So, I've never really done a power steering fluid change/flush etc in all my years of driving and working on cars. Not sure how that's happened, but anyway...My 2000 Silverado 2500 needs it. The fluid is VERY dark. Can anyone give me a quick rundown on how to do it? Not sure if it makes a difference, but it's a 6.0 gas, and the brake boost comes from the PS pump.
I have heard a number of different ways.. most involve several bottles of fresh power steering fluid and either a small siphon pump or a turkey baster.
Basically drain as much as you can with either the pump or the baster and then refill.. run the car so that the new fluid gets mixed with the old... remove the fluid, refill... lather rinse, repeat.
ohioboy
New Reader
10/10/09 7:27 p.m.
It'll be easier with someone to help, but basically you remove the return-to-reservoir line (put a drain pan below or piece of hose to container), cap off open port on reservoir, start engine and cycle steering left to right fully while adding fluid to replace the stuff that's draining out. When it looks like new fluid coming out you're done.
ohioboy
New Reader
10/10/09 7:30 p.m.
Oh.. and buy a few quarts at least. It's a pretty sizeable system with the cooler and the hydroboost brakes.
tukey baster works for me
Thanks all, it's pretty much what I expected.
yes, it's just a pita job no matter how you cut it. I really think no manufactor ever intended for that fluid to be replaced
ohioboy wrote:
It'll be easier with someone to help, but basically you remove the return-to-reservoir line (put a drain pan below or piece of hose to container), cap off open port on reservoir, start engine and cycle steering left to right fully while adding fluid to replace the stuff that's draining out. When it looks like new fluid coming out you're done.
This is the method I use also, I actually just loosen the return line banjo bolt or fitting several turns, use a hose pincher pliers on the return line and go to town.
Remember to wrap an old shirt or some shop rags around the loosened fitting to avoid having fluid splattered around the engine bay.
ohioboy wrote:
It'll be easier with someone to help, but basically you remove the return-to-reservoir line (put a drain pan below or piece of hose to container), cap off open port on reservoir, start engine and cycle steering left to right fully while adding fluid to replace the stuff that's draining out. When it looks like new fluid coming out you're done.
this is the only way to flush the system - the baster only gets a fraction of the volume. Had to replace a lot of boiled PS fluid in a 94 Z28 track car.