check your Power Steering fluid

[turnheadz]

I was checking/inspecting my fluids/air pressure/belts.... today and much to my surprise my SSR's P.S. fluid was a tad under the add mark Holy Smokes!
Fortunatly I noticed it and after I top it up I will definatly keep an eye on it. My garage floor is always spotless so I never suspected a leak.
It's easy to check people, so get under that hood and have a peek and tell your SSR that my SSR says hi

[dougnc]

My power steering was eating a lot of fluid without showing any leaks that I could see. I asked service to look at it and they ended up replacing both the pump and the resovoir.

[shiftz33]

My power steering pump was replaced because of a leak at the mid point of the tank (at the seam).

The other thing to keep in mind, you need to check the power steering fluid when it's hot. Mine will appear low when cold, but when checked hot the fluid line is at the full mark.

[turnheadz]

I checked it cold. Then I got my manual, to see about that exact thing - hot or cold? But the book said if you have been driving it, to turn it off and let it cool down.
I think I'll call my service rep before adding in case they want to have a look first.

[shiftz33]

The 05 SSR service shop manual states it should be checked "hot". I checked my dvd based service manual for the 2004 model year and it has the same instructions as my 2005.

Here's the text from the service manual:

1. Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap.
2. Remove the reservoir cap.
3. Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals. Use the appropriate procedure below.
Add fluid when required. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
Fluid Is Hot
3.1. Run the engine until the fluid reaches about 80°C (170°F).
3.2. Turn the engine OFF.
3.3. Remove the reservoir cap.
3.4. Inspect the fluid level on the capstick.
3.5. Ensure that the fluid level is at the HOT/FULL mark on the capstick.
4. If the fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to the proper level.
5. Install the reservoir cap.
6. When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System .

[turnheadz]

Thanks shiftz33 for the info. I haven't added it yet, as I have not had a chance to buy any yet. It sounds like these shop manuals you have contain more detailed info than my basic one that came with the truck. Oh well, something else to buy! But a good investment indeed. I will warm it up and check it again. Thanks again

[turnheadz]

checked it at the 80C and indeed it was higher on the stick. But not full, so added approx 30ml today. Will check again when it's warm.

[mikepowell]

Originally Posted by turnheadz

... so get under that hood and have a peek and tell your SSR that my SSR says hi

I'm not sure that is appropriate while under the hood
black beauty'll be excited though

[turnheadz]

looks like someone is getting new wheels/tires! Hey here's an idea while it sits like that - paint the calipers