DIY power steering fluid flush !@#$

[JTK]

Usually I'm a suction gun-out and refill kind of guy. I've done this for years. Today I decided to try a more 'thorough' method on my 2001 Windstar; remove the return hose to the PS fluid reservoir, attach a piece of tubing to the hose allowing me to extend the discharge into an empty gallon jug. I got that all setup, raised the front end off the ground and gave the missus instructions; start the van, slowly move the steering wheel lock to lock, when I say STOP, shut'er down. My plan was to pour fresh Valvoline Maxlife ATF in, while the nasty stuff pumps out. Sounds good right? So here we go. My better half fires'er up....Vrooom... Pfffftt!!! My homemade hose 'extension' blows out of the return line, the return line starts doing the crazy-daisy blasting hot, smelly, nasty ATF all over the place I yell STOP!!! She shuts her down, but that 3-5 seconds was all it took to make a horrific mess. About a quart of nasty ATF all over the engine compartment and garage. It looked like an oil explosion. Note to self; Self? Stick with the suck out and refill. That will teach me to get all fancy.

Joel

 

[The Critic]

Did you install a hose clamp on your homemade extension?

 

[JTK]

I slid the factory spring clamp over it. I guess without a flare or barb on the end of my tubing it didn't stand a chance. What I did was shove a 3' pc of polyethylene tubing into the factory rubber line. It was a slight interference fit, but not enough!

Joel

 

[JackFish]

Yah, I now use a remote starter with the coil disconnected.
The starter motor is plenty for flushing the fluid.
How did you plug the return inlet into the pump?

 

[JTK]

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..How did you plug the return inlet into the pump?

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I put a rubber cap over the stub on the PS fluid reservoir that I removed the return hose from. I had some of those caps on hand that you'd use to plug vacuum barbs, etc.

Joel

 

[BearZDefect]

My impression is that you can accomplish a pretty good fluid exchange by the same method except turn the steering lock to lock without running the engine at all. However, I haven't actually tried it yet, and don't know if it applies to recirc as well as R&P, etc. I have seen enough advice regarding PS pump pressures that I'd never run it with hoses open.

 

[MaximaGuy]

Is it true that if the pump is left dry and sucking in air for a few seconds would damage the pump?

I heard this somewhere and don't do the flush with the pump running. Just raise the car, turn ignition to ACC and then lock-to-lock. That pushes out quite some ATF out, just slow to fill the reserviour.

 

[unDummy]

Yep, no need to run vehicle. Fluid will self pump as you manually crank wheel from side to side.

I am a serious supporter for simple siphon/refills. There are just too many issues with pulling hoses. I've had to replace hoses, pumps, racks, brackets..... and speak from experience. The older the car is, the more you risk parts replacement.
The mess you made should be considered an easy lesson.

A simple pint sized siphon/refill at every oil change, or 3-4 times a year, will keep your PS system happy.

BTW, tubing will always blow off. Plenty of ATF and PSF flow and PSI when flushing those fluids with a running vehicle. Hose clamps and hose couplings, when extending, are a must!

 

[oilboy123]

Don't feel bad I have done much worse with car maintenance boo boos.

 

[MGPD03]

You know, the visual I got from that story just made me #@$%! (p-e-e is CENSORED?) a little....

 

[cowsareholy]

i like the siphon then refill method as well. the way i do it takes a while but i know i have mostly clean fluid in. i buy a few bottles of tranny fluid and siphon/refill till its nice and pink then i get the valvoline synblend p/s fluid because its clear and siphon/refill till its clear.

 

[JTK]

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..i get the valvoline synblend p/s fluid because its clear and siphon/refill till its clear.

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Not a bad plan. I'll try that synblend on my Trailblazer since that uses the clear stuff. The ford specs mercon ATF for the PS fluid. BTW, "Fantasic" spray cleaner works wonders on an oil soaked engine compartment. My serp belt and everything was completely soaked in ATF. Fantastic and a hose out cleaned it right up. It smells real purdy now too!

Joel

 

[PT1]

Thanks I just spit coffee all over my computer reading this...

Get yourself a pump up fluid extractor from motive or one of the others on Amazon and you will never experience that again. I have one and use it on everything cars, motorcycle, boat, snowblower, lawnmower...I have 2 one for the boat that holds 4 gallons of oil so I can do both engines and only dump it once. I highly recommend it.

 

[mechtech2]

I perform a 'real ' flush only when a customer will PAY for it.
My brake and PS fluid are new looking, with my suction flushes.

 

[Al]

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Note to self; Self? Stick with the suck out and refill. That will teach me to get all fancy.

Joel

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Exactly..keep it simple stupid.