Shroud mounted P/S reservior - clean the screen!

[RaymondT]

While I was flushing fluids on my newly acquired SE, I decided to remove the remote P/S reservoir to give it a good cleaning. I had already taken the shroud off to change the radiator so it was just dangling there. What I found is a fine metal screen on the return side. Looks to be a little larger than a quarter. At first, I didn't even see the screen thanks to the build-up of sludge coating it. After detaching it from the rubber lines, I shook and drained the reservoir a few times with solvent. I then sprayed brake-kleen with the red nozzle extension from the port side and through the fill opening. Blew it out with air and there was a nice clean shiny metal screen.

I can't imagine how the power steering was even functioning. I would probably want to clean this every few years. Likely this will extend the service life of the pump by many years.

 

[Chris]

Definitely a good tip!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Hah I wonder how many people are having trouble with their PS system that is caused by nothing more than that clogged filter screen. Nice find!

 

[StG58]

Nice find! Kudos for sharing this tip.

 

[Stinger]

Power steering?

 

[RaymondT]

I had to correct my original post. The screen is on the return side. I had to re-flush the system to install my AC Delco Reman steering gear and had a closer look at the inside of the reservoir.

 

[SSTJ]

Old thread, but great to know. I'm about to flush my power steering fluid, so I'll have a look for this screen on my 97 SE.