Power Steering Flush
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New User
Joined: May 2004
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Power Steering Flush
Dealer recommended this but I've never heard of anyone having to flush out the power steering system as part of a regular maintenance item. They want $75 to do it.
Reason for the recommendation is the fluid is dirty (gray colored).
2003 Explorer 4x2 V8 25,000 miles
Reason for the recommendation is the fluid is dirty (gray colored).
2003 Explorer 4x2 V8 25,000 miles
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
If the fluid has a grey colour, it indicates that there is wear in the steering rack (aluminum) and if you dont do a flush you may well need to replace the unit @ substantialy more than 70.00. That being said it is a 15 min job to do it yourself.
The fluid should have a bright red/pink colour (transmission fluid), anything else, flush..
The fluid should have a bright red/pink colour (transmission fluid), anything else, flush..
Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,854
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I've been flushing the fluid in my pickup annually for years.
It really makes sense. I wouldn't pay a shop, but do it myself.
I couldn't recognize a drain line coming off the pump, so I'm lookin forward to some instructions.
It really makes sense. I wouldn't pay a shop, but do it myself.
I couldn't recognize a drain line coming off the pump, so I'm lookin forward to some instructions.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Ok,
I'm looking to do this myself, but for a 1996 ford explorer eddie bauer....my steering sounds more like its missing fluid...i had a friend of mine who had his done for $50.00 bucks...His steering is alot better than mine and doesnt make as much noise when turing the wheel. he has the same year,make and model.
Where do i find the drain so i can do it myslef?
I'm looking to do this myself, but for a 1996 ford explorer eddie bauer....my steering sounds more like its missing fluid...i had a friend of mine who had his done for $50.00 bucks...His steering is alot better than mine and doesnt make as much noise when turing the wheel. he has the same year,make and model.
Where do i find the drain so i can do it myslef?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
Sorry to leave you guys hanging, been away for the holidays
Instructions for P/S flush
Method 1 (dilution)
Put a catch tray under P/S pump to catch fluids
Jack front of truck up so the weight is off the wheels
Remove return line from pump (bottom rear), fluid will drain,
Reconnect hose, fill reservoir with ATF, start engine and move steering lock to lock
Stop engine and repeat until fluid is clean.
Method 2 (Flush)
Put a catch tray under P/S pump to catch fluids
Jack front of truck up so the weight is off the wheels
Remove return line from pump (bottom rear), fluid will drain,
Put a plug in the pump drain, leave return line disconnected and aimed at drip tray
Fill reservoir and keep full during this operation
Remove serpentine belt and rig a hand drill to turn pump, be mindful of rotation
Have someone in cab rotate steering from lock to lock
Start drill and keep fluid full while moving L/L.
When you are satisfied with the colour of the fluid leaving return line, stop drill, remove plug, reconnect the return line, top up fluid, clean up you mess..
Note: Keep fluid off pain, it will stain..
You will need about 4 Lt
Instructions for P/S flush
Method 1 (dilution)
Put a catch tray under P/S pump to catch fluids
Jack front of truck up so the weight is off the wheels
Remove return line from pump (bottom rear), fluid will drain,
Reconnect hose, fill reservoir with ATF, start engine and move steering lock to lock
Stop engine and repeat until fluid is clean.
Method 2 (Flush)
Put a catch tray under P/S pump to catch fluids
Jack front of truck up so the weight is off the wheels
Remove return line from pump (bottom rear), fluid will drain,
Put a plug in the pump drain, leave return line disconnected and aimed at drip tray
Fill reservoir and keep full during this operation
Remove serpentine belt and rig a hand drill to turn pump, be mindful of rotation
Have someone in cab rotate steering from lock to lock
Start drill and keep fluid full while moving L/L.
When you are satisfied with the colour of the fluid leaving return line, stop drill, remove plug, reconnect the return line, top up fluid, clean up you mess..
Note: Keep fluid off pain, it will stain..
You will need about 4 Lt
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