Proper way to change PS fluid

[Paul]

What's the best way to change P/S fluid? How does one go about getting it out (which line should I unscrew to drain it?). Is turning on the engine and turning the steering wheel to get most of it out advisable?

My application: '94 Dodge Ram 1500 318ci, 2WD.

Thanks a bunch.

-Paul

 

[Rick in PA]

Here's my experience.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Some people remove the return line and add fluid in the reservoir to make sure no air gets into the system. Not sure what line to remove, but I am currently using a low tech method. For my Saturn, a Saturn tech said to just suck up the fluid in the reservoir with a turkey baster. Then add more fluid. Basically, that is what the machine does at the dealership. I was told I could do this with the car running. But, I have just removed what I could each day after work, and then topped it off. The new fluid runs through the pump, and after removing and adding about 3 quarts of new fluid it is working and looking pretty good.

 

[olympic]

The return line is easily accessible on all my cars so that's what I use. I unhook it, plug the resevoir nipple, add an extension hose to the return line and place the other end in a 1 gallon drain bottle.

Then I jack it up so the wheels are off the ground, start it and turn the wheels several time lock to lock and then pour a quart of fresh oil in to flush it out. Turn the wheels a few times again, hook everything back up and refill the system.

Yes, you'll get air in the system and the pump will whine for a while but it works itself out after a little driving.

If the retrun line is inaccessible or you're really paranoid about running the pump "dry" then the turkey baster method is the next best thing.

 

[RavenTai]

quote:

---

Originally posted by olympic:


Yes, you'll get air in the system and the pump will whine for a while but it works itself out after a little driving.

If the retrun line is inaccessible or you're really paranoid about running the pump "dry" then the turkey baster method is the next best thing.

---

there is a third way that I prefer, I still have not heard if this works on rack and pinion vehicles

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=16;t=001140#000011

 

[brianl703]

I had to replace the low pressure power steering hoses on the '88 Mustang 5.0 -- I replaced them on two separate occasions, refilling the reservior (which completly drained) each time, and that was enough for the fluid to stay clean looking.


Oh, I used Mercon. Ford calls for Type F but Mercon has unofficially been used in Ford power steering units for many years prior to when they changed the recommended fluid.

 

[olympic]

quote:

---

Originally posted by RavenTai:

quote:

---

Originally posted by olympic:


Yes, you'll get air in the system and the pump will whine for a while but it works itself out after a little driving.

If the retrun line is inaccessible or you're really paranoid about running the pump "dry" then the turkey baster method is the next best thing.

---

there is a third way that I prefer, I still have not heard if this works on rack and pinion vehicles

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=16;t=001140#000011

---

I'll give that a try next time, thanks!