Flushing Power Steering Fluid Is Too Much Work!

[ChrisKringle]

Just changed the fluid in my power steering fluid. I wanted to flush all the old out, so I popped the return line off of the cooler next to the bumper. Well, actually, I had to grip the aluminum line carefully with self adjusting pliers, after throwing some duct tape on for scuff protection, then use a regular screwdriver to pry the hose back and off the aluminum cooler line. That was after trying to muscle it off for 5 minutes. I plugged the end of the return hose which goes to the reservoir, then used some clear tubing to go from the aluminum cooler line to my waste container. Luckily I had my 2. 5 gallon Amsoil jug tapped with a plunger style hand pump feeding the power steering fluid reservoir through some clear tubing cause as soon as I started the engine I could barely keep up with the flushing. All I seen through my waste tubing was aerated foamy atf, so I shut the engine off, topped off the level, capped the reservoir, reattached return tubing to cooler line and started the engine to get air out of system. After 15 minutes of checking the level, letting it run, and cleaning up, I noticed the hose/aluminum cooler line joint was leaking. A trip to Autozone for some Form A Gasket Type 2B anaerobic sealant was in order. I had to pry the hose back, but not off, just before off or else all the reservoir and cooler fluid would leak out. I coated metal cooler line and pushed hose back on.



All is well now, but in the future I am DEFINATELY going to periodically just drain/refill the reservoir so I don't have to flush!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I've switched to synthetic PS fluid, and used the more common "turkey baster" method - not as complete or efficient, but after a few drain/refill sessions, it eventually gets the mix pretty well changed - and sure seems to be the easiest method!

 

[wcjp]

There was an article in the TDR maybe 3yrs ago. It mentioned using the turkey baster five times in a row. This removed about 94% of the old fluid. Start truck, cycle steering wheel a few times between reservoir drain/fill.

 

[Bob4x4]

I use 2 small rv type pumps and 2 jugs. 1 for clean and one for dirty fluid with a couple of switches and a cable for power from the truck batts it is all contained in a plastic tool box for convenience and portability. It takes just a couple minutes to do a fluid exchange.



Bob

 

[Turbo_Bob]

I changed my P/S fluid after I discovered the cap was missing and notice a drip where I park the truck.



I used the turkey baster and bought the new design fill cap from Mopar.



I notice that my fluid had a burnt smell to it and on the brownish side of color. It had 120K worth of miles and 6 years of time on it.



I will change it a few more times using the turkey baster method in order to that old 94% of that fluid out.