I`m looking to flush the power steering system in my Max myself. I just can`t see paying somebody else $70-$100 for something so simple. Anyone know of a good do it yourself kit? I have seen some flushing fluids that you can use without a machine by disconnecting the return line and pouring the flush into the reservoir while turning the wheel back and forth.

 

I use the turkey baster method and suck out the reserve a few times and refill it. Do that over a period of a day or two using 2 bottles of PS fluid and you should have a nice refresh of the fluid in the system. Do that every 6 months or so and the system should stay pretty clean.

 

Check the 1st sticky in the Fluids and Lubricants forum.

 

Instead of using a turkey blaster, i used this other suction device i got from Wal-Mart for about $3 or so. It has a thin extension so you can suck almost all of the fluid out of the resoviour. Mind you if you already have a turkey blaster, that should do the job sufficiently as well. What i would suggest is that you suck up as much as possible, refill and then 2 weeks later, repeat if it's your first time. That got mine to stay a nice Amsoil red.

LEMAR

 

Could you tell us what is this "suction device" called? A pic would be greatly helpful!

Also, is it okay to have fresh fluid mixed with dirty fluid? Would that cause any problems?

Thanks.

 

I got mine at Pepboys and its a pump like the bicycle air but with rubber hose1 on one end and and rubber hose2 on the other one. take any liquid from rubber 1 to rubber 2 hand pumping it. it cost me...i dont even remember so it wasn't expensive believe i would of.

 

Is this it? Actron Vaccum Pump on the LEFT.

 

nop.... that was like $30 something dollars. Mine was a pretty basic one...

 

this is the one i bought:

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/pro...manu=&narFlag=

 

Found another one. Wonder if this can be used to suck-out fluid. $35 on NextTag.com

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...ite=Performics

 

damn so changing the power steering fluid is as easy as sucking it out and putting in new fluid a couple times during the day or two? interesting ....

isn't changing it every 6 months too frequent?

 

what else would it be used for??

 

damn my fluid I replaced the red with is clear now. It was Valvoline with conditioner and stop leak. I like the clear over the dirty red fluid that I had in there..

 

What??????

 

It is a hand pump. It can be used to pump the liquid out of the 5-gallon tub into wherever you want.

 

Ummm...to pump out fluid???

 

Awright wiseguys! :-)

I meant, could we use this pump to extract brake fluid from the car's reservoir into the bucket?

 

I don't see any reason for Replacing Power steering oil. There is not many moving parts in power steering system. It is not like the car engine oil, or the Tranny oil.

 

I beg to differ...
Normal driving eventually causes power steering fluid to be affected by heat, friction and electrochemical degradation. The higher pressure created by hard turns is especially damaging over time. Your power steering fluid starts out clear but eventually turns dark with age. Sludge and varnish build up and prevent the easy turning and responsive handling you have become accustomed to.

A power steering flush safely removes varnish and sludge deposits. It is also the best way to remove wear metals that slowly grind away the power steering internal components, including the power steering hoses, power steering pump, rack and pinion and/or gear box. A Power Steering Fluid Flush thoroughly cleans the vehicles steering system and protects it because the fresh power steering fluid and conditioners revitalize the seals and o-rings.

Flushing Power Steering Fluid at least every 30,000 miles will greatly reduce the chance of premature failure and may result in better handling.

...and no I am not selling anything :-)
Cheers!

 

omg, note the obvious sarcasm.. he asked if it could suck out fluids, well yeahhh.

 

Copy and paste?? Our power steering fluid is Dexron III automatic tranny fluid, which is definitely NOT clear. Proof enough that you didn't come up with that yourself.

 

Sorry i don't have it nor my digital camera with me in school, but it's pretty basic. It's used to mix gas.

Mixing fresh and dirty fluid won't cause any problems. The mix will also be very diluted if you cycle out the old fluid 2 times anyways.

LEMAR

 

You are definitely Brain washed by this concept. Under normal Driving condition, your power steering does not even heat up, unless you are drifting or something. I don't know where you got all of this information.

 

Yes, copy and paste indeed. I never claimed it was mine!

 

Just drain out some Power Steering/ Automatic transmission fluid with a liquid soap dispenser pump. Kind of cheesy, but works like a charm.

 

AWESOME POST! and Great IDEA!

 

that is brilliant

 

Damn, nice idea.

 

Here's a picture of the pump.

 

i just used a turkey baster. $2 at target. Make sure you use DEXTRON ATF and not actual power steering fluid. It should be BRIGHT RED.