When To Change Fluids

[gandsbrown]

 

For a 2004 Yukon 4WD, when are you supposed to change the differential fluid and the power steering fluid? My owners manual does not address those specifically. Thanks.

[JoshRDavis.84]

For any diff 30,000 is a good interval. 50,000 is ok but I like 30. I work with guys that have 15 year old trucks and say they have never changed any fluid but oil. Up to you. I dont chance mine

[LAGA]

I change the diff lube every 2 years or 25k miles, cheap insurance. The power steering fluid gets sucked out of the reservoir with a turkey baster every 12 months.

[bossier62guy]

For a 2004 Yukon 4WD, when are you supposed to change the differential fluid and the power steering fluid? My owners manual does not address those specifically. Thanks.

 

The service manual for my 02 suggest 60K for the differential....nothing on the power steering fluid at all.

[pm26]

Changing power steering fluid every 12 months is nonsense. Also, if you only empty the power steering pump reservoir, you are replacing only a small portion of the fluid.

 

Also, 30k differential oil change is only for severe service vehicles, like those used in heavy towing for example, or severe off roading. 60k miles is more appropriate for normal service.

[YZINGERR]

1- how do you properly replace the powersteering fluid completely?

 

2- I just changed my rear diff oil at 57k and it smelled burnt and was very dirty.. I don't ever tow, but the truck is lifted.

[cfbcovers]

1- how do you properly replace the powersteering fluid completely?

 

2- I just changed my rear diff oil at 57k and it smelled burnt and was very dirty.. I don't ever tow, but the truck is lifted.

[slomo007]

Changing power steering fluid every 12 months is nonsense. Also, if you only empty the power steering pump reservoir, you are replacing only a small portion of the fluid.

 

Also, 30k differential oil change is only for severe service vehicles, like those used in heavy towing for example, or severe off roading. 60k miles is more appropriate for normal service.

 

Agreed, you guys are wasting your time and money by changing it every 10 or even 30,000 miles.

[C & A s Dad]

1- how do you properly replace the powersteering fluid completely?

 

2- I just changed my rear diff oil at 57k and it smelled burnt and was very dirty.. I don't ever tow, but the truck is lifted.

 

 

What I did to replace my P/S fluid.

 

1) Remove the rtn line at the pump and place the end in a container. Have someone start the truck for just about 2 seconds.

 

2) This should all but drain the resv. on the pump. Fill it with our choice of fluid.

 

3) Repeat this process 2 to 3 times and then replace the hose.

 

4) Fill it up and either drive the truck or simply turn the wheel from lock to lock several times.

 

5) Repeat steps 1 and 2 a couple more times and you should be good to go.

 

 

If you do not drive it or turn the wheel you really cannot get all of the fluid out of the rack or the steering box. There are service centers with equipment that will do this as well but IMO this is a good way to do it in your garage.

 

One last thing. If you do not use a good syn fluid, I woudl strongly recommend adding a bottle of Lube Gard's power steering additve (Part # 20404) when you are finished. Just like their trans products, it is a great additive.

[Bish]

Changing power steering fluid every 12 months is nonsense. Also, if you only empty the power steering pump reservoir, you are replacing only a small portion of the fluid.

 

Also, 30k differential oil change is only for severe service vehicles, like those used in heavy towing for example, or severe off roading. 60k miles is more appropriate for normal service.

 

I agree with you that replacing PS fluid yearly is overkill. However, if you empty and refill the PS res every 12 months, you would be replacing about a third of the fluid and I suspect it would stay fresh that way. That's the method I use anyhow.

[ajcain79]

1- how do you properly replace the powersteering fluid completely?

 

2- I just changed my rear diff oil at 57k and it smelled burnt and was very dirty.. I don't ever tow, but the truck is lifted.

 

 

He's hauling, not towing.