Need clarification for power steering flush
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 305
Likes: 1
Need clarification for power steering flush
Hi All,
I've been reading a ton of posts about this and I'm a bit confused. When doing a PS flush, it says that the power steering line connects to the brake master cylinder. I've read that the PS takes Mercon V fluid, yet the brake fluid is supposed to be Dot 3. I'm guessing these two resevoirs are not mixing, but why does the powersteering hose hook to the brake master cylinder? I watched a youtube video with a guy who did a PS flush, and after he said his brakes were no longer spongy. HELP!
I just flushed my brake fluid last week with Valvoline Syn Dot3/4. It did make a difference. I'm ready to do the power steering next. Thanks!
I've been reading a ton of posts about this and I'm a bit confused. When doing a PS flush, it says that the power steering line connects to the brake master cylinder. I've read that the PS takes Mercon V fluid, yet the brake fluid is supposed to be Dot 3. I'm guessing these two resevoirs are not mixing, but why does the powersteering hose hook to the brake master cylinder? I watched a youtube video with a guy who did a PS flush, and after he said his brakes were no longer spongy. HELP!
I just flushed my brake fluid last week with Valvoline Syn Dot3/4. It did make a difference. I'm ready to do the power steering next. Thanks!
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 24
From: Double Oak, TX
Below is a posting I made several years ago that I hope can help you. First, before you get started, make sure you read your owners manual to determine the proper fluid to use. Different years use different fluid.
Second, I haven't changed the filter as it is really a bypass filter. The fluid looked good before the change with no evidence of particulants and at 85K with the new fluid, it looks good now.
Power Steering System Flush
On my last trip to the dealer for fuel system problems which turned out to be a broken ICP sensor, they tried to sell me a power steering system flush. I decided to do it myself. It was a tad messy but it was relatively straightforward. Others have written about this before and I used their advice. I also added an inline Magnafine filter which has also been previously discussed. My truck is a 2003 6.0 F250 with 60K miles. It uses ATF in the power steering reservoir.
Materials Needed:
3 Quarts of MerconV ATF. (MerconV is the successor to Mercon)
4 Feet of 3/8" clear tubing from the home center ($1.00)
1 3/8" connector to connect the tubing to the line from the PS
1 3/8" bolt inserted in 2" of the above clear tubing to make a plug
1 Magnefine 3/8" filter with 2 hose clamps (19.95 w/shipping on the net)
1 Sharp knife to cut the hydroboost return hose
1 Pliers to use on pinch clamps on hoses on reservoir
1 Screwdriver to tighten clamps on filter
1 Gallon jug to catch the flushed ATF
1 Small hand pump I normally use to fill the differential
1 Step stool to get up on
Some rags
Here's how to do it:
1. Empty the reservoir with the hand pump into the jug.
2. Remove the return hose from the power steering that goes into the bottom of the reservoir. There are two return hoses the same size. One goes up to the hydraboost which is under the master cylinder. The other one goes to the power steering. Plug the bottom of the reservoir with the homemade plug.
3. Next, connect the clear tubing to the power steering return hose. Insert the other end of the hose in the jug. Immediately, fill the reservoir before you do anything else.
4. Call Spouse to come outside for a good time. It's best if she brings her ipod and a book. That will cut down on the "Are you done yet" dialogue.
5. Have her start the engine and turn the wheel to one side. Shut off the engine. The fluid started pumping into the jug before the wheel was turned and during the turning. Check the color of the fluid. The old stuff looked ok to me but we continued on.
6. The key here is to make sure that you do not let the reservoir go dry. Fill it up and do it again until you have used about 1 3/4 quarts of new ATF.
7. At this point, the reservoir is near the bottom. Reinstall the power steering return line to the reservoir. Fill the reservoir with ATF.
8. Remove the hydraboost line from the reservoir at the hydraboost. Put the clear plastic tubing on the nipple on the hydraboost. Have Spouse pump the brakes and watch the fluid. When it is clear, stop.
9. Cut the hydraboost return line and insert the Magnefine filter with the arrow towards the reservoir. Install the clamps. Connect the return line to the hydraboost and fill up the reservoir.
10. Have Spouse start the engine and turn the wheel while you peer into the reservoir checking for bubbles. No bubbles, no problem.
11. Have Spouse pump the brake peddle a few times. I had a few bubbles from the filter settling in. After a few more pumps, the bubbles disappeared.
12. Take the truck for a spin around the block and check for proper steering and brakes. I believe that the brakes actually seemed a little tighter.
Conclusion:
The ATF in the reservoir looked surprisingly good. However, the price of all the mechanical components could bankrupt me so a little preventative maintenance which consists of a $20 filter and 3 quarts of ATF is cheap insurance.
Thanks to all who have contributed before on this topic.
__________________
Second, I haven't changed the filter as it is really a bypass filter. The fluid looked good before the change with no evidence of particulants and at 85K with the new fluid, it looks good now.
Power Steering System Flush
On my last trip to the dealer for fuel system problems which turned out to be a broken ICP sensor, they tried to sell me a power steering system flush. I decided to do it myself. It was a tad messy but it was relatively straightforward. Others have written about this before and I used their advice. I also added an inline Magnafine filter which has also been previously discussed. My truck is a 2003 6.0 F250 with 60K miles. It uses ATF in the power steering reservoir.
Materials Needed:
3 Quarts of MerconV ATF. (MerconV is the successor to Mercon)
4 Feet of 3/8" clear tubing from the home center ($1.00)
1 3/8" connector to connect the tubing to the line from the PS
1 3/8" bolt inserted in 2" of the above clear tubing to make a plug
1 Magnefine 3/8" filter with 2 hose clamps (19.95 w/shipping on the net)
1 Sharp knife to cut the hydroboost return hose
1 Pliers to use on pinch clamps on hoses on reservoir
1 Screwdriver to tighten clamps on filter
1 Gallon jug to catch the flushed ATF
1 Small hand pump I normally use to fill the differential
1 Step stool to get up on
Some rags
Here's how to do it:
1. Empty the reservoir with the hand pump into the jug.
2. Remove the return hose from the power steering that goes into the bottom of the reservoir. There are two return hoses the same size. One goes up to the hydraboost which is under the master cylinder. The other one goes to the power steering. Plug the bottom of the reservoir with the homemade plug.
3. Next, connect the clear tubing to the power steering return hose. Insert the other end of the hose in the jug. Immediately, fill the reservoir before you do anything else.
4. Call Spouse to come outside for a good time. It's best if she brings her ipod and a book. That will cut down on the "Are you done yet" dialogue.
5. Have her start the engine and turn the wheel to one side. Shut off the engine. The fluid started pumping into the jug before the wheel was turned and during the turning. Check the color of the fluid. The old stuff looked ok to me but we continued on.
6. The key here is to make sure that you do not let the reservoir go dry. Fill it up and do it again until you have used about 1 3/4 quarts of new ATF.
7. At this point, the reservoir is near the bottom. Reinstall the power steering return line to the reservoir. Fill the reservoir with ATF.
8. Remove the hydraboost line from the reservoir at the hydraboost. Put the clear plastic tubing on the nipple on the hydraboost. Have Spouse pump the brakes and watch the fluid. When it is clear, stop.
9. Cut the hydraboost return line and insert the Magnefine filter with the arrow towards the reservoir. Install the clamps. Connect the return line to the hydraboost and fill up the reservoir.
10. Have Spouse start the engine and turn the wheel while you peer into the reservoir checking for bubbles. No bubbles, no problem.
11. Have Spouse pump the brake peddle a few times. I had a few bubbles from the filter settling in. After a few more pumps, the bubbles disappeared.
12. Take the truck for a spin around the block and check for proper steering and brakes. I believe that the brakes actually seemed a little tighter.
Conclusion:
The ATF in the reservoir looked surprisingly good. However, the price of all the mechanical components could bankrupt me so a little preventative maintenance which consists of a $20 filter and 3 quarts of ATF is cheap insurance.
Thanks to all who have contributed before on this topic.
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