Power Steering Flush Question

[Winny_the_Pooh]

I'm getting ready to do the PS flush i.a.w many of the excellent threads on this topic. My questions are:
1) the return line to be disconnected is the one that goes to a little "nipple" that is part of the plastic molded body of the pump? This line goes down and towards the radiator as opposed to the other line on the pump which goes toward the rear of the engine compartment and has a large threaded "nut" securing it to the pump body. Correct?
2) Is is OK to disconnect this line at the lower end, near the bottom of the radiator for the flushing procedure? It seems that this end may be more condusive to getting a container in place to catch the flushed fluid. It would seem that I could flush the remaining fluid in the vertical part of the return line to the pump by letting fresh fluid just drain from the pump reservoir down the line. Or, am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.
George

[wiswind]

Yes, disconnect that lower line where it is convenient.
Take note that the resevoir WILL try to drain when you open that line....
You want to avoid totally draining the resevoir if possible, or you will get air bubbles into the system.

You do NOT what to remove that metal line with the big nut on it......that is the HIGH pressure line going to the steering rack.

The lower line that you are talking about is the LOW pressure line going back to the non-pressurized resevoir.

If you do get air bubbles into the system, fill the resevoir to the correct level (do not overfill).
With all lines connected, and the cap on the resevoir, start the engine, and turn the wheels from stop to stop and back to center.
Do not rest against either stop.....
Then turn the engine off, and check the power steering fluid level......if you need to add some, do so.....again, not overfilling.
If there are bubbles in the fluid, wait a while for them to rise to the top......otherwise, you will just be cycling air back into the system.
Then, again, with the cap on, and lines all connected, start the engine and do the wheel turn again.

I have found this to be a super easy air purge for my '96 3.8L windstar (you end up doing an air purge when replacing the power steering pump).