Cleaning power steering Reservoir
 

1995 Camry V6 LE Sedan


I was having a hard time reading the cold and hot levels on my power steering reservoir ( inside buildup on wall) so I decided to clean it out. I emptied it first using a small plastic transfer pipette. There were two hoses with simple clamps to slid off,hoses actually pulled off nicely and the reservoir slides up after the holding clip is pushed in with a screw driver.

I cleaned it with a degreaser let it soak, and did this several times. I rinsed with water, blew out with an air compressor and let dry for a day inside.

I believe there is a screen in there and can constrict flow however it is hard to see but it appears to be there. I was able to remove about 70% of the gunk on the internal sides that builds up after decades.

Everything that came out when emptied was very dark colored contaminated liquid and probably a lot of blockage now removed from the reservoir screen.

Tested and works fine and hopefully will increase the flow of power steering fluid throughout the system. I can also read the cold and hot levels better. I should probably flush the system some day too.

Very easy to do and a good routine cleaning that I figure most do not do.

How much debris did you find in the tank?

It was hard to tell since it was late at night but some came out as an oily like glob. It almost had the viscosity of grease. I could see it in the pipette as I pulled it up. Afterwards I should of screened it through a cotton rag to see the debris.

I am going to take it off again when the car is not needed to soak it for a few days in digresser to remove the remaining gunk. I will screen it this time to see if any debris are in there from the system.

Also I do have a slight leak which may be coming from my power steering pump but not sure. Need to power wash area first. Still cold here to do. BRRR.

Thanks for posting back!