[ecbsykes]

I'm going to be doing some work on the car really soon and I've got just a couple of things I could use help on.

1) The power steering reservoir needs to be replaced. Right now I've got a mix (bad, I know) of the Volvo fluid and Prestone fluid. I want to do a "flush" with ATF. Can I use Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF for the power steering? Is the "fill-as-you-drain method (while pump is running) best?

2) I've got a problem with a hose or the washer pump. The washer pump for the front works fine, however no fluid gets to the back. The whole assembly seems to be hard to get to; is there any way to have easier access to the washer system area so I can see what the problem might be? Currently when I hit the button, fluids dumps out and sprays around.

3) I'd like to replace most of the wire loom on various wires in the car. Almost all is still original; falling apart and cracked, exposing the wires to some really high temps. Where is the best place to buy some good quality high-temperature resistant wire loom at a reasonable cost?

Thank you all, these forums have been invaluable to me in my quest for better car maintenance knowledge!

 

[lookforjoe]

plain old ATF works just fine for the PS.

If the rear washer doesn't work, it's most likely the check valve in the back or the rear nozzle. Have someone put their hand by the rear pump (it's on the top of the reservoir, right near where the filler neck goes in) With the car off, you should hear/feel the pump run when you press the button.

When you say wire looms, are you referring to the coiled sheath over the wiring? Visible in this pic...

damaged in this pic where it goes to the alarm horn...

It's pretty rare for the wiring coating to deteriorate. If you do mean the sheath, you can buy it at autoparts stores.

 

[ecbsykes]

Re: (lookforjoe)

Yea, by "wire loom" I mean the black coiled outer shell that goes around the wires. Nearly all of it in my car is horribly deteriorated.

For the washer, I do hear the pump running when we hit the button. It must be a clogged or disconnected valve. I'll try to check the connections.

Also, I know I can use normal ATF; I was just wondering if there would be any benefits at all or possible problems with using the full synthetic ATF. The PS pump could handle the synthetic ATF right?

Thank you for the response! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

 

[lookforjoe]

no benefit to running synthetic. The rack will fail when it wants, regardless of what variety fluid you run.