2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power Steering Fluid Change

[Big-D]

I am rapidly approaching 50K miles on my truck and feel it is time to change the PS fluid for the first time. Has anyone come up with an easy method to accomplish this task? Can I use ATF +3 fluid to replenish?

Thanks!

Dave

 

[pwr2tow]

Valvoline makes a synthetic blend power steer fluid which seems to work good.



The method I used was I got a big syringe from the veterinarian and some plastic aquarium air line. put the line on the syringe and sucked the fluid out of the pump reservoir.



Ron

 

[Tom G]

Valvoline SynPower

I also used the Valvoline SynPower Synthetic Blend and it is working VERY well. Got the stuff at Checker auto parts for about $2. 60 for 16 oz and the stuff is very slippery when you get it on your hands. Comes in a bronze/gold bottle and meets the Chrylsler spec. 5931 per the bottle. Steering seems smoother after adding this fluid instead of the factory stuff. Comes in a 16 oz bottle and states: "With Conditioner and Stop Leak".



Used the wifes [now mine, LOL] turkey baster with a short piece of 1/4" clear tubing attached to the end to suck out the old fluid. Man that fluid was UGLY at 30,000 miles. I refilled it with SynPower Steering Fluid and drove it around for a week and then sucked it out again and refilled it. I am guessing at the quanities but it takes about 1 and 1/2 bottles [24oz. ] to do each change. From now on I will be doing a single change EACH year.



p. s. Also used the Valvoline Dura Blend 85w-140 in my Dana 80. It also seems to be smoother.

 

[RichB59]

Don't use the ATF +3

I would not be sure about the effect on seals ect. After several problems with PS fluid blowing out the fill cap of my PS pump I went to the Val SYN Fluid and all is good. It states on the bottle (anti foaming) this is good. I believe thats what causes the fluid to puke out the fill cap. I had the vacum pump replaced under warranty recently and the dealer refilled with DC fluid so now I've got to change again to Val SYN. I have also read on the TDR that it improves cold weather operation.



LOL RichB

 

[Big-D]

Thanks!

Thanks a lot for the ideas and fluid type. I wasn't sure if I needed to remove the output line and start the engine to pump the fluid out or use the "turkey baster" idea. I'll look into Valvoline SynPower Synthetic Blend and stay away from ATF. Not sure if Royal Purple makes a PS fluid or not, but I have been happy with that fluid in my Dana 80.

Dave

 

[keimmmo]

Sounds like you have received good advice and are headed the right way.



Some of the early (50s and 60s) power steering systems used ATF... thus the idea was started and continues to hang on. You would be surprised how many people still believe it is acceptable for power steering systems! However, in modern power steering systems, DO NOT use ATF!!! It lacks critical lubricants and additives! It WILL cause steering box problems down the road!



Hope I can save someone from making the mistake.



Steve

 

[jmadden]

Keep in mind that the reservoir doesn't really hold all that much fluid... so if you are only emptying that, you really aren't changing the fluid... there is still the fluid in the gear box and P/S cooler and brake booster. In an effort to replace it all:



1. get the front wheels off the ground (jack stands)



2. disconnect a return line and add clear tubing to extend it to your catch pan.



3. plug/cap the return port on the pump... you can add some tubing to drain the reservoir or go the baster method or even just let it drip and cap it when it stops.



4. refill the reservoir... leaving the top off.



5. start the truck... in neutral or park w/ the brake set please!



6. turn the steering from lock to lock... (depressing the brake pedal seemed to help move fluid in the booster).



7. check fluid level frequently and add to reservoir (works best if there is someone to watch the level in the reservoir while the other person is turning the wheel). This should take more than 24oz. , but don't recall exactly how much.



8. continue the process until new fluid is being flushed into your catch pan.



9. reinstall the return line... and you have now flushed the system and changed virtually all of the fluid.



10. remove the jack stands and enjoy!



Hopefully I didn't miss any critical steps. In regards to fluid... RP does supposedly make a synthetic. I'm using RedLine synthetic w/o a problem... it even quited done the groaning p/s pump on the really cold days. More work this way... hope it helps.





jm

 

[Jeff Knight]

Royal Purple does make power steering fluid. Jeff

 

[redram]

Re: Thanks!

Originally posted by Big-D

Thanks a lot for the ideas and fluid type. I wasn't sure if I needed to remove the output line and start the engine to pump the fluid out or use the "turkey baster" idea. I'll look into Valvoline SynPower Synthetic Blend and stay away from ATF. Not sure if Royal Purple makes a PS fluid or not, but I have been happy with that fluid in my Dana 80.

Dave

Rp makes a synthetic power steering fluid that is called MaxEZ Power Steering Fluid.

Any retailer of RP products should carry it but you'll probably have to order online or have the retailer bring it in special. Auto parts stores jsut don't want to carry more than one or two pwr steering fluids - not a big mover for them unless you have a problem with the pump.

Heck, I went 140K+ on mine with the original fluid.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I'm using LE 7500 Power Fluid, worked fine at zero deg. F. The turkey baster/clear plastic hose method is what I used but that only removes about 1/3 of the fluid from the system. Change several times, working the brakes and power steering in between to change most of it.

 

[JPS]

Royal Purple Oil

How do I find Royal Purple Oil? jps

 

[illflem]

http://www.royalpurple.com/dealers/dealers.shtml

 

[Morphious]

Hum... I've gone 160k miles without "changing" the power steering fluid... course I'm on my second Steering box and occasionally have to add fluid due to it being low.



Morph.

 

[JPS]

Finding Royal Purple

Thanks, Bill. Still no snow here,0 degrees F. this morning. Brrrrrr! jps

 

[24V-DSL]

jmadden.....

thank you for a VERY informative and helpful post. I wouldn't have had a clue.



I've saved into my collection of maintenance stuff I find on the TDR.