Power Steering Flush - How to

[Budgie590]

I have water in my power steering system. This embarrassingly was self inflicted when I mistook the PS reservoir for the coolant header tank and topped it up with about a cupful of fresh tap water. My other car which is a Vauxhall Omega Elite has the coolant header tank in a similar position on the other side of the engine bay.
Anyway I booked the car into my local repair centre (who have looked after my cars for the past 20 years) for a PS system flush and replace with new Dexron fluid which they acquired from the local Jaguar dealership in Lincoln.
However they were unsuccessful in completely flushing the water contaminated fluid from the system as it still has a pink hue from the emulsified mix of water and fluid. They suggested I returned in a week when they would repeat the process in order to finally clear the contaminant.
Could you advise how best to remove the contaminant (flush the system) and return things back to normal with new fluid.
Just after buying the car back in September I had the PS "anti squeak" fluid added to reduce the common rack squeak.
I guess this needs to be repeated after the system is successfully flushed?

[Montana5]

Not something I've had experience with, so I would think what you are doing is the right way to go, though if you hadn't driven the Car it may have simply been a case of draining and cleaning the Reservoir, it might take a few flushes to get rid of the last traces of water.

You might not need the Power Steering additive, I would wait a while and see if the squeak comes back.

Doug.

[Budgie590]

Not something I've had experience with, so I would think what you are doing is the right way to go, though if you hadn't driven the Car it may have simply been a case of draining and cleaning the Reservoir, it might take a few flushes to get rid of the last traces of water.

You might not need the Power Steering additive, I would wait a while and see if the squeak comes back.

Doug.

Many thanks for the encouraging response. The car is going in for a second flush tomorrow so we shall see what the result is.

[oldtimer]

Budgie 590,
Sorry to hear about your mishap.

As part of the annual service I chose to replace the power steering oil earlier this year.

What a performance. Let me tell you I'm sure I didn't get all the oil out prior to top up.

On my 03 MY V6.
By removing the engine under tray to expose the rack ( I'm sure you have to drop the under tray and I ain't going to have a look at this time of night) Where was I, oh yes, Examine the pipe work in the vicinity of the rack tower where several pipes connect and you will see that a rubber hose runs parallel with the rack. This hose has a removable bung which will allow a little more oil out. Exercising the rack through the full left / right range will help. I'm sure I've discussed this drain pipe with Martec who has an earlier model, he seems to think that his doesn't have this pipe fitted

Thinking about it, I'm inclined to think that a Jaguar Dealer would want to remove the rack and the pump in order to ensure it is clear of water. Although I'm not too bothered about contamination of the rack water in the pump does concern me. Or running the pump on contaminated oil.

I hope that helps a little but let us know how you resolve the problem

Oldtimer

[Budgie590]

Budgie 590,
Sorry to hear about your mishap.

As part of the annual service I chose to replace the power steering oil earlier this year.

What a performance. Let me tell you I'm sure I didn't get all the oil out prior to top up.

On my 03 MY V6.
By removing the engine under tray to expose the rack ( I'm sure you have to drop the under tray and I ain't going to have a look at this time of night) Where was I, oh yes, Examine the pipe work in the vicinity of the rack tower where several pipes connect and you will see that a rubber hose runs parallel with the rack. This hose has a removable bung which will allow a little more oil out. Exercising the rack through the full left / right range will help. I'm sure I've discussed this drain pipe with Martec who has an earlier model, he seems to think that his doesn't have this pipe fitted

Thinking about it, I'm inclined to think that a Jaguar Dealer would want to remove the rack and the pump in order to ensure it is clear of water. Although I'm not too bothered about contamination of the rack water in the pump does concern me. Or running the pump on contaminated oil.

I hope that helps a little but let us know how you resolve the problem

Oldtimer

Many thanks for the info - I have passed onto my repair man

[Martec]

Hi Budgie,

I'm sure your mechanic knows as well as everyone else that water doesn't usually mix with oil and if it does it separates out quickly. Also as Oldtimer says you can never get all the old oil out, so it maybe an idea to work the steering to mix up the oil and water and then stop the engine and drain the oil immediately whilst the water is in suspension.

Best wishes
Brian

[Budgie590]

Budgie 590,
Sorry to hear about your mishap.

As part of the annual service I chose to replace the power steering oil earlier this year.

What a performance. Let me tell you I'm sure I didn't get all the oil out prior to top up.

On my 03 MY V6.
By removing the engine under tray to expose the rack ( I'm sure you have to drop the under tray and I ain't going to have a look at this time of night) Where was I, oh yes, Examine the pipe work in the vicinity of the rack tower where several pipes connect and you will see that a rubber hose runs parallel with the rack. This hose has a removable bung which will allow a little more oil out. Exercising the rack through the full left / right range will help. I'm sure I've discussed this drain pipe with Martec who has an earlier model, he seems to think that his doesn't have this pipe fitted

Thinking about it, I'm inclined to think that a Jaguar Dealer would want to remove the rack and the pump in order to ensure it is clear of water. Although I'm not too bothered about contamination of the rack water in the pump does concern me. Or running the pump on contaminated oil.

I hope that helps a little but let us know how you resolve the problem

Oldtimer

Many thanks for the info - I have passed onto my repair man

My repair garage took your advice regarding the "removable bung" and managed to purge the system more effectively. The fluid is back to its normal colour and consistency rather than the Strawberry milkshake look. - Thanks again