Flushing and bleeding the rack and pinion is ideal when replacing the pump, rack and pinion or completing a routine check. If the rack and pinion are worn or leaking, it will affect the overall handling and safety of the car. We will explain the steps to flush and bleed your 1979-1993 Fox Body Mustang. These steps generally can be used on other applications, however, some steps may vary depending on the year and model.
This install will take roughly 30 minutes to complete and will require average mechanical knowledge.
Tools Needed
- Good Assortment Or Wrenches/Sockets
- Drain Pan
- Push Pin Removal Tool
- Assortment of Rags
- Jack & Jack Stands or Lift
- Power Steering Fluid
- Funnel
Check out our other install and how-to videos related to the steering system, such as:
How to install a new Steering Rack
How to install a new Power Steering Pump
Flush & Bleed Steps
- Support the vehicle as high as possible if you're working off of jack stands or with a lift. Locate the power steering cooler tube and hoses. Position the drain pan under the hoses. Dislodge the pushpin securing the frame rail splash shield to the core support. Clean this area if it's needed.
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- Loosen the clamp securing the upper & lower hose to the cooler tube and slide it back. These hoses lead to the power steering pump. Be prepared for fluid to run out. Allow the fluid to drain from both hoses.
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- Once both hoses slow to a drip, connect and plug the hoses to stop the flow. We used a 3/8 extension and secured it with the clamp.
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- Use this time to flush the power steering cooler if you removed it from the car. Use an air compressor at a low PSI setting.
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- Ensure the low-pressure hose from the steering rack is positioned over the drain pan.
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- Remove the power steering cap and fill the reservoir with the selected power steering fluid.
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- Rotate the belt tensioner and relieve tension on the belt. Rotate the pump by hand in the correct orientation to move fresh fluid through the system.
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- When the reservoir begins to run low, refill and rotate the steering wheel back and forth. Repeat these steps until the fluid coming out of the low-pressure hose is nice and clean.
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- You can now remove the caps from the cooler tubes and reinstall the hoses from the steering rack. You can position each clamp and tighten them down.
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- Back up top, you can reinstall the serpentine belt and refill the reservoir with fresh fluid.
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- Have a friend watch the reservoir so they can tell you when to turn it off. Start the car and let it run long enough so the pump can move some fluid through the system and then turn it off. Pour some more fluid in and repeat the process. Once the fluid remains constant in the reservoir, start the car and turn the wheel from lock to lock to bleed the rack and pinion further. If you begin to see air, bubbles, or foam, turn the car off to let the air all out. Do not let the pump suck air into the system. You can now reinstall the cap once there is no more air.
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- Pull the cap out and check the fluid levels. If it's too high, use a syringe to drain it. If it's too low, add more fluid.
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- All right, everybody, we hope that this article has helped you better understand how to flush and bleed the power steering system on your 1979-1993 Fox Body Mustang.
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As always, make sure to keep it here with the Real Mustang Enthusiasts at LMR.com.
