4.8is Power Steering Fluid Change Pics

SlickGT1 · #1 03-02-2012, 11:52 AM

Hi All. After seeing a bunch of power steering threads. I decided to take and post some pics of the process, and just to show you guys what my fluid looks like at 78k miles, on a 2006 4.8is. My car uses Pentosin for the steering fluid. It should say this on your cap.

So here is how I do it. A beer bottle, and a little hand pump. Please note the color of that fluid. These pictures are from me replacing the PS fluid the third time. You will see the color of the Pentosin later on. This is just to show you how dirty it is. 2 drain and fills did a lot, but still a ways to go.

Beer bottle on the right is with the pumped out fluid. Bottle on left is just a holder for the pump. Letting it drain off. Yea so a beer bottle is enough to drain the entire tank.

New fluid can, with the PS cap on top of it. See what it says on the cap. Yours might say ATF, just make sure you double check.

Look at the color of the fresh PS juice. The crap that was pumped out, was no where near this color.

Check your level, and go have fun with your now, refreshed, and lighter feeling steering.

SlickGT1 · #2 03-02-2012, 11:55 AM

Oh by the way.

1qt is not enough. I am done with it already. Make sure you get yourself at least two quarts.

Icer006 · #3 03-02-2012, 01:47 PM

So, you only changed the fluid in the reservoir. What about the fluid that's in the lines already? Need to flush the entire system.

SlickGT1 · #4 03-02-2012, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icer006

So, you only changed the fluid in the reservoir. What about the fluid that's in the lines already? Need to flush the entire system.

Yea I know, but that takes too much effort. I rather do this once a week and it will get better.

relentlessone · #5 03-02-2012, 03:01 PM

Thanks for posting this. Just out of curiosity, what is your month of production? I have an 10/06 4.8is but it takes ATF fluid.

tmv · #6 03-04-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icer006

So, you only changed the fluid in the reservoir. What about the fluid that's in the lines already? Need to flush the entire system.

Doing it three or four times at the reservoir would replace most of it, as he did.

JCL · #7 03-04-2012, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmv

Doing it three or four times at the reservoir would replace most of it, as he did.

Yes, but isn't it a little like changing engine oil one litre at a time? Why not just drain it properly, get all the crap out of the bottom where it is sitting in the steering gear, and put fresh fluid in? Do it by disconnecting the return line. It can be messy, but at least you change all the fluid.

tmv · #8 03-04-2012, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

Yes, but isn't it a little like changing engine oil one litre at a time? Why not just drain it properly, get all the crap out of the bottom where it is sitting in the steering gear, and put fresh fluid in? Do it by disconnecting the return line. It can be messy, but at least you change all the fluid.

Can you force yourself to drain just one liter of engine oil while you are doing an oil change? I am sure if changing PS fluid is just as easy as engine oil, then everyone would be doing it the way you describe here. PS fluid is not as critical as engine oil.

JCL · #9 03-05-2012, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmv

Can you force yourself to drain just one liter of engine oil while you are doing an oil change? I am sure if changing PS fluid is just as easy as engine oil, then everyone would be doing it the way you describe here. PS fluid is not as critical as engine oil.

It isn't as easy as changing engine oil, as there is no single point drain plug. However, you can remove a single return line and drain it from there. It is that easy. All those who want to remove 20% of it at a time with a turkey baster just want to avoid getting their hands dirty, IMO. No, it isn't as critical as engine oil, but if you are going to the trouble to change it why not do the job properly?

williak7 · #10 04-29-2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

Yes, but isn't it a little like changing engine oil one litre at a time? Why not just drain it properly, get all the crap out of the bottom where it is sitting in the steering gear, and put fresh fluid in? Do it by disconnecting the return line. It can be messy, but at least you change all the fluid.

There is a nice little video here for flushing your power steering. I have not done this yet, but plan to next weekend. If anyone has tried this let me know your thoughts.

Changing Power Steering Filter and Fluid – BMW and MINI DIY Video | Bavarian Autosport Blog

Thanks
Kevin