I changed the radiator and when i did the poweer steering fluid leaked out. Is is safe to drive this a couple of miles to the parts store for more fluid or can i put trans fluid in there as a tempory fix? Also I really did not pay attention to the two lines that I disconnected. Will it harm anything if these lines are reversed? one line has a bend in it and the other is straight. does anyone know what lines goes on top?

 

I doubt you are even a quart low, unless it sat there dripping all day. The short answer is yes, you can drive it to the parts store.


I'm not sure how you could get steel lines reversed, I don't believe there is a check valve in the cooler, so it should work the same regardless of the flow direction.

 

If your talking about the 2 metal lines that attach to the radiator, those are your transmission cooling lines. When changing the radiator you don't remove any power steering lines. You would only remove your upper and lower radiator hoses and your 2 transmission cooling lines that attach to your radiator. So I'd check your transmission fluid level also. If I remember correctly the transmission lines to the radiator are 2 different sizes so you can't reverse them.

 

these are rubber lines. I know that the trans is also connect to the trans cooler behind the radiator. When the fliud leaked out, the steering was making a grinding noise. I checked what the stering takesand they are both merc v fluid for the steering and trans. Unless I had too many beers when i did this, it looks like the power steering resevoir is connected to the trans cooler. I could be wrong. But when i added the trand fluid to the steering, it stopped making the noise and I was able to turn the wheel again. yes, it was leaking all day, actually 3 days because I ordered the part on ebay for 59.00 brand new and it works great. Thanks for the tip on checking the trans fluid also.

 

trans fluid is a hydraulic fluid like that of power steering... just dont use power steering fluid in the trans. as fixes for the floor jacks i have, i use trans fluid in them instead of regular hydraulic fluid.

 

Regarding your question on reversing the hoses, one is the high side (high pressure, expensive, feeder hose) and one is the low side (low pressure, way cheaper, return hose) So don't reverse them if you are able.( they are different in ways you should be able to see)

 

thanks brother. I must of got lucky with the reinstall because it all seems ok. For the record, for the other guys, these are rubber hoses. They were not the trans cooling lines.

 

Bought a second hand rack off an 08 car from sherburn alfa spares and had it fitted. Seems fine and running good. Cost £240 and fitted for £212.http://www.hts-direct.co.uk/

 

I know that the trans is also connect to the trans cooler behind the radiator.