Power Steering Fluid Change

[BrianF]

Sure the more involved method of the fluid exchange would be better but in reality the turkey baster method works just fine. The PS systems do not have a lot of capacity so it only takes a few drain/fills to have a large quantity of new fluid circulating. That's all I have ever done, it only takes a few minutes and is a one man job with the vehicle on the ground. I find a litre goes a long way.

Edit: As for fluid, what does the manual call for? In all the vehicles I have touched, all got ATF. Old/new GM, old/new Dodge/FCA and some older Fords.

While not definitive by any means, I am leaning to the side that viscosity is a much lesser component to this. I believe there was a thread on this forum talking about PSF shearing as most fluids do and still providing the same level of protection.

 

[y_p_w]

Yeah - the standard method to flush PS fluid is to remove the return hose (maybe another hose that fits in the return hose will be needed) and to literally run it dry. I've done it on a couple of Acura Integras and my wife's Honda Civic. I had the factory service manual for the 1995 Integra and the procedure showed an additional hose inserted into the return hose and a rather wide collection pan. I've use an empty quart motor oil bottle (taped up to prevent the hose from shooting out), but that was for a PS change of about 0.7 quarts. With those Honda vehicles it was Honda PSF V or the current version, and it required a little over 2 12 oz bottles. Just start it, go lock to lock on the steering wheel until nothing more seems to come out. It sounds horrible like the PS pump is dying, but it should be safe with whatever residual PS fluid is left in there. And it took about 3 times filling slowly, then turning lock to lock, where it purged the air extremely quickly. After a while I was at the max mark and it was over.

I remember for my Subaru I asked what to do, and at their parts counter they recommended their high performance ATF, although their standard ATF also indicated on the bottle that it could be used. The reservoir says Dexron. He also knew the amount by heart, which was 0.8 quarts. I didn't end up doing it though. I used a turkey baster, although I needed a hose to reach into the reservoir. The original fluid certainly wasn't dyed red like ATF. From what I've heard, most PS systems that spec Dexron are extremely tolerant of different types of ATF.

I'm pretty sure that most manufacturers recommend that method of draining from the return hose.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted by jeepman3071

Sure there is.

I've done the turkey baster method on many different vehicles. Suck out old fluid, replace with new, cycle wheels back and forth, repeat. Do this a few times until the fluid is new. Less messy and not a PITA like disconnecting the return lines on many of the cars I have done this with. There is also zero chance of getting air in the system this way.

I agree with this guy. Much easier and simpler too.
Less mess to clean up afterwards
Originally Posted by Egg_Head
I've tried the turkey baster method of extracting the PS fluid from the reservoir but have had better luck using the pump dispenser from a large bottle of hand lotion.Wife hates it when I put it back in the bottle.

I bet she would!

To the OP, I'm pretty sure almost any ATF would suffice.
After a few fluid swaps on my 31 year old BMW, I still have the original PS pump and rack.
Still no leaks/whining/squealing.

 

[blupupher]

The Grand Caravans of this time frame also had horrible whine over time.
On mine, I just did the turkey baster method 4-5 times with the engine running and someone turning the wheel, just suck it empty, fill with ATF+4, turn the wheel a few times left and right, and repeat till fluid is pretty clear.
Some have removed the reservoir and cleaned the screen, some just replace the entire reservoir. My noise issue on my Grand Caravan was fixed with just the multiple suck and fills.

 

[Plimbob]

Thanks Guys - I appreciate all the input. It's colder than a well diggers butt right now here (even in the garage) so that isn't helping matters especially at start up. I think I'll use a hand pump to evacuate and do a couple refills and see what if anything changes. When it warms up a little I'll try the more through exchange process.

I forgot to include the vehicle has 147,000 on it.

I'll update affect after the process.

Thanks,
Tim