So, I've never really done a power steering fluid change/flush etc in all my years of driving and working on cars. Not sure how that's happened, but anyway...My 2000 Silverado 2500 needs it. The fluid is VERY dark. Can anyone give me a quick rundown on how to do it? Not sure if it makes a difference, but it's a 6.0 gas, and the brake boost comes from the PS pump.
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Oct. 10, 2009 5:52 p.m. doc_speeder New Reader
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Oct. 10, 2009 6:07 p.m. mad_machine UberDork
I have heard a number of different ways.. most involve several bottles of fresh power steering fluid and either a small siphon pump or a turkey baster.
Basically drain as much as you can with either the pump or the baster and then refill.. run the car so that the new fluid gets mixed with the old... remove the fluid, refill... lather rinse, repeat.
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Oct. 10, 2009 7:27 p.m. ohioboy New Reader
It'll be easier with someone to help, but basically you remove the return-to-reservoir line (put a drain pan below or piece of hose to container), cap off open port on reservoir, start engine and cycle steering left to right fully while adding fluid to replace the stuff that's draining out. When it looks like new fluid coming out you're done.
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Oct. 10, 2009 7:30 p.m. ohioboy New Reader
Oh.. and buy a few quarts at least. It's a pretty sizeable system with the cooler and the hydroboost brakes.
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Oct. 10, 2009 8:18 p.m. ignorant PowerDork
tukey baster works for me
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Oct. 11, 2009 9:09 a.m. doc_speeder New Reader
Thanks all, it's pretty much what I expected.
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Oct. 11, 2009 11:23 a.m. mad_machine UberDork
yes, it's just a pita job no matter how you cut it. I really think no manufactor ever intended for that fluid to be replaced
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Oct. 11, 2009 2:00 p.m. ansonivan Reader
ohioboy wrote:
It'll be easier with someone to help, but basically you remove the return-to-reservoir line (put a drain pan below or piece of hose to container), cap off open port on reservoir, start engine and cycle steering left to right fully while adding fluid to replace the stuff that's draining out. When it looks like new fluid coming out you're done.
This is the method I use also, I actually just loosen the return line banjo bolt or fitting several turns, use a hose pincher pliers on the return line and go to town.
Remember to wrap an old shirt or some shop rags around the loosened fitting to avoid having fluid splattered around the engine bay.
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Oct. 11, 2009 2:33 p.m. Varkwso Reader
ohioboy wrote:
It'll be easier with someone to help, but basically you remove the return-to-reservoir line (put a drain pan below or piece of hose to container), cap off open port on reservoir, start engine and cycle steering left to right fully while adding fluid to replace the stuff that's draining out. When it looks like new fluid coming out you're done.
this is the only way to flush the system - the baster only gets a fraction of the volume. Had to replace a lot of boiled PS fluid in a 94 Z28 track car.
