p/s replacement using turkey baster

[RogerKlugerAus05]

I am replacing the power steering fluid using synthetic on my Toyota Kluger/Highlander by the turkey baster method. The total volume of the system is 1 liter and I can only replace 150 m/l at a time from the reservoir, how many changes do you all advise to ensure a good % change to the synthetic. Thanks in advance.
Roger

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

I would say, do enough drains to put 1.5-2 liters of synthetic fluid through the system.

 

[Blokey]

Roger, I did a little spreadsheet and at the rate of changing out 15% of the fluid each time, you'll need to do it some 10x to achieve an approx. 80% changeover to the new fluid, 20x to achieve 96% and 25x to achieve 98% (those are just round numbers, of course).

 

[KBFXDLI]

I am doing the same method to my autos. However, does the fluid really circulate through a P/S system? Or is it more luke the hydraulics in the brake system where you really need to bleed it to get the fluid in the lines out?

 

[wavinwayne]

Quote:

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...does the fluid really circulate through a P/S system?...

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Yes

 

[Lexura]

You can disconnect the P/S hose, jack up the front axle, insert the open hose into one quart empty bottle, turn on the car to pump out old fluid, stop the car and reconnect the hose, add new P/S fluid.

 

[Blokey]

Quote:

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Quote:

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...does the fluid really circulate through a P/S system?...

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Yes

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I've opened the cap on my p/s reservoir with the engine running and I could see the fluid whipping around in there. It circulates.

 

[RogerKlugerAus05]

Many thanks for all your input.
Roger

 

[Doc8404]

Quote:

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You can disconnect the P/S hose, jack up the front axle, insert the open hose into one quart empty bottle, turn on the car to pump out old fluid, stop the car and reconnect the hose, add new P/S fluid.

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why do you have to jack up the front axle?????

 

[JustinH]

Hey Roger.

For my fords that require mercon in the power steering, I usually buy about 1 gallon of fluid.

I drain the bottle with the turkey baster, refill it, start the vehicle, and crank the wheel back and forth a few times.

Shut the car off, suck the fluid out, and repeat over and over again.

You want to keep doing this until the fluid comes back up clean and clear (not black).

It usually takes about a gallon of fluid to get it clear for me.

 

[Kestas]

You want the front wheels off the ground because of the high pressures while turning the wheels from lock-to-lock (you probably weren't aware of that part of the procedure). Lifting the wheels off the ground helps reduce these pressures so fluid comes out less forcefully.

 

[PRND3L]

So that's why my recent p/s flush was such a spewing, messy affair.

 

[Steve S]

Jack the front wheels off the ground use jackstands for safty. Take the return hose off the p.s. pump figure out how to plug where you just removed the return hose splice a longer hose to reach the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket I use an oil bucket so there is the top on it to hold the hose in. Fill the ps pump with oil start engine at idle turn the steering wheel from lock to lock not letting the oil run out in the pump ,having a helper turn the wheel while you add oil helps . I have made up a setup to add oil like an I.V. setup like they use in a hospital to add stuff into your veins but a helper is better.

 

[benjamming]

Is there a possiblity of getting air into the system?

 

[Kestas]

Here's the procedure. A similar version of it is on the ASE test. You'll need a helper. The steps are rather simple.

1. Lift front tires off the ground.
2. Disconnect the ps return line at reservoir, drain ps reservoir.
3. Plug open connection at the reservoir.
4. Secure the return line to a generously-sized container (at least one gallon). If needed, add a length of hose.
5. Fill reservoir with new fluid.
6. Line up your bottles of new fluid for quick pouring.
Here comes the fun part...
7. Have helper turn car on, and immediately have him go through full range of steering motion (left and right) and shut off car, all the while you are trying to keep the reservoir filled.
8. Button everything back up.
9. Clean up mess.
10. Top off fluid.

The front tires must be off the ground so the system is unloaded, otherwise a lot of fluid is forcefully pumped out. The return line must be secured to prevent a big mess. Keep at least a gallon of ps fluid on hand. The helper must know what they are doing.

 

[Kestas]

Yes, some air may get into the system. I've had only one car out of a handful where the air didn't immediately bleed out after the procedure. It was fine after a few days though.

 

[WishIhadatruck]

The procedure for some cars to bleed the air out is to just keep turning the wheel back and forth from lock right to lock left position until the air is out.

 

[rn2fine]

I use a siphon while the fluid is circulating. I start the vehicle and begin siphoning. The fluid comes out slowly. Once the level drops about halfway in the reservoir I top it off. Then let it go down an inch again, then top it off again. I repeat this until the fluid in the pump is clear. I use Valvoline Synpower. Takes about 2 quarts to do this with my full-size Suburban. Good luck.

 

[Slick 55]

I just do it everytime I change motor oil. I figure that will keep it fairly fresh.

 

[Steelers]

Every time I siphon my transmission pan I suck out the power steering reservoir. Refill both with synthetic atf.

Acura gets only Honda Geniune Power Steering Fluid. Did a quick series of suck and fills at about 50K. Figure I'll repeat in another 50K or so.