aldive
Elite In Memoriam
- Joined
- January 17, 2001
- Messages
- 24,667
- Reaction score
- 28
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1999 XLT
In the past I have always used the turkey baster method to replace power steering fluid. Yes, I always use synthetic power steering fluid, never ATF.
I used Redline Synthetic Power Steering Fluid (http://www.redlineoil.com/products_coolant.asp?subCategoryID=5 ) I obtained it at Jegs for $8.99/quart ( http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...tryId=123202&storeId=10001&ddkey=OrderItemAdd ).
Having never been satisfied with the previous method, I decided to perform a complete flush of the power steering system ( pump, reservoir, lines, cooler ).
To begin the procedure, the truck was jacked up and set jack stands so the front wheels are just off the ground.
The first step in the process is to remove the power steering return line at the reservoir. Then I contacted a 5 foot hose to the return line with a short piece of pipe and place ( taped down with duct tape to prevent spilling any fluid ) the end of the hose in a oil drain bucket.
I had several quarts of new power steering fluid ready to add to the reservoir as the old fluid exited.
I had a friend crank the truck and turn the wheel side to side while I added new power steering fluid to the reservoir.
I continued to add new fluid until the discarded fluid ran clear. I used 7 quarts.
After the flush, the reservoir was filled with new fluid and the cap secured.
The used power steering fluid was taken to Advanced Auto Parts for recycling.
Does the truck run/perform better? No, but I have peace of mind that the power steering system is as good as it gets.
I used Redline Synthetic Power Steering Fluid (http://www.redlineoil.com/products_coolant.asp?subCategoryID=5 ) I obtained it at Jegs for $8.99/quart ( http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...tryId=123202&storeId=10001&ddkey=OrderItemAdd ).
Having never been satisfied with the previous method, I decided to perform a complete flush of the power steering system ( pump, reservoir, lines, cooler ).
To begin the procedure, the truck was jacked up and set jack stands so the front wheels are just off the ground.
The first step in the process is to remove the power steering return line at the reservoir. Then I contacted a 5 foot hose to the return line with a short piece of pipe and place ( taped down with duct tape to prevent spilling any fluid ) the end of the hose in a oil drain bucket.
I had several quarts of new power steering fluid ready to add to the reservoir as the old fluid exited.
I had a friend crank the truck and turn the wheel side to side while I added new power steering fluid to the reservoir.
I continued to add new fluid until the discarded fluid ran clear. I used 7 quarts.
After the flush, the reservoir was filled with new fluid and the cap secured.
The used power steering fluid was taken to Advanced Auto Parts for recycling.
Does the truck run/perform better? No, but I have peace of mind that the power steering system is as good as it gets.