Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) PS Fluid change trick

[KenHokie]

After reading several of the posts about changing the PS fluid by removing as much as possible using a turkey baster, replacing with new fluid and repeating the process, I decided to give it a try. I tried the turkey baster a few times and then came up with the idea to try the oil change pump for my boat that I had sitting on the shelf. This pump runs on 12V and designed to suck the oil up out of the dipstick tube for changing the oil in a boat. (Pulling the oil plug and running use oil through the bilge makes a real mess!). Anyway, the pump worked great for pulling as much PS fluid out of the PS pump as possible. The truck has 40K miles on it and the PS fluid was a very dark brown. Does anyone know what type of fluid is put in at the factory (ATF-4?)? Anyway, I have cycled through the process twice and replaced a quart of fluid (Valvoline Semi-Synthetic). I think I'll drive the truck for the week and then change out more PS fluid next weekend. If it wasn't for the TDR, I would have never thought about changing, and how to do it, the PS fluid. Thanks to everyone.

 

[Bob4x4]

I use a 2 pump set up. 1 to suck old fluid out and the other to refill. 1 set of alligater clamps to battery and 2 toggle switches to run pumps. very quick and easy.



Bob

 

[C Schomer]

I've done mine twice - yesterday was the second time. I pulled the return hoses off the back of the pump and ran them into a bucket. Then plugged the return stubs and siphoned the rest of the dirty oil out of the pump. I pour new oil into the pump while the Mrs. starts it, pumps the brakes and runs the steering wheel lock to lock (front end on a floor jack). About 2+ qts. thoroughly flushes it, then refill. My old stuff smelled overheated - these trucks need a PS cooler. Craig

 

[KenHokie]

Craig, Yeah I agree, my fluid looked very dark and also smelled slightly burnt with only 41K miles on the truck! Guess I'll be adding changing the PS fluid to my list of regular maintenance.