Anybody got tips for changing out the power steering fluid?

I'm starting the 60,000 mile services tomorrow, and my power steering fluid is BLACK. I believe I've read that it's just regular DEXRON II/III ATF.

Somebody on here has to have done this already, right?

 

I do it all the time. P/S is pretty basic for all vehicles.

1. Jack up front end of vehicle and set on stands. No need to remove the wheels, this is just for ease of movement.

2. locate P/S resovoir and notice 2 fluid lines coming out of resovoir. One line is higher up on the resovoir than the other, the higher line is the pump discharge, and the lower line is the pump suction. Drain the resovoir and reomve the discharge line and plug that nipple on the resovoir so you don't leak.

3. Find a way to route the discharge line to an oil pan.

4. Fill the resovoir up to the top and keep it full throughout this process.

5. At this point a second person will make this easier but not necessarily needed.

6. Turn the ignition key to the on position to unlock the steering wheel, but do not start the engine. The engine will not be started until the job is complete.

7. Turn the steering wheel from side to side in each direction, you must keep an eye on the resovoir because the level will be going down, thus bleeding your power steering. If you are using a second person to help, keep the reovoir full til you have used about 2 or 3 quarts of fluid to run through the system. Just dont let the level get too close to the suction line to the pump, because you don't want air in the system.

8. Once you have flushed the P/S to your liking, hook everything back together and clean any mess. Fill the resovoir to the High hot line and install the cap.

9. Now you will start the engine and turn the wheel side to side again to purge any air out of the P/S. At this point the level in the resovoir will go down. Make sure you keep it at least at the high cold mark so you don't allow air in.

10. Once you are satisfied that there are no leaks and the level in the resovoir is no longer going down, you can shut the engine off and take the truck off jack stands.

11. Have beer, or other tasty cold beverage, but beer is best.

12. after driving around for a while, over a period of a few days, check on how you did. See if the level is good and that it is still not leaking. If you suspect a leak, spray some degreaser to get rid of any left over fluid and clean off and re check.


Good luck

 

How much fluid do you think is left in the system besides the reservoir?

 

Probably not more than a quart. Maybe quart and a half.

 

Texoma, fantastic post, thanks. I thought it would end up that way, I just haven't done it before. Have you posted this before? I didn't see it in the thread search.

Thanks for the help.

 

Krazy Serge could probably help you.

 

Nah, I thought about doing a write up with pics and all, just haven't got around to doing it.

 

Yes. Thanks.

 

This^^ i did this every day for 5 days- used Toyota Automatic transmission fluid.