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1ciderdog · 10-18-2010, 12:07 PM

I'm planning on changing power steering fluid on my 39 foot Freightliner XC chassis and am looking for an idea of how much fluid I'll need to catch and to have on hand for refilling. I've ran searches and find one reference to three gallons but that seems like a bit much. Anyone else out there changed out the PS fluid and have an estimated amount? Freightliner tells me the reservoir is 2 1/2 quarts but did not provide an amount for the lines and power steering unit.

Triker56 · 10-18-2010, 04:25 PM

I just changed the 2 1/2 qt in the reservoir in mine. It all looked clean to me.
I don't know how you would get it out of all the lines and pump.
Maybe keep feeding the intake line and catching fluid from the return line. don't know how you can tell when you replaced all the old. As it all looks the same.

Hooligan · 10-18-2010, 07:13 PM

Hi: Changing the power steering fluid is discussed in the Freightliner RV Chassis Maintenance Manual, section 46-02 or 46-03 for chassis with a filter in the power steering line.
1. Drain the reservoir by disconnecting the PS gear to reservoir line. (Smaller line on my reservoir) Then cap that fitting and put the disconnected line in a bucket and fill the reservoir with new fluid. (DEXIII) on mine.)
2. Raise the front wheels off the ground, DO NOT start engine. turn steering wheel lock to lock, adding fluid to reservoir until clean/clear fluid comes out of hose. (About 2 gallons+ on mine)
3. Re-connect the hose to reservoir. Start engine, turn steering lock to lock until no bubbles are seen in reservoir. Check fluid level.
Note: 1.Keep fluid in the reservoir when turning the steering or you will get air in the line.. (if you do, repeat step 3)
2. Check the Hydralic lines, Both Chasfm11 and I had a kink in the line where it went under the lower chassis frame.
Not difficult procedure but messy, I usually end up with DEXRON III colored socks.
The Maintenance manual is more detailed.. Hope this helps.