2004 WRX - PS flush and fill with Subaru ATF-HP

[y_p_w]

Went to a dealer parts dept and asked what they recommended. The standard Subaru ATF says ATF/PSF, but the parts counter guys said the ATF-HP all the way. I was asking if maybe I should use the turkey baster method and do it over a week or so with 2 quarts, but they said just disconnect the return hose and tape it to a bottle. Apparently when they provide the service dept with the fluid, they charge for just 1 quart.

The bottle says it's good for all Subaru power steering units, and the manufacturer is specified as Idemitsu Lubricants America. Here's a photo I found:

 

[webfors]

I use Supertech ATF rated dexron III with a large syringe. Empty the reservoir, fill with new, do full range of motion with the steering a few times and repeat till the quart is gone. Repeat a few days later with another quart if you want to be really mental like me.

The PS wine disappeared shortly after, which confirmed I should be doing this every year or two.

 

[webfors]

FYI, my manual calls for ATF dexron III, so I chose the least expensive available.

 

[cutlassvillager]

I've used the turkey baster method with Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF on my father's 02 WRX. I used about a quart and a half total....I just kept doing it until it started coming out clear red again. The manual for his car also calls for Dex 3 for the power steering.

 

[y_p_w]

I think I know how to do the factory-recommended procedure, but frankly don't want to make that kind of mess or risk that maybe it springs a leak due to an imperfect seal because the clamps/hoses were messed with. I've heard several reports that removing the clamps led to air getting into the PS system. Hondas handle this easily, but I'm not sure about Subarus. If it takes extra fluid I'm OK with it.

However, any thoughts on maybe filling up way beyond the max line in the reservoir just for the change? It appears that there's a lot of excess volume in the reservoir above the max cold line. I figure that introducing more fluid than usual capacity means removing more of the old fluid once I use the turkey baster. I wouldn't be driving around with that much fluid.

I was hoping to do it this morning, but the turkey baster I have is too wide to fit in the reservoir opening. I simply added a little to the max cold line (I suppose some has evaporated over the years since there's no leaks). I'm going to Home Depot to get a small length of flexible vinyl tubing and use that as an extender to reach into the reservoir. I saw a suction pump at Pep Boys, but it looked really fragile.

And the factory original fluid was amber colored, but it's more brown now. My understanding is that the factory fluid is otherwise ATF, but without the typical red dye added.

 

[webfors]

I purchased a large 80cc syringe with a flexible clear tubing on the end. Best investment ever since I use it for many tasks. It was under $10.

 

[y_p_w]

Finally did it. I just bought 18 inches of 3/8" flexible vinyl tubing and attached it to the end of the turkey baster. I did have a few drips here and there, but nothing that wasn't easy enough to clean up. The only problem I had was that with such a wide tube the fluid didn't necessarily hold well via suction. I ended up quickly lifting it and capping the end with my finger before depositing it in a bottle.

So I removed nearly all the fluid inside the reservoir then filled above max. Then I turned on the engine and turned the steering wheel lock to lock a few times. Removed the fluid from the reservoir again, filled it to the max cold line, and drove it a block.

Now it's no longer the amber/brown color from the factory fill but clearly red ATF. I'm not sure about how compatible this is. I was looking at some old post of mine where I found that the manual (can't find it now) said not to mix brands of ATF because of potential additive compatibility issues. I do plan on maybe doing this again on the weekend. Still - I've heard of people using the turkey baster method and not having any issues. I'm thinking the worst case scenario would be leaks at the seals?

 

[Nate1979]

It is kind of stupid but I use an old squirt bottle. I just stick the suction tube of the sqirter into the fluid and sqirt into the bottle. No mess and was free.

Maxlife ATF goes into our Forester.

 

[bvance554]

Just started flushing my 2009 Forester with Supertech ATF. It has 150k on it and the old fluid was really nasty. I sucked and refilled twice this weekend and will probably do it once more tomorrow when i get home from work.

 

[05LGTLtd]

Jack car and remove ps belt. Remove most of fluid from resivoir with syringe/blaster. Pull the return line to the resivoir and redirect to a clear empty bottle, Gatorade type works well. put your finger over return port on resivoir, and add fresh fluid. Turn ps pump by hand to flush and refill as needed. Have an assistant in the car turn wheel lock to lock to flush rack completely. Turn ps pump to lower level, and reconnect return line. Fill resivoir and replace belt. Run car, and turn wheel for a few minutes. Check/adjust fluid level. Lower car and drive around parking lot in circles/figue 8's for a while. Check/adjust fluid level. Drive to store for beer, drive home and drink beer while watching your preferred sporting event. Sleep well.