Power steering fluid flush

My turkey baster is too wide for the PS reservoir opening. I used a 2-foot long clear tubing to suck out the PS fluid (don't remember if 3/8 or 1/2 inch OD). Took 3-4 'sucks' to get the fluid out. Used Valvoline Dex/Merc ATF in the blue gallon jug; it's Dexron III, and it's what Toyota recommends. The MaxLife ATF in the red jug is Dexron VI rated - in most applications, Dexron VI is backwards compatible to Dexron III. However, some folks, mostly GM, have recorded issues with DexVI in vehicles that originally called for DexIII, and mostly in transmissions. However, I choose to stick with DexIII since it is still readily available - $17 at Walmart, and the steering system is not a critical component that would benefit from DexVI.

 

No such thing as a dumb question!
"It's better to ask a question, even if you may be considered a fool for a minute, then to never ask - and remain a fool forever" - some wise quote guy! (just sayin'!)

 

Alternative view:
"There is no such thing as a dumb question, only dumb people that ask questions." -One of my high school teachers

 

I've been watching this thread for some time. I decided to go ahead and flush out the PS fluid today.
I'll try to document what I did since the OP pics are gone.
Here's before and after looking at the res.
Before


After its flushed


Along the way
First suck out the old fluid - btw I think this may be unnecessary? Why because once you pull the return line and direct it to a container and plug the res as soon as you start moving the steering wheel back and forth the res is drained really fast. I turned the wheel back and forth and checked and the res was empty . Oh well I figured I was going through several cycles so if it did suck a little air it would be pumped through and I had about 2 quarts left over from when I did the tranny flush. Anyway I sucked out the old fluid before I started using a baster some fuel hose and 3'8" tubing. Luckily it all fit together nicely.

So as I said it drains fast so you must keep an eye on it and top it off constantly. It helps to have some small funnels. I had these and I'm glad I did (99c store I think)


Next time I'll try to have someone inside turning the steering wheel so it would be much faster.
This is what I had on hand and just filled a water bottle since I didn't want to pour from a gal jug.


Here one showing the return line going into a clear 1L water bottle and the res plugged


Anyway it worked out well and no mess! I counted 3 drops of fluid on the ground. Just a rag or two and a few paper towels later and it was all done. Here's the drain bottle the first time I pulled it up with old fluid vs new ATF


Steering is smooth as butter now.

 

Super great right up. I unfortunately can’t see any of the images I posted.

 

I got most of mine exchanged using a baster every few days and emptying then filling the reservoir. Now, every time I change the oil, get the baster out and suck the reservoir dry and refill it.
My fluid was quite dirty when I first started. after a few rounds with the baster, it became almost crystal clear. I noticed a difference at the extreme ends of turning, not a huge improvement but certainly noticeable. I am glad I did it.

 

I just followed this procedure on my truck - thanks for the write up. This is a great forum.

I used a siphon pump to get the fluid out of the reservoir and used max life ATF with a small funnel directly into the reservoir.

 

Why can’t I see the pictures

 

OPs links are broken

 

Thanks HB Taco. Unfortunately I cant seem to find the original images anywhere to reupload but it's pretty straightforward and I'm sure you can find a video or the process on YouTube.

 

Did the flush today. Took quite a few pushes on the wheel to get the drain started, and seemed to go quicker when turning the steering wheel instead of pushing the tires from lock to lock. Made no sense! I flushed about a quart through it and had nice clean red Valvoline Max Life coming out the return hose. Went so quickly I decided to throw on 3 racks of baby backs on the smoker....

 

What's the point of this? It's a sealed system and the discoloration just stems from heat.
Are y'all worried that the fluid degrades so bad that it can't adequately lube the Gears any longer?

 

How often do you think it should be changed, if ever?

 

I don't know. It was an honest question. I wasn't trying to be an ass!

Perhaps when the whole rack gets replaced is what I'm thinking

 

Flush the system annually and you may not have to replace the rack.

 

The fluid can become contaminated by the components inside as they wear and so all those contaminants will be recirculated through the system increasing wear, which usually will show as a leak and once it starts leaking you pretty much have to pull the steering rack out to fix or replace and that ain't cheap. There is no real filter in the system so it makes sense to replace the fluid every now and then or add a filter and just change that filter ever now and then, which is exactly what some members have done.

 

Once every 6 or 7 years is probably sufficient? at least for the first time. My truck was 7yo with 75k mi so I decided to do it since everything else has been done. I dont believe its called for in the maint schedule because it could go 15 + years before it takes a shit? But why not since its easy to do.

 

I wish I could see the pictures

 

Today I flushed and filled my Power Steering system for the first time (91,205 miles). It took about 45 minutes and I took my bloody time. Fluid used was Valvoline ATF Dexron/MERC (Dexron III) as stated in my owners manual. I bought a gallon jug at Wally World for $13.97. And only used a little over a quart in the end!

1. 1st Sucked out old fluid in reservoir until empty.
2. Disconnected return line.
3. Inserted plug on Reservoir inlet.
4. Raised front tires off ground onto jack stands.
5. Inserted a plastic line into return line then into a small clear jug.
6. Filled reservoir with new ATF fluid then turned wheels slowly back and forth watching old fluid leave system.

The power steering fluid currently in system was a BROWN. Not murky looking but BROWN. Once fresh red ATF fluid starting showing up behind the BROWN fluid I knew system was flushed and I added fluid two more times to the reservoir while turning wheels back and forth. Once reservoir was about empty I pulled the plug on return inlet and re-attached return line. No spills or mess. Then topped off system and took a 10 minute drive and back home. Once home made final top off and was completed. Did I notice a difference in my steering? Nope. But a piece of mind knowing system was flushed and I have new fluid for the next how many years. Very easy procedure.

 

i have some extra Toyota ATF WS left over too. So is it ok to use that for the power steering? I just want to make sure.