How often should power steering fluid be changed?

[BC]

Have been getting our 3500 ready for a long trip. One thing I've never done is change the power steering fluid... not ever.



Should this be done? How often if so?



Thanks,



Bill Cook

 

[JTBMC]

I change mine once a year, all I do is suck the old out with a siphon and then re-fill.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I just changed mine this week. I used the Valvoline Semi Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. Just get a siphon gun and suck out as much as you can. I put all the fluid i siphoned out in a clear bottle, then put the exact amount back in.

 

[BC]

Thanks y'all.



EMD, I bought some Valvoline yesterday. Will replace fluid today.



Bill Cook

 

[Joe Mc]

Steering Fluid

I'm also getting ready for a long trip. Is it OK to use "power steering" fluid? I've read the owners manual cover to cover and do recall it specifically stating to use "fluid" not ATF. What'er you guys using?



Thanks

 

[EMDDIESEL]

The Valvoline Semi Synthetic is DC approved and is fine for use in the Rams Power steering system. It also eliminates any squeal.

 

[Joe Mc]

I'm missing something here

EMDDiesel Thanks But, I guess what I'm not understanding is this "what ype of fluid should be used - does it say power steering fluid on the Valvoline Semi or is it just plain old engine oil I'd hate to screw with anything having to do with the brake booster system? Thanks

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Sorry, yes it says "Valvoline Semi Synthetic Power Steering Fluid" Its in a silver/gold quart container.

 

[Joe Mc]

Tanks

EMD thanks for clearing that up for me. I'm new to the truck sceen and just now finding out which places have the "truck" stuff I'll be needing . . . if I only knew for sure what I'm needing. But thanks to this site and seasoned members like you I'm a learnin' quick. I'm also learning where not to get the things I need, that's pretty easy though I. E. ask for CD rated oil and the guy cocks one eyebrow and says "huh"?



Thanks for all the help. I'm beat catch, ya down the road.

 

[Oasis-3]

. ask for CD rated oil and the guy cocks one eyebrow and says "huh"?



Funny thing is I see this and say never mined as I head for the door.

 

[illflem]

EMD's suction method and replacing the stock fluid with Valvoline Semi Synthetic Power Steering Fluid is an excellent way to go before cold weather sets in. When the weather gets real cold the stock fluid can cause the pump to squeal until warmed up, it may not be bad for the pump but it sure doesn't sound good for it, Valvoline cures it. One thing great about the Valvoline is that you need not worry about getting every last drop of stock fluid out, they are compatible with each other. After two or three suction changes your fluid will be getting close to 100% Valvoline.

 

[Joe Mc]

Changin' it today

Thanks, EMDDIESEL and illflem, just did the engine oil & filter last night. Will do the steering fluid, add some hose to the breather & fuel drain off and if I can get the drums off check the brakes today



Ill whats the trick to getting the drums off?

 

[_Hyde]

Any idea how much fluid it takes to do a change? A quart should do it shouldn't it? I'll probably do mine this weekend, got a big trip coming up next month. Anybody use the Royal Purple PS fluid? A friend told that AGR recommends it for use with their enhanced PS pumps and steer boxes.



Darren

 

[illflem]

Joe, I have beat on drums with a sledge hammer to loosen them, just hit on the flat surface to avoid warping. Have always worried about cracking them but so far no problem. Another member posted that you can also put your rear end up on jackstands, remove the wheels, put it in gear then apply the brakes in forward and reverse while the drums are spinning. I've never tried this but it seems like it should work, other members have reported luck with this method.



Darren, a qt of PS fluid will get you two changes.

 

[Joe Mc]

Brake Drums Wack Em'!

illflem,

Sounds like the forward spin hit brakes then backward hit brakes would work fine. I think I try the old fashioned method first though I'd hate to drop it with it's pants down, so to speak Thanks Joe Mc

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I sucked the pump resivior dry and only needed to add half a quart to refill it. I dont kow how much the whole system takes, but i know 1/2 a quart is plenty for one change.

 

[1tuffram]

Per my '95 service manual the power steering fluid capacity is 1. 3L (2. 7 pints).



Hope this helps.

 

[RottnDogue]

Am I missing something? Do I need to change my Power steering Fluid? I have never done this with any vehicle I've owned..... OK forget the two cars and one truck that I never changed the oil in. I'm better now, should I be changing the Power steering fluid?





Darren

 

[Driftwood Ram]

I have searched several parts places and am unable to find Valvoline Semi Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. Anyone have a suggestion.

Thanks in advance,

Tracy

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Its just a prevenative maintanance issue, you dont HAVE to do it, but it ceratinly helps to get the old dirty fluid out. I usually suck it all out every 20k miles on most of my cars but on the Ram the pump gets a workout, so i do it often. Its so easy and inexpensive that it doesnt pay not to. As fro where to get it, if you still cant find it locally, let me know and ill mail you a quart. But any Valvoline dealer should be able to get it.