Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) RP Synthetic Power Steering Fluid

[Texas Diesel]

Having gone through 3 power steering boxes in 52k miles I decided to make a change. Added a PS fluid cooler and short time ago and switched to synthetic power steering fluid. The 03's have HUGE PS coolers BTW.



After putting in the Royal Purple Synthetic PS fluid I noticed that the turning effort was reduced and the steering wheel felt "smoother". A nice improvement for just changing fluids.



I put RP Synchromax in the transfer case about 4k miles ago and have not had a single gear grind when engaging 4WD at any speed, this is a nice improvement because it used to grind at any speed over 25mph with ATF in it.



Disclaimer: I dont sell RP, work for RP and dont make a penny if you buy their products. The stuff simply works very well for me.

 

[willyslover]

were you having the foam out issue. . where the fluid foamed out of the reservoir and leaked all over the driveway and frame ??

 

[Texas Diesel]

No, never had that problem, thankfully. Just feels better now.

 

[John]

Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us Texas Diesel.

 

[Hunter11]

Hey T. D. did you get the RP locally or did you have to order it? If it was local was it around Austin? Thanks

 

[_Hyde]

Most of the NAPA stores up here in Dallas have RP lubricants.

 

[Texas Diesel]

I ordered from JC Whitney, NAPA could only get motor oil



I bought 4 quarts but only used 2. Steering sure feels better now

 

[Hunter11]

Thanks for the info T. D. I have 4 qts. on the way. One other question, how did you get the old fluid out? I was thinking of using a old turkey baster to get the old stuff out but maybe there is a easier way. Thanks for your help.

 

[_Hyde]

Got threatened with the rolling pin when going for the baster...

I took mine out using a shop vac, gallon jug, and some poly tubing. A gallon Gatorade jug would work better due to the thickness of the jug but any will do. And I had some poly laying around. Take a length of poly tube and stick one end in the PS reservoir and the other in to the bottom of the jug. Then put the shop vac nozzle over the top of the jug as best you can using your hand to cover as much as you can, ease back off the jug to control. This worked real well for me and seems like you could get fluid out that would be missed by the baster. Didn't take too long but I had an extra pair of hands. I guess this could be done solo but might be a little awkward. HTH.



Darren

 

[Texas Diesel]

I took the return line off the power steering pump and started the engine for a few seconds. Press the brake pedal too to empty the fluid used in the hydro booster. Worked good for me and it flushes the lines out too, I put in 1/2 quart and did it again.

Let me know what you think of the RP.

 

[Hunter11]

I am going deer hunting until the 12th and hopefully when I get home it will be waiting for me. I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.