PDA

View Full Version : Power Steering Fluid Flush *DIY* w/ Lots of Pics


whitetezza
09-18-2007, 04:11 PM
* Thanks to Hiroshima for permission to use this information*

DISCLAIMER: The procedures, methods and products written up here was for my circumstances only and were performed on a 2001 Automatic. I make no promises that your results will be the same nor do I claim that this is the best way to do it. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Time Required: 1 hour

Parts Required: 2 quarts Dextron III ATF

Tools Needed:
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Turkey Baster
- 16-18" length of 5/16"ID 7/16" OD clear flexible Tubing.
http://img55.echo.cx/img55/5383/img02019fq.jpg
- short length of 7/16"ID tubing.
- Bright Flash Light
- Second Person

Start with a cool car.

Step 1: Using a Turkey baster or another suction device, remove as much of the fluid in the Power Steering Reservoir as possible.
http://img39.echo.cx/img39/6739/img01881ir.jpg

Step 2: Remove clip on return line and remove line from reservoir. There will likely be fluid in this hose, try to catch it with a bag.
http://img39.echo.cx/img39/4376/img01872qs.jpg
http://img39.echo.cx/img39/5412/img01896ue.jpg

Step 3: Plug return line nipple. I used a piece of 7/16" silicon tubing and clamped one end.
http://img39.echo.cx/img39/5379/img01908qt.jpg

Step 4: Shove 5/16" clear tubing into return line. Have a catch can ready to recover old fluid that will come out of this tube.
http://img39.echo.cx/img39/8238/img01919jo.jpg

Step 5: Refill power steering reservoir with fresh ATF until full.
Step 6: ****DO NOT START YOUR CAR**** Have your helper *slowly* turn the wheel to full lock in either direction. This will pull fluid from the reservoir and push it out the return line.
Step 7: Have helper turn the wheel slowly the other direction. Make sure that you keep the reservoir full. Do not allow the system to run dry or get air into the system.
Step 8: When the fluid starts to come out clean, apx 1.5 quarts for me, reattach return line to reservoir.
Step 9: Fill or remove fluid so that the fluid is at the proper cold level.
Step 10: Replace cap and start the car. Turn wheel slowly from lock to lock 3 times. Let idle for 2-3 minutes. Stop car.
Step 11: Using bight flashlight look inside the reservoir and check to see if the fluid is emulsified. (Lots of little bubbles, like the fluid was whipped with a egg beater) It should not be, and mine was not. If it looks foamy, go to bleed procedure, otherwise you are done.

Pic of Old Fluid vs New Fluid:
http://img39.echo.cx/img39/3034/img01936pd.jpg

Bleed Procedure.
If you have fluid that is emulsified, you have somehow gotten air into the system.
Step 1: Jack up Front of car.
Step 2: Turn wheel from left to right slowly 3 times with engine off.
Step 3: Lower Car
Step 4: Start car. Turn wheel slowly from lock to lock 3 times. Hold wheel at each end of lock for 2-3 seconds and then turn the other direction.
Step 5: Let idle for 2-3 minutes. Stop car. If you still have bubbles, go back to step 2. Bleeding the system should take note more than 3 rounds of this.

bradleyjpyle
12-02-2007, 08:11 PM
I LOVE the turkey baster!

-Brad

Nice write up!