How to change the power steering & brake fluids on a 2002 mustang.

[mt7rabbit]

Just like the tittle says, I need to change the Power Steering fluid and brake fluids on my girlfriends V8 mustang. Before I go on a long and probably fruitless search on the net for these topics I thought I would ask here. Maybe other mustang owners can point me in the right direction. I've worked on cars before but these fluids (brake & power steering) are uncharted territory for me. If you guys can include pictures that would be awesome.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[mt7rabbit]

nobody?

[InTgr8r]

Power steering is a hydraulic system, it doesn't see the heat cycles of the brake system.
& the fluid does not have the same hydroscopic properties of brake fluid.
....so; you really don't need to change it very often.

PS fluid is cheap, so the easiest way to freshen it up is;
Draw as much fluid out of the reservoir as possible (a turkey baster works good) & top it up with fresh.
Repeat 2-3 more times over a couple of weeks & after the 3rd time you should see nice clear fluid in the reservoir.

for the brakes....
Brakes are brakes, ..basically you do them the same any car.
Draw the old fluid out of the reservoir, top up & start bleeding at the calipers.
There are many brake DIY postings here & all over the web if you want/need more detail.

[mt7rabbit]

^ ok so brakes no problem, this is what I found on the power steering from some mustang forums.

The return line is low pressure, and will usually just have a hose clamp on it where it connects to the pump. The high pressure line has molded connectors. To make it easier on your steering components and your tires, raise the front wheels off the ground slightly before you start (use jack stands). It is best to have a buddy to help you, so you don't have to make a dozen trips out from under the car and back. You don't want to let the reservoir go dry and get air in the system.

You can do this with the engine running while you turn the wheel left and right:

1. Remove hose and drain fluid.
2. Replace hose and top up the reservoir.
3. Start engine.
4. Slowly turn the wheels stop to stop, then back to straight ahead.
5. Stop engine
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 as necessary, until the fluid you drain is clear.

ANOTHER POST

Drain first:
Using s screwdriver, remove the loe-pressure hose from the pump (hose clamp).
AIM (you'll misss anyways) the hose at an oilpan to catch the fluid.
Drain ALL the oil from the housing.

Now flush:
Cap the housing with a rubber cap (plug the hole with something).
Add new fluid to top it off.
Idle the car while contantly adding fluid, while "peeing" out the removed hose into the drainpan.
When it runs clear, stop.
Reinstall the rubber hose, and top it off.

Run steering wheel lok-to-lok a few times to remove air bubbles from the rack, and check fluid level.

not too complicated.

[InTgr8r]

Originally Posted by mt7rabbit

^ ok so brakes no problem, this is what I found on the power steering from some mustang forums.

not too complicated.

Piece of cake