Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) When sould I change the power steering fluid

[mymtnhauler]

Like the the title says, when should I change my 2002's power steering fluid? The truck has 140K with the original fluid. We bought the truck new and never had any problem with it.

 

[Tractorat]

I've been wondering the same thing recently. It doesn't say in my manual.



I like to listen to a local "car talk" show on the radio on saturday morning, and this same question has come up recently. I think I remember that there really isn't a set time to replace the pwr steering oil. But, they do recommend getting it done. The longer you wait, the more wear and tear on the system which can cause some bucks. So, if you plan on keeping a vehicle, get it changed (again, no time frame).



I've only got about 85k on my 02 truck. But, I think Im probably going to have the pwr steering fluid changed sometime in the next couple of weeks.



I'm sure someone will chime in here with an engineering background with a better answer.



BTW, I have 160k on my car, and 130k on my wife's car, and have never changed the power steering on either. Never had a problem with either car. But, I'm probably going to get those changed soon as well. I think I can probably get at least another 50k out of both cars if not a lot more, and I'd just as soon not have a power steering problem if I can help it (cheap insurance)

 

[ALepley]

Every 30k is when I have changed mine

 

[TBartlett1]

NOW!!

The easiest way to change the fluid is to use a suction bulb like a turkey baster and suck the old fluid out. You will only remove maybe a pint or so then refill and run it a couple days.

Doing this several times will slowly clean & flush the system, repeat every other oil change or so.

Much easier than an offical flush & cheap & easy.

 

[jeepit]

NOW!!

The easiest way to change the fluid is to use a suction bulb like a turkey baster and suck the old fluid out. You will only remove maybe a pint or so then refill and run it a couple days.

Doing this several times will slowly clean & flush the system, repeat every other oil change or so.

Much easier than an offical flush & cheap & easy.

This is how I have done mine also.

 

[firefighter]

the fluid is cheep i change mine yearly,as i do all fluids,except oil i change that every 300k

 

[Bob Cochran]

300,000 between oil changes is a little often isn't it? Sorry could not resist!!!!

the fluid is cheep i change mine yearly,as i do all fluids,except oil i change that every 300k

 

[EBolgiano]

Good idea to change the power steering fluid. Another one easily overlooked is the brake fluid. Any closed loop "oil system" will have condensation (water) over time. Ed B

 

[JMcCoy]

I bought a turkey baster style tool, from Napa, for $9. 99. It's skinnier, so you can get it down deeper in the pump. Like said before, it doesn't get all the fluid out. I change mine every year, so I figure it is sufficient. I also bleed my brake fluid annually.

 

[Joe Mc]

A recommendation is to go with Synthetic fluid. I've done this and it surely makes a difference on those cold mornings and even in the summer time. Actually seems to help make it easier to turn the wheels when not in motion too.

 

[The patriot]

I do mine about once a year regardless of miles.

Using the turkey baster you'll never get all of it out, but over time it will eventually FTMP be new.

 

[JCyrbok]

I do mine every 3ish years. Do it with a turkey baster.



J-

 

[rotohead]

Put one of these filters on the return (non pressure) line and your fluid/system will last longer. I still change my fluid every two years but my pump and box are in good shape.
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