Power Steering Flush?

[randyf]

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]

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

 

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

[stadt11]

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

[Stylous]

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.

 

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.

[randyf]

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.

 

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.

 

 

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

[C & A s Dad]

Nothing unless you have hydroboost brakes. This would mean your

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

[svensk]

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]

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.

[pm26]

Anybody?

[pm26]

bump

[txab]

Amsoil seems to be pretty popular around here.

[pm26]

How much fluid is needed to completely replace all of the fluid in the system?

[txab]

Between 1 and 2 qts on mine.

[Stylous]

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.