Power steering system flush?

[JGK]

Just after I bought my '98 12-valve last summer, a mechanic from the local Dodge Boys suggested that since it had nearly 50K miles, it was due for a power steering system flush. They quoted about $125 for the job #ad
.

I haven't spotted this as a normal maintenance procedure or how to do this in the "big green book", nor have I seen this discussed much here.

Can anyone provide the recommended procedure for doing this? Refill with OEM fluid or is there a better after-market? Any tips/tricks/warnings/etc. , and what are the benefits?

TIA,
Jay

 

[Whitmore]

Jay, I found some sinthetic ps fluid in walmart,cant remember the make but it was handy and also will be available in the future for my convenience,I dont like having to order things,any way what I did was I took the 2 hoses off the steering box to drain the pump as well as the box,the procedure says to start truck and move wheels back and forth but I totally disagree with this as I will not run my pump dry #ad
so I instead hook lines back up and refill resivor,I repeated this 3 times so I believe I have done a good flush,also the cold start noise of the pump is gone,I know sinthetic is the way to go for our ps pumps in cold conditions #ad
#ad
#ad
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Kevin 2001 eth dee

 

[illflem]

Jay,Valvoline synthetic PS fluid is the one to use. Apparently it is compatible with the Dodge PS fluid,there is no need to drain every last drop of old fluid unless the old fluid is contaminated with water or dirt. You can use a suction gun or turkey baster to remove as much as possible or remove the line to the reservoir and let it drain. If you want to drain even more,jack the front wheels off the ground and turn the wheels back and forth with the engine off. I agree with Kevin about not running the engine with no PS fluid. This method should cost you much,much less than $125.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[The patriot]

I've used tha Valvoline synthetic too. I removed the high press line from the steering box, then jacked up the front axle and moved the steering wheel lock to lock a few times.
This still didnt get all out, but it got most of it.
I'll repeat this again in the summer. It only used less than 1/2 quart.
Eric

 

[yooper]

Flushing might be the best way to go, but for me a lot of work. When I change my oil I use one of those hand suction pumps and take out about 10-11 oz. Refill with Valvoline synthetic. No work involved and your constantly changing more than half of it. Keeps it fresh. Using the Valvoline got rid of most of the power steering noise on cold mornings.

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97 Black 2500HD SLT CC LB 4x4 Auto 3. 54 LS black Century topper w/frameless windows 8 in American Eagle alluminum wheels 305/70R16 Goodyear Wrangler A/TS

 

[David_VT]

I've heard / read somewhere that AMSOIL universal transmission fluid is good in the steering system. Any opinions on that??

 

[illflem]

Some people use Amsoil TF,but TF isn't recommended for the Dodge PS. The Valvoline syn PS fluid is good stuff designed for the PS,no pump squeal in cold weather with it. Will cost you about $4 to do your PS with it.

 

[1tuffram]

just finished using the suction gun method to replace about 10oz PS fluid with Valvoline Synpower power steering fluid.

After replacing the fluid I had a bit of a scare. Started the truck and the steering wheel felt like it was locked in place. Could not turn the wheels. Was thinking to myself should have left well enough alone. Reved the engine for a minute or less and all was well. Must of got a little air in system.

The suction gun method makes this job so easy and convenient I will start to include it as part on my routine maintenance.

 

[SMorneau]

I have been using Amsoil "ATF" in my power steering since I had the steering gear replaced about 60K ago,that is another story, anyway my powersteering is quiet even at -30F, stays very clean, and comes with a powersteering rating. Once before the gear replacement my steering became very difficult in cold weather, the truck had been driven about 45 miles and the fluid should not have been cold. I don't know what was wrong but it has never happened with the Amsoil.

So much for the testimonial... A power steering rebuilder once told me you could use anything if the seals would tolerate it.

 

[Phil Stuart]

Does this have any affect on us guys that have the Hydroboost type braking system?How can you get all the fluid out of this system and the power steering system to get a good fluid change?
Just wondering.

Phil

 

[TXRam]

Hey guys, I've been thinking of doing this also - as a matter of fact, I already bought the Valvoline Synthetic PS fluid.

But I have one request if y'all don't mind - next time you're in your truck, try to turn the wheel while the truck is in Park/parking brake on and not rolling. Mine is very "tight" - if I try to turn it very fast, it goes about an eighth of a turn and then won't budge, if I try to slowly turn it, it is a "little" easier. If I put the truck in D or R and let it roll just a little, it turns real easy. By the way I do have a 4X4 with 285 BFG AT's.

Thanks.

 

[1tuffram]

TXRam

I think I missed the point of your request, what are you getting at?

 

[illflem]

TXRam,I assume you mean with the engine running. With my 4x4 AT it doesn't matter which gear moving or still I can turn the wheels all the way right or left with one finger. Not quite as good as a JD tractor where you can just flick a steering wheel spoke with one finger and it will turn all the way,but pretty darn good.
If you have wide tires it may make it harder,but when stopped you shouldn't have to reef on the steering wheel to turn. It makes me wonder if your PS pump isn't putting out the correct pressure.
Changing the fluid right away is probably a good idea for you,if it doesn't improve I think it's time to pull out the Dodge service manual and see what's going on.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 02-15-2001). ]

 

[TXRam]

Yes, with the engine running. I've talked to 2 other guys around here who both said that their truck does the same thing as mine, but it doesn't seem right. I guess I'll have to check out the pump - just another one of Chrysler's piece of crap parts it sounds like.

 

[Big-D]

TRam, Turning the steering wheel at a stand still with the weight of our engines is going to be harder to accomplish than when in motion. If you are not hearing a squeal from the by-pass valve when applying max effort (wheels not moving)than I would guess you have pressure problem. Check the fluid level and a warm temperature along with belt condition before investigating further. That is where I would start.

 

[pcorssmit]

Is the Valvoline fluid you guys are useing a full synthetic, or is it blended? I looked at Checkers (yuck) last night, and all they had was a blended Valvoline.

As for the steering while stopped, it can be an indication that your pump is going bad. Or your front tires are getting low (air). My Blazer does this sometimes when it gets cold, especially with the 15" wide Swampers on it.

Pete

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'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits

 

[jolyman]

I am going to start the fluid changes in my NEW '96 Ram 4x4. I'm going to start with the power stering and brakes.

I need to know if the Valvoline Synthetic is really compatable with the fluid that is left in the truck (whatever fluid I don't get out) #ad

 

[Mac]

I hope its compatable. I sucked out a little over a pint last week and replaced it with Valvoline. I've drove it about 100 miles and everythings still ok.

 

[JGK]

I've been sucking out a little with a turkey baster every few weeks and adding in the Valvoline Synthetic since seeing the responses in this thread (thanks, all) and no problems so far.

Jay

 

[Sled Puller]

Last I heard from Amsoil, they will not back their ATF in the PS system of Chryslers. Not enough testing.

I had put in the Amsoil before I knew this, no problems for 2 years, 60,000 miles. I'm due for a flush too, glad it was brought up.

Gene

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1997 Cummins Dodge 4x4 "One Piece At A Time" Bombed & Amsoiled. Amsoil Premiere Direct Jobber, Member of: NRA Business Alliance, GLTDR, WANTED: Wrecked Dodges.
www.awdist.com