Is power steering flush something I can do on my own?

[lawless97]

I've never done any auto maintenance until recently, when I just did a drive belt replacement and a coolant flush, which I found super easy following the T4R Garage youtube videos. If I can do those, can I also do a PS flush? And if so, are there any good videos that show complete beginners exactly what to do and what tools I need? It looks like I possibly need a floor jack (which I don't have; just the standard jack) to lift the wheels off the ground so I can turn them, and a fluid extractor. The videos I saw used electric extractors. I purchased an $8 200cc SEDY fluid extractor from Amazon. Also, are there any really good youtube instructional videos for this that focus on the 5th gen that you guys like? Really want to do this one on my own if I can. Loved the feeling of accomplishment I got from doing the drive belt and coolant flush. Thanks for any help!

 

[Hungryhawk]

Another method is to refresh the existing fluid.
It will only remove some fluid each time but it is fast and can be done with only hood open and a spill catcher (cardboard, plastic sheeting) under the reservoir. And no need to bleed the system.

Consider the PS fluid quality half way between all new fresh fluid and when you change it.
Refreshing keeps the fluid in a pepetual state of servicable.

Of course if there is a problem in the system this refresh is not the way to go.

Suction out the contents of the reservoir, refill with new fluid. Run engine and repeat. When color is brighter(maybe after 2 refresh) drive runner till next time.

 

[Bmnorm2]

Another method is to refresh the existing fluid.
It will only remove some fluid each time but it is fast and can be done with only hood open and a spill catcher (cardboard, plastic sheeting) under the reservoir. And no need to bleed the system.

Consider the PS fluid quality half way between all new fresh fluid and when you change it.
Refreshing keeps the fluid in a pepetual state of servicable.

Of course if there is a problem in the system this refresh is not the way to go.

Suction out the contents of the reservoir, refill with new fluid. Run engine and repeat. When color is brighter(maybe after 2 refresh) drive runner till next time.

This is what I do. The average person never touches PS fluid so I believe this method is plenty effective.

 

[L1m1ted]

Quick and Cheap Full Flush

I just changed mine recently and the total cost was less than $30. You don't need to jack up the car. I did the whole flush on the ground. It was my first time ever doing this maintenance procedure and it took less than 30 minutes.

For the fluid I used Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. It was $6/quart at AutoZone. I also picked up their fluid transfer pump for $12 (Harbor Freight sells a similar setup for $7 without a coupon).

You'll need:

1. 2 quarts Dexron II or Dexron III ATF
2. Fluid Extractor/Fluid Transfer Pump
3. Pipe plug (get creative)
4. Pliers
5. Paper Towels/Shop Towels
6. Something to collect the dirty fluid in

A good video reference I used was Viking Garage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FOYgaNMeZc&feature=youtu.be

Here are the procedures I followed in order:

1. Under the hood find the brake fluid reservoir (Should be on the left side)
2. Lay paper towels around the reservoir
3. Remove the reservoir cap and use the transfer pump to extract all the fluid in the reservoir
4. Find the upper hose connected to the reservoir (This is your return line)
5. Using pliers, squeeze and move the metal clamp on the upper hose and then pull the hose off the reservoir (Be gentle and patient)
6. Once the hose is off the reservoir, find something to cover and plug the nipple on the reservoir (I used a piece of tubing from transfer pump--about 2". I melted one side shut by heating it up with a lighter and squeezing it shut with the pliers)
7. Fill the reservoir with new fluid
8. Insert the extraction hose of the transfer pump into the return line (The hose you just removed)
9. Begin pumping the old fluid from the return hose (This will simultaneously start to draw the new fluid you just filled in the reservoir)
10. While pumping out the old fluid, be sure to keep your reservoir topped off with new fluid to avoid introducing air into the system
11. Pump the old fluid out until the color becomes the same as the new fluid
12. Reconnect your return line back to the reservoir (Try to be as quick as possible to avoid spilling too much out of the reservoir and return line)
13. Return the metal clamp to its original location
14. Verify the cold fluid level on the reservoir is at the high line and put the cap back on (Add or remove fluid as necessary)
15. With the car running turn your wheel fully both way 4 times (Don't ever hold the steering fully turned in one direction for very long as this puts the most stress in the steering system)
16. Verify the fluid level once more and you should be good to go.