Did a power steering flush yesterday. I removed the reservoir and cleaned it out with a combination of Purple Power and brake cleaner. I was a little concerned that I didn't have a brush to clean the screen. But it worked out really well to spray a good amount of cleaner inside, put on the cap, plug the inlets with my fingers, and shake shake shake shake shake. After a lot of shaking, pretty much everything inside broke loose. Then rinse thoroughly with water and dry the inside with a hairdryer.
The fluid that came out wasn't too bad, but definitely dirty. Steering feels lighter now!
Process:
Raise vehicle
Jack stands
Pop hood and put bundle of paper towels under reservoir to catch excess
Remove the 2 hoses
Remove the reservoir
Clean per above
Replace reservoir and reconnect suction (?) line. This is the larger one.
Connect return line to some 5/8 clear vinyl tubing and wind that down through the wheel well into a catch basin
Turn key to ACC
Turn wheel lock-to-lock 3 times
Pour in some more fluid
Repeat until what's coming out the clear tubing is clean
Reconnect return line
Fill reservoir to between min/max on COLD
Turn on vehicle and turn wheel lock-to-lock many times, keeping an eye on the fluid level and refilling as necessary if air is pushed out of the lines
There is a section on bleeding the system in the steering portion of the FSM--good info to look at
Button everything up and drive around to check performance
Monitor fluid level and top off if necessary
Optional step: Get under vehicle to check your new CV axles and see that the DS inboard boot is slinging grease


