If I suck the oil out of the reservoir and refill how long does it take to circulate before repeating again to gradually replace it all ? Cheers

Depends if you are going to change the reservoir at the same time as there is a filter in this that cannot be serviced,
When I did mine I removed the O/S headlamp unit to give more access, connect the inlet pipe to the new reservoir and the return pipe to the old one then just turn the steering lock to lock until all the old fluid is flushed through then connect the return pipe on to the new reservoir, will take a litre of fluid to do it no need to start the engine until afterwards then check level as it goes down once engine is run. 2013 FL2 XS.
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Have you done a search on the forum.
There are post's regarding this, I have done the fluid change but can't remember how. Now at the point when I learn something new something old is lost out the other side !
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Hi I tried search but I only found the removal of the reservoir, I am no mechanic. I was just sucking out the oil and replacing it and wondered if it just stays there or circulate round the system. If it circulate I just wondered how long before it takes to do so.

If your going to just flush out then it would still be a litre to replace all the fluid, but just sucking out will not do it properly you need to disconnect the return hose turn the steering lock to lock until the level drops then top up and repeat untill the litre has passed through. see Utube vids. 2013 FL2 XS.
Defender 90 300 TDi.
Defender 90 300 TDi CSW.
1964 MGB Roadster.
1944 Willys MB "Jeep" with bullet holes. (gone)
17 hand Irish Drought Thoroughbred (mostly lame)
Nagging Old Boiler.

Mahatma Gandhi said if there is an Idiot in power those who elected him are well represented

Thanks, not brave enough to disconnect anything as I never seem to be able to get things back together again. I was hopeful that just draining the reservoir and refilling it might work it’s way through. Just thought something is better then nothing. Cheers

Once you know which lines are the inlet and outlet to the reservoir it's pretty simple to do a full fluid swap. Apart from making bit of a mess dripping fluid there's not THAT much that can go wrong.

Like it's been said, easier if you're replacing the reservoir with a new one. otherwise figure out a way to plug the return line coming into the reservoir and let the disconnected return line drain into a old container. Jack up the front and just turn the steering wheel back and forth all the way and it gets sucked through pretty fast and keep topping up the res with fresh fluid.

Once you've done it the first time it's an easy job. You'll feel much better once you've done it and not thrown a ton of cash at a garage for something like that.


But as for your actual question... with the engine running, it sucks through pretty quick. would think less than a minute for a full circ. Guessing you're thinking a dilution change - suck out the res, fill with new, run for a bit, repeat? I mean... it'll work, but the full change isn't that hard. Those lines are just held on with hose clamps and will wiggle off pretty easy.

Last edited by Grue on 1st Mar 2023 5:35 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Just a driver wrote:

Thanks, not brave enough to disconnect anything as I never seem to be able to get things back together again. I was hopeful that just draining the reservoir and refilling it might work it’s way through. Just thought something is better then nothing. Cheers

I did this once with a very complex watch, I ended up with a spare part.
I was an important part...

This is much easier task however and the easiest way would be to suck out the reservoir fluid 3-4 times between drives over a week or two. You might use a 1/2 to 1 litre more but it will save any headache. You'll be able to smell the old vs new fluid and have an empty container handy to store and then dispose of the old fluid.
I actually do this once a year..

Thanks that’s more my level of mechanical skill. I will just keep swapping over a period now I know it circulate. My other half saw the bit about taking stuff apart and it was a firm no. Haha. Cheers

A problem no mechanic people get is you asked a garage to do anything like this , they usually reply if it’s not broken don’t fix it. Even caravan service places are just the same, I guess none of them want work that don’t fit in with normal stuff. Dare say that there is garages somewhere that does stuff but how far away and at what cost. If a garage is along way from where you live it costs a fortune for a taxi to get back home and back to collect. I guess it’s like most things in life, it’s all a compromise.

Ooops duplicate post.

Last edited by merlinj79 on 2nd Mar 2023 10:42 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Again, you need to replace the reservoir since it has a built-in filter. If the fluid is old enough to need replacement so is the filter.

You can easily pump the fluid out with the engine off by simply turning the steering back and forth between the stops. That way you don't risk a big mess or sucking air into the system. Easier if you jack up the front wheels, but not strictly necessary.

Install the new res, hook up the supply hose, block off the return port on the res, and direct the return line to a container ( you can simply use the old res if desired). Fill up the new res, and don't let it run dry while you turn the steering wheel.

I have been sucking out the power steering oil and replacing with fresh over a period. The fluid coming out is not a lot darker then the fresh, it’s just preventative rather then repair. Thought it was in my capabilities so did it.

Did you replace the reservoir?
The filter in them blocks up, so the reservoir should be treated as a service item. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate. The family car.
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