PS Flush and some basic maintenance

[DWNUNDR]

Well tonight I decided I had some time so I should get around to doing my oil change. It is the first one since buying it 2 months ago. Greased all the zirks I could find and while it was on the lift I decided to flush the power steering...

for those wondering if it is worth it... here are some basic pictures...

 

[DWNUNDR]

old fluid vs new fluid


fluid near end of flush to new fluid


old fluid

 

[DWNUNDR]

old fluid when first pouring (still has a lot of fresher fluid mixed at the top after flush)

old fluid nearer to bottom of container

new fluid color

 

[2000UZJ]

Can you take some pictures of the box you made to flush the system. Need to make one for myself.

 

[DWNUNDR]

I actually kept it from my old shop I sold... its a Justice Brothers flush machine...


I will try to get some pics of all the internals for you in the next day or 2...

 

[AimCOtaco]

Thanks for posting, are you sure you sold your old shop? Looks like you brought it home! Nice set up!

Mine looked the same, how did yours smell, I was shocked by the stench... not that I would expect that from everyones...

Thanks,

 

[DWNUNDR]

dont usually smell the old fluid hahaha but yeah its basically trans fluid so once dirty and burnt it stinks...

I kept my exhaust bender and a couple of other things when I sold my shop... but had to buy a new lift

 

[2000UZJ]

Thanks for posting, are you sure you sold your old shop? Looks like you brought it home! Nice set up!

Mine looked the same, how did yours smell, I was shocked by the stench... not that I would expect that from everyones...

Thanks,

I had the smell of my diff fluid burned into my nostrils for several days. God it was wicked.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

I was not finding it in my owner's manual, but when should you do a PS flush?

 

[DWNUNDR]

it is more of an aftermarket service... but one that is over looked...

I have heard (was supposed to sell according to product seller) every 30K, but we suggested every 60K with Trans flush...

really it was like an $80 service... cheaper then a $2K rack job... haha

 

[Phx99Cruiser]

How many quarts to flush the PS?

About 3 years ago I had to have my steering rack replaced because it was leaking so bad. It's been about 40K miles and I'm wanting to have my mechanic do a Power Steering flush like this.

I'm going to go with Amsoil ATF but my question is: how many quarts do I need to do a full flush?

Also if anyone happens to know, would that be about the same amount required for a '99 4Runner? I don't see any record from the PO on my son's vehicle, so I may have him do this, as well.

Thanks!

 

[bkgee]

I think the reservoir and hoses only hold about 1 qt total. BTW, you can do the same degree of flushing as the OP by simply detaching the reservoir (it snaps up off the mount), then (carefully) unplugging the lower hose and pouring into a receptacle (milk carton with top cut off works great). This will flush the entire reservoir, but not the hoses. Reattach everything, fill drive, repeat, and then you will have a complete flush.

 

[koop]

Did all the vehicles this weekend using a Mityvac. Handy tool to have. I'm sure it's not as good a job as flushing the lines, but a couple times sucking out the reservoir seemed to do the trick.