.

[mararmeisto]

Did you end up remedying your groaning steering? I can tell you found the panel behind the seat (because you asked about the 'missing hose'), but you didn't indicate the state of your steering fluid or the pump itself.

[Bessie the Mud Slayer]

The groaning has subsided. It was definately a low fluid issue. However, now I have a leak in a spot that doesn't appear to be any good at all. Right up front on the passenger side, where the tire attaches to the axle, Under the rubber boot, (Tie rod?). I've scoured the forum and read similar posts and determined that I need a new steering rack. Not too happy about that.

[mararmeisto]

The groaning has subsided. It was definately a low fluid issue. However, now I have a leak in a spot that doesn't appear to be any good at all. Right up front on the passenger side, where the tire attaches to the axle, Under the rubber boot, (Tie rod?). I've scoured the forum and read similar posts and determined that I need a new steering rack. Not too happy about that.

That would explain where your fluid was going...