Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Power Steering Fluid - Replacement method???

[schu777]

Hi Everyone,



Before the wonderful colder weather gets here, I want to go and do several things on my truck (shocks, antifreeze change, power steering fluid change, brake fluid change) and was wondering if anyone has improved on a method of changing the power steering fluid?



Here is what I'm planning to do:

1) Using a wonder turkey baster, suck out as much fluid as I can.

2) Replace with good Valvoline Synthetic

3) Start truck up, turn the wheels back and forth several times

4) Turn truck off and start again with step 1.



Now I do have a couple of Jack Stands that can hold the front end, I was thinking about jacking it up just high enough to put the stands in and let the front wheels turn free. Of course the parking brake would be on with something behind/front of the back tires so it doesn't roll. Is this a good idea or a bad idea?



Thanks, Michael

 

[AKAMAC]

Sounds like you have it pretty much down. You can drive it a couple days, skip step 3 and repeat 1 later. That way you get a better mix of fluid. The only other way is to pull the return line, plug line entrance and add fluid to res. while you articulate the system with engine running. Can be very messy! Have fun. Mike

 

[tp0d]

Yep... thats what I did with my 96... was having a hard time making tight turns, checked the fluid, it didnt look too great. . so out comes the turkey baster and some synthetic PS fluid. . works great now. .



-j

 

[JackJack]

Just use an old shop vac. Works great.



Jack

 

[Paulsdodge]

Power Steering Fluid

I have another way that you can change the fluid on your truck,but you need a vacuum device. If you have one you can disconnect the power steering fluid line that goes to the brake booster attach a vacuum hose , remove the power steering fluid cap and remove all the fluid at one time. To add fluid, fill res, turn vacuum on and keep vacuum on untill fluid reaches the line you have the vacuum on and the fluid doesn't have any air bubbles in it. Reconnect the line and your done! No turning the wheels, no trappeed air in the system, and no dirty contiminated fluid left in the system. It works great. If you don't have the pump or don't know what the pump looks like go to sears.com and search for mighty vac. I believe you will find it under this search. Oo. Oo. This tool is well worth the money.

 

[jjohn]

http://www.mityvac.com/kits.html

http://www.mityvac.com/kits.html

 

[GLASMITHS]

After having sever noises and such, I popped for a vacume pump from JCW for about $50. 00 It holds about 2 gallons, so one pump up will get the p/s fluid out, then refill... ... It can be used for other fluids also. Did a rear axle for a person who did not have a drain plug. Had 130K on the oil. It was like syrup.

 

[rweis]

I siphon mine, not as messy as a turkey baster. Fish tank air hose, outboard motor fuel bulb, bucket. You get about 1/2 quart. Start, have a beverage of choice, refill, done. I do it about once a month till about 8 times I think is a complete change.



Bob Weis

 

[C Schomer]

I pulled the returns and extended them into a bucket, plugged the stubs and jacked up the front end. Then the wife ran the wheel and I dumped the syn fluid in thru a trans funnel. Got a thorough flushing, that way. It used to growl on cold starts - not anymore. Another excellent application for syn lube! Craig

 

[KenHokie]

I used one of those 12V electric pumps that are sold for changing the oil for inboard & sterndrive engines in boats. It was a lot less messy than the turkey baster method. I repeated it 4 times with driving a few days in between attempts. The fluid in the pump looked just like the stuff that came out of the bottle (Valvoline Synthetic) after 4 times.

 

[JohnE]

Last I looked Valvoline is only a partial synthetic oil. Label even states blend.

Red Line & Royal Purple produce 100% synthetic fluid.



Valvoline was fine for cleaning the system with a few flush & fill cycles, but it didn't stop the cold weather squeal.

I added a bottle of Lubegard PS additive on the last refill and it stopped the squeal. Brakes felt better, too.

 

[liftedlpg]

All I can find is a Valvoline Synthetic blend. Where do you get the real stuff?Will the blend work if I cant find the other?

 

[Cooker]

The Valvoline Synthetic power steering fluid is a blend, I have never seen a full synthetic Valvoline PS fluid. It will work well. If you are looking for a full synthetic Royal Purple offers such a product.

 

[RKohn]

Gee Honey, the glaze on the turkey tastes a little different...

Did you add something extra?



Yes dear, Valvoline, it's low in cholesterol.

 

[SKargo]

#ad

 

[JFitzgerald]

Another good idea is to add an in-line filter in the PS fluid return line while you're at it. My NAPA has them. Ask for an in-line trans fluid filter. Looks like a universal type fuel filter with hose barbs on each end, and a magnet inside also. Just cut the return line and splice it in with hose clamps.

 

[Souders]

Looking at the brake booster there are two lines comming from the pump. One enters the side and the other the top. Which line should I remove to attach my pump to remove the fluid ?



Any input appreciated.