When I had my transmission fluid exchanged today the shop had a little unit that cleaned the power steering system and then refilled with new fluid. My LC had 130K miles on it and I have never changed the Power steering fluid in any vehicle I have ever owned. Figured that the LC is a long term keeper so I went ahead and had it done. Anyone else ever change their power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid exchange
- Thread starter Pitbull
- Start date
- Status
Kestas
Staff member
I too keep my cars for a long time. Since I started reading these forums (on this site and othres), I now use a 30K schedule to exchange ps fluid. Better than replacing racks or pumps. The old fluid is black, the new fluid is clear. I don't need any further evidence to convince myself that exchanging fluid in a ps system is a good thing.
I do 30K intervals also. Just suck it out with an old turkey baster.
just did mine for the first time @ 45k, not only do I have an expensive pump and steering box my truck uses power steering pressure for power brakes (GM hydroboost) the unit that does that looks expensive
pulled the return line to the pump and started and went lock to lock then engine back off, refill reservoir, after several times I figured it was clear, I could not find anythign but cheesy P/S fluid so I used some Allison transynd synthetic Dexron III (atf) that I had left over so far working great
would it be advisable to try to filter power steering fluid? It seams that one failure would pollute the whole system!?!
[ October 24, 2003, 06:50 AM: Message edited by: RavenTai ]
pulled the return line to the pump and started and went lock to lock then engine back off, refill reservoir, after several times I figured it was clear, I could not find anythign but cheesy P/S fluid so I used some Allison transynd synthetic Dexron III (atf) that I had left over so far working great
would it be advisable to try to filter power steering fluid? It seams that one failure would pollute the whole system!?!
[ October 24, 2003, 06:50 AM: Message edited by: RavenTai ]
Kestas
Staff member
Some cars have a ps filter, some don't. I think installing a filter is a great idea. I'm curious how you plan to do it. I imagine it would go on the pressure side just after the pump, similar to engine oil filtering.
The local dealer has a recomendation of 60k miles for the ps fluid change. You might consider contacting Frank at Auto-RX for a recomendation on using Auto-RX for a clean out of the ps system.
i need to replace my fluid. its been in there for 170k....i replaced some fluid...but thats like a pint i replaced....its pretty black...
auto rx in there =)...
auto rx in there =)...
Here's my experience.
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=16&t=000642#000012
And mine.
I believe in annual changes for fluids unless aftermarket filters/coolers and such are installed. UOA is a good idea to establish frequency.
(Am I the only one who gets a little tired of the line that, "lots of folks go 150-200k on oem fluid/balljoints/whatever"; after all, what is the condition of that system or item at that point? . I want a 7-year old, 150k vehicle to still be up to an immediate 2000-mile trip without any concerns over ignored maintenance).
PS fluid is dirt cheap considering how little is used. It took me a lot less than an hour to flush three quarts through a 1.5 [?] quart system with (as in above link) new hoses, cooler and filter.
And mine.
I believe in annual changes for fluids unless aftermarket filters/coolers and such are installed. UOA is a good idea to establish frequency.
(Am I the only one who gets a little tired of the line that, "lots of folks go 150-200k on oem fluid/balljoints/whatever"; after all, what is the condition of that system or item at that point? . I want a 7-year old, 150k vehicle to still be up to an immediate 2000-mile trip without any concerns over ignored maintenance).
PS fluid is dirt cheap considering how little is used. It took me a lot less than an hour to flush three quarts through a 1.5 [?] quart system with (as in above link) new hoses, cooler and filter.
Normally PS filters and coolers go on the return line. This is because pressures on the pressure side can range quite high.
I'll be installing a PS filter and cooler on my SS soon, since this is a known weak spot when it comes to AutoX.(Fluid can boil and literaly melt the reservoir.)
[ October 24, 2003, 12:49 PM: Message edited by: VaderSS ]
I'll be installing a PS filter and cooler on my SS soon, since this is a known weak spot when it comes to AutoX.(Fluid can boil and literaly melt the reservoir.)
[ October 24, 2003, 12:49 PM: Message edited by: VaderSS ]
Kestas
Staff member
Written below is the way I flush/exchange ps fluid from all of my cars. You'll need a helper for this procedure.
1. Disconnect the return line to the reservoir.
2. Drain the reservoir and cap the open connection.
3. Route the return line to a suitable reservoir.
4. Open and line up at least two quarts of new ps fluid for quick pouring.
5. Fill reservoir with new fluid.
(Here comes the fun part
6. Have helper turn engine on, and immediately turn steering wheel from lock to lock, all the while you're pouring fluid into the reservoir.
7. Turn engine off.
8. Reconnect return line to reservoir.
9. Top off fluid.
10. Clean up mess.
Keep in mind the fluid comes out forcefully during flushing. Lifting the front end so the wheels are off the ground helps reduce the flow to a managable level.
1. Disconnect the return line to the reservoir.
2. Drain the reservoir and cap the open connection.
3. Route the return line to a suitable reservoir.
4. Open and line up at least two quarts of new ps fluid for quick pouring.
5. Fill reservoir with new fluid.
(Here comes the fun part
6. Have helper turn engine on, and immediately turn steering wheel from lock to lock, all the while you're pouring fluid into the reservoir.
7. Turn engine off.
8. Reconnect return line to reservoir.
9. Top off fluid.
10. Clean up mess.
Keep in mind the fluid comes out forcefully during flushing. Lifting the front end so the wheels are off the ground helps reduce the flow to a managable level.
REgarding installing a inline filter, where do you get them. Where do you buy Magnefine filters? Can these be put on any automobile? I have a 2000 explorer that has never been changed with 80k miles on the clock. ANy info would be great.
Thanks
Thanks
I plan on putting a GM PF883 or WIX 58964 on.
OILNEWBY,
Magnefine filters from:
Boss Components
U.S.A Division
18120 Alpine Court
Spring Lake, MI, 49456
U.S.A
Telephone: (616) 846-3220
Facsimilie: (616) 846-9002
Contact: Len Kelsey
Magnefine filters from:
Boss Components
U.S.A Division
18120 Alpine Court
Spring Lake, MI, 49456
U.S.A
Telephone: (616) 846-3220
Facsimilie: (616) 846-9002
Contact: Len Kelsey
Anyone know why TOYOTA has black/brown PS fluid stock, the cap says Dexron III, but i have checked with all other toyota's and the new ones come stock with a black/brown fluid....are they just using straight SAE 30 oil from the factory?
I was told by a toyota dealer, that toyota PS fluid, is a Dexron III without the red dye.
What? What? What?
Dexron automatic transmission fluid
Sure other things can be added, but straight oil?
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
