flush out power steering fluid
#1
Member
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Thread Starter
flush out power steering fluid
hey all, i wanted to know how to flush out my power steering fliud..is there any way i can do this myself?
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#2
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Hi Welcome to the Bonneville Forum!
You posted this into the Introduction for new Members area and we have to get it moved into the right area, so your question can get answered. In order to do that,
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You posted this into the Introduction for new Members area and we have to get it moved into the right area, so your question can get answered. In order to do that,
please add your year and trim of your vehicle to your signature line.
Click on "Quick Links" above, go down to "User Control Panel" and then click on "Edit your Signature" It'* pretty straight forward from there.
#4
Senior Member
True Car Nut
To drain the power steering pump, detach the return line to the pump. The return line enters the reservoir and not the pump case. You'll have to jack the car up and get it set on some strong jack stands to do the work.
Once you're done, you'll have to button it all up and bleed the system. You do this by turning the wheel all they way to the left and the fill the reservoir until the fluid reaches the full mark. Start the car and let it run at a fast idle and recheck the fluid level and add fluid until it reaches the cold mark. The move the wheels from right to left several time, never hitting the full stop in either direction. You should check the reservoir a couple of time during this process an fill as necessary. When the air is out, return the wheels to straight and let the vehicle run for several minutes before shutting it off. Recheck the fluid and fill as necessary. Then road test.
Once you're done, you'll have to button it all up and bleed the system. You do this by turning the wheel all they way to the left and the fill the reservoir until the fluid reaches the full mark. Start the car and let it run at a fast idle and recheck the fluid level and add fluid until it reaches the cold mark. The move the wheels from right to left several time, never hitting the full stop in either direction. You should check the reservoir a couple of time during this process an fill as necessary. When the air is out, return the wheels to straight and let the vehicle run for several minutes before shutting it off. Recheck the fluid and fill as necessary. Then road test.
#5
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Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Thanks for the reply.. I wanted to flush out the whole system, will draining the steering pump be enough? I viewed online for a different car i had to disconnect the line from the case with the car on and turning the wheel right to left while filling the reservoir until the fluid comes out clear at other end.
#6
Senior Member
True Car Nut
I don't know if I would recommend running the pump with the return line open. It doesn't take very long to destroy the pump through cavitation of air and or lack of fluid.
Depending on what you are trying to correct, you may need to fill and discharge twice if you have lot'* of debris in the system.
Depending on what you are trying to correct, you may need to fill and discharge twice if you have lot'* of debris in the system.
#7
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Thanks again,
about a month ago my steering got really tight on me after braking and sliding while the wheel was turned to the right in a snow storm..so i sucked out dirty power steering fluid with a turkey baster and put new fluid in..in about a day of driving my steering went back to normal but, now it starting to get tight again.
I'll go the the safe way. how long should i wait for the second discharge?
about a month ago my steering got really tight on me after braking and sliding while the wheel was turned to the right in a snow storm..so i sucked out dirty power steering fluid with a turkey baster and put new fluid in..in about a day of driving my steering went back to normal but, now it starting to get tight again.
I'll go the the safe way. how long should i wait for the second discharge?
#8
Senior Member
True Car Nut
I'm not sure. What I would be concerned about though, is that you have a problem that is not being addressed that is creating the symptom of hard turns. If the power steering fluid has metal flakes or shaving in it, you may have a piston/seal that is damaged, or a pump heading south. I would recommend that before you flush and fill, look for the reason and fix it. There'* no reason to generate more fluid waste and waste money on PS fluid.
#10
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
Thanks for the reply.. I wanted to flush out the whole system, will draining the steering pump be enough? I viewed online for a different car i had to disconnect the line from the case with the car on and turning the wheel right to left while filling the reservoir until the fluid comes out clear at other end.