Dear Friends,
I've finally mustered up the courage to try to change my power steering fluid. I can't find any information about MY model: a
987.2
. There is some information and YouTube videos about
986
's.
What's the difference? You can't disconnect the line with wrenches, you need a "
Porsche
special tool 9780"! It looks like a tiny Arc De Triomphe (an Aluminum wedge with a mouse hole cut out). Anybody have any solutions, workarounds, advice?
Thanks in advance!
Kayman Ken
Ken,
Rather than disturbing hoses that might leak after being disturbed, I've just done multiple fluid changes from the reservoir oil. That's obviously not a full fluid change, some old fluid will still remain, but contaminants will be lessened and the viscosity will be brought closer to new oil spec if you do it 4-5 times.
If you do intend to disconnect the hoses - this is what the manual shows:
Those are the two connectors underneath the car
Use of the factory tool..
BMW used similar snap-together connectors in their fuel line connections to things like the under-car mounted fuel filter. Apparently this sort of connector is also common on some Ford vehicles, and there is a tool available that releases the junction. Unfortunately a quick search didn't turn up the tool.. but it's out there somewhere if you can't find the factory one.
EDIT: BTW - make sure you're releasing the correct coupling. If you look at the top image in this post you'll see another 2 lines running parallel to the steering hydraulic lines. Those two lines are the AC lines from the compressor up to the condenser up front. Someone here (or mebbe ********) posted about how he was changing the power steering fluid and how surprised he was when he released a coupling under the car and some fog-like gas came out. He just vented the AC system to the atmosphere. Not a good or inexpensive thing to do. His DIY job just became an expensive dealer job. Forewarned..
BTW-II: I noticed you haven't introduced yourself to the forum members. Please take a moment to visit
New Member Introductions
- and tell us about you, your Porsche history and interests and brag a bit about your car - photos are more than welcome.. And Welcome! to Planet-9 - the friendly Porsche forum!
Dear Don,
Thanks for the quick reply! I am going to the dealer tomorrow to see how much they want for their specialty tool. Since a flush costs $150-$200+, I might buy the tool. If the tool and o-rings are outrageous, turkey baster here I come!
I will definitely introduce myself!
Cheers, Ken
ECS has the tool for $83:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-porsche-parts/release-tool/00072197800/
One of the below cheaper options may work but no idea for sure:
Amazon.com: Bonbo High Pressure Oil Pump HPOP Quick Disconnect Tool Fits for 6.0L 7.3L Powerstroke : Automotive
Buy Bonbo High Pressure Oil Pump HPOP Quick Disconnect Tool Fits for 6.0L 7.3L Powerstroke: Fuel Line Disconnect Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com
Might be worth looking at:
https://a.co/d/5zvuR2d
- Amazon, $20
I just came back from Pasadena
Porsche
. They don't sell tools and neither does Norwalk
Porsche
. I did find out that Livermore
Porsche
sells the tool for $81 but wants $25 for shipping. I called ECS and they'll special order it from
Porsche
for $83 with shipping FREE (thanks Gubi!)! I had to order the o-ring & spring kit from Pasadena for $38.
Sloane
Porsche
in Warrington PA was happy to sell me the tool 000.721.978.00
How much fluid does the power steering system hold? I've thought about just emptying the reservoir, cycling the system, emptying the reservoir, etc. a number of times. I'd think that would get out a majority of the fluid.
That's actually quite a common way to do it. On cars like a
Cayenne
where the reservoir is fairly accessible, the actual factory flush technique is to remove the return hose to the reservoir, stick it in a bucket, have someone standing at the reservoir, and start the engine. The person at the reservoir keeps the reservoir from going dry as the old fluid goes into the bucket. When it runs clear out the return hose - engine stopped - hose reattached and then the system bled (basically turning the steering rack end to end several times with the engine running to make sure all the air gets out of it.)
I would think 1 liter would be adequate. Since you're never taking the reservoir dry by doing drain/fil - if 1 liter failed to produce the results that you wanted - you could buy more fluid and then continue the fluid exchange. I know when I did my first
Cayenne
- 1 liter was adequate to get clear-looking fluid back into the reservoir.
