Jump to content

Power Steering Flush?

randyf

Recommended Posts

randyf Enthusiast

randyf

Posted
Posted

Anyone ever do a power steering flush.......I'm changing alll the fluids in the 05 Suburban I just bought.

 

The pump makes a little noise when turning...I thought maybe new fluid would help......whats the best fluid to use?

 

Can anyone tell me the best - easiest way to change the fluid?

Z45 Senior Enthusiast

Z45

Posted
Posted

Easy way is to suck out the fluid from the reservoir. You may have to do this several times over a period of time to get close to 100% purity if that's your goal.

 

You buy suction guns at most auto parts store for less than $20.

 

Like this ExtractionPump_300.jpg

 

You can also use that to add gear lube to the differential. Remove cover, fill and pump in. Have done that countless times.

stadt11 Senior Enthusiast

stadt11

Posted
Posted

I bought a Brake Bleeder/Suction Gun from AutoZone last weekend to do this same thing. Works great :rolleyes: You can use any PS Fluid, I chose AMSOIL PS Fluid

Stylous Enthusiast

Stylous

Posted
Posted

READ THIS!!!

 

I just had to replace my hydroboost unit. A Chevy tech (friend of a friend) told me they see about one truck a week for a failed HB or PS unit. His suggestion was PS fluid flush every 50,000 miles...PS fluid goes up to the HD unit and back into the PS resevoir. Although this is not recommended service it is cheap insurance vs. the $1000 repair bill to have the HB unit replaced or the $300 to replace the PS pump when it leaks. He also suggested I switch to valvoline synthetic PS fluid.

 

2007 and newer vehicles now have this as a recommended service. :rolleyes:

 

I installed the new HB unit then disconnected the return line from the HD unit to the PS resevoir and placed it in a bucket. I filled the PS resevoir up to the neck and started the truck. Work the steering back and forth to remove the air. Then I applied the brakes off and on...as you release the brake pedal the fluid will shoot out into the bucket so be carefull. I did this until the PS resevoir got low then filled it up to the neck again and just kept pressing on the brake until all the fluid was clear. I used one full quart just to be safe.

 

Hopefully this will save you some $$$ in the long run. Pass this maintenance item on to those you know as well.

 

BTW...after switching to the synthetic fluid, my steering also got quietier. :D

randyf Enthusiast

randyf

Posted
  • Author
Posted
READ THIS!!!

 

I just had to replace my hydroboost unit. A Chevy tech (friend of a friend) told me they see about one truck a week for a failed HB or PS unit. His suggestion was PS fluid flush every 50,000 miles...PS fluid goes up to the HD unit and back into the PS resevoir. Although this is not recommended service it is cheap insurance vs. the $1000 repair bill to have the HB unit replaced or the $300 to replace the PS pump when it leaks. He also suggested I switch to valvoline synthetic PS fluid.

 

2007 and newer vehicles now have this as a recommended service. :rolleyes:

 

I installed the new HB unit then disconnected the return line from the HD unit to the PS resevoir and placed it in a bucket. I filled the PS resevoir up to the neck and started the truck. Work the steering back and forth to remove the air. Then I applied the brakes off and on...as you release the brake pedal the fluid will shoot out into the bucket so be carefull. I did this until the PS resevoir got low then filled it up to the neck again and just kept pressing on the brake until all the fluid was clear. I used one full quart just to be safe.

 

Hopefully this will save you some $$$ in the long run. Pass this maintenance item on to those you know as well.

 

BTW...after switching to the synthetic fluid, my steering also got quietier. :D

 

 

??? What does pushing the brake pedal have to do with the power steering???

svensk Senior Enthusiast

svensk

Posted
Posted
Nothing unless you have hydroboost brakes. This would mean your

Power assist is powered by the ps pump instead of using vacum

Is this only on HD's? That's kind of a lame setup.

pm26 Senior Enthusiast

pm26

Posted
Posted

I found out that Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid is no longer available. What other synthetic fluid is recommended? Woudl Redline fluid be good?

 

How much fluid do you need to completely replace the existing power steering fluid?

 

When you disconnect the power steering pump return hose and start the engine, how fast does the power steering fluid come out? Do you have to shut the engine off after a few seconds so you will not run the system dry?

 

I need to do this to my truck too, so any feedback is appreciated.

Stylous Enthusiast

Stylous

Posted
Posted
I found out that Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid is no longer available. What other synthetic fluid is recommended? Woudl Redline fluid be good? Good question...at the time, that PS fluid was available. I would guess any synthetic PS fluid would work. Emphasis is really just on changing the fluid.

How much fluid do you need to completely replace the existing power steering fluid? I used one full quart and then clear fluid was coming out.

When you disconnect the power steering pump return hose and start the engine, how fast does the power steering fluid come out? Do you have to shut the engine off after a few seconds so you will not run the system dry? Not to fast, just a steady stream when you press on the brake. I checked it every 3 pumps.

 

I need to do this to my truck too, so any feedback is appreciated.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.4k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,853
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    JohnRoy
    Newest Member
    JohnRoy
    Joined

  • Who's Online   6 Members, 0 Anonymous, 647 Guests (See full list)

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Atlas
      Acceptably cheap tires?

      By Atlas · Posted

      Which one, the AT or AS?   Starfire is made by Cooper/Goodyear but at $85/tire I'd think I'd need to level-set my expectations that they may not even be round 😉 But you're saying they're decent?   I'm already into this thing $1506 in parts, fluids, etc. Totaled all my receipts today. $250 of that was replacing an EGR and MAP sensor that were probably fine, but I'm not going to return the parts since they've been installed. I'm cheap, but not that cheap. I use it, I keep it!   I may or may not make money if I sell the truck at this point, but, that wasn't really the point. And if I billed my time, I'd be hosed for real. My thought on the tires is I "might" put 1,000 miles on before selling it. I just don't want to put absolute junk on it, that doesn't do anyone any good. If the Solus solidly isn't junk, I'll definitely consider them.        
    • rjgvt
      Is your l8t engine bay super dusty?

      By rjgvt · Posted

      I leave mine as is. I'm always a trip away from riding on unpaved roads. Dealer can clean it when they prep it after I trade it in for another new truck.
    • Grumpy Bear
      Acceptably cheap tires?

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      I have these on two vehicles and love them. Pepper is one of them 😉 
    • Atlas
      Acceptably cheap tires?

      By Atlas · Posted

      4WD. Far as I know it came stock with P's and not LT's. Definitely planning to put P's on it, but stock is a 109 XL load rating so I should probably stick within that guideline.   No rebates on anything I can see at the moment. Discount Tire is offering $50 off, but Pep Boys is very competitive on price, and also carries all the off-brand stuff. Les Schwab always wants an arm/leg, but they do good work.   It still has the original spare. Goodyear Wrangler RT/S, thing looks like a tractor tire LOL!! How times have changed.    
    • JohnRoy
      2020 Sierra 2500 windows rolling down

      By JohnRoy · Posted

      2020 Sierra 2500 HD (base model) gas engine 4wd.    All 4 windows roll down on their own. Happens somewhat randomly after stop and engine off - when engine turned off, when walking away from vehicle before or after locks activated. Pulled the window fuse F14 Instrument Panel Fuse Block Right; the driver's side still activates from driver's side door panel; passenger and back seat windows activate from local switches on their doors but not from driver's side group of switches. Power mirrors don't activate with fuse removed either (same fuse for both circuits). Problem not solved.    How can they even activate with fuse removed but they are all still opening and can control from each door?  When they open on their own, I can shut them from the switch in each door, but they don't stay closed.    Seems to be activated somehow with key fob; something bumping the key fob in my pocket or just handling - removed key fob and took it far enough away and now the windows stay closed. Replaced key fob batty just in case, no change.    Sounds like some kind of wiring short or maybe electronics. Dealer will first replace electronic control module without checking anything else and I anticipate problem will still exist since their troubleshooting skills are limited to "do whatever the computer says".  In any case, keyfob seems to be activating the circuitry.    Surely I'm not the only one with this issue, but I can't find anything related on the site. What do yall think?   JohnRoy  

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...