Power steering fluid change...

[Nickdsvt]

I did a search, but just wanted to clarify... Is sucking it out of the reservoir and replacing it with new fluid acceptable? My truck has 81k on it and the fluid is definitely dark. I've never messed with flushing a power steering system honestly and just want to stay on top of things as I need this truck to last! Thanks for any input.

 

[cabowally]

That's what I've always done.

From a BMW forum:


The "Simple Flush"

The simplest solution to flush the power steering fluid is as follows.

Optionally, jack up the front end.
Use a syringe or gear oil pump to remove the fluid from the reservoir. Don't use a baster because they don't seal well enough and tend to drip fluid all over the place If you need evidence, the picture at the top of this article shows the results of using a baster.
Fill the reservoir to a level between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. Do NOT overfill it.
Replace the reservoir cap.
Start the car and let it run for two minutes and turn the wheel fully to the left and right a couple of times.
Lather, Rinse, Repeat until you've put 2 quarts through the system. This will take approximately six cycles to complete.

The downside to this method is that the reservoir only holds about 1/4 of a quart of fluid. Mixing new fluid with old dramatically increases the number of flush cycles and the amount of fluid required to complete the task as the percentage of old fluid gradually approaches (but theoretically never reaches) zero.

 

[Nickdsvt]

Thanks!!!!!

 

[snowbrdr033]

That's what I've always done.

From a BMW forum:


The "Simple Flush"

The simplest solution to flush the power steering fluid is as follows.

Optionally, jack up the front end.
Use a syringe or gear oil pump to remove the fluid from the reservoir. Don't use a baster because they don't seal well enough and tend to drip fluid all over the place If you need evidence, the picture at the top of this article shows the results of using a baster.
Fill the reservoir to a level between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. Do NOT overfill it.
Replace the reservoir cap.
Start the car and let it run for two minutes and turn the wheel fully to the left and right a couple of times.
Lather, Rinse, Repeat until you've put 2 quarts through the system. This will take approximately six cycles to complete.

The downside to this method is that the reservoir only holds about 1/4 of a quart of fluid. Mixing new fluid with old dramatically increases the number of flush cycles and the amount of fluid required to complete the task as the percentage of old fluid gradually approaches (but theoretically never reaches) zero.

Interesting method of attack. The mechanic told me last time I was in that my PS was starting to go bad, this seems like a reasonably easy method to flush the system without paying a place out the rear to get it done!

 

[03L4RUNNER]

When I did mine I jacked the front end up with the tires on, removed the power steering return line and put a pan under it and a moved the wheel back and forth adding new fluid small amounts at a time until all of the old fluid had been flushed out.

Its really not that hard of a task maybe take you an hour tops.

Tyler

 

[message]

It's quick and easy to do a full flush.

Write up here - http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66337-diy-power-steering-flush.html and http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance/58668-power-steering-flush-evaporator-clean-2.html

 

[TSO]

Did this help your PS system? I just bought this used '03 with 88k miles... and the steering is really heavy. After searching around here, it seems that people have flushed the fluid, but I'm not seeing anyone say that it helped with heavy steering...

 

[ClockWork]

Did this help your PS system? I just bought this used '03 with 88k miles... and the steering is really heavy. After searching around here, it seems that people have flushed the fluid, but I'm not seeing anyone say that it helped with heavy steering...

It's the full time AWD.

 

[TSO]

^^^ I understand that... but this can't be normal; it seems way too heavy to be acceptable.

 

[ClockWork]

^^^ I understand that... but this can't be normal; it seems way too heavy to be acceptable.

If the PO didn't off road it and there are no signs of abuse, it is normal. It is quite heavy.

 

[TSO]

Just flushed my PS fluid last night... easy job. Took a while because my buddy came over and we got to drinking out in the barn while working on the project :cheers: Dayyyuuummmmm was that old fluid nasty looking; nasty smelling too. It came out looking like a black-&-tan.

However, I don't think it made the steering any lighter. We drove around a bit afterwards, and I'm still having the same issues.

What I notice is that the steering varies from heavy to light, heavy to light... depedning on where you are in the rotational degree. Like: 12-2 is light, 2-5 is heavy, 5-7 is light, etc etc etc. in both directions.

Does that make sense?

 

[message]

That does seem rather odd that it is stiff at certain points.
Do you notice any difference when slightly revving the engine to increase PS pressure?
Personally I noticed my PS pump to be much quieter and steering to be smoother and slightly easier overall.

 

[DC runner]

Fluid change won't fix broken/dying components.

If it didn't fix the issue, then fluid wasn't the problem. It may have caused the problem (premature pump failure) but wasn't the actual culprit.

Next step is to diagnose the other components. Pump. Steering gear or rack and pinion system could all be bad. You could have severe gear/teeth issues with the actual steering gear or your rack and pinion system could be busted.

 

[TSO]

No changes while revving - it happens at all speeds. And, that's what I was worried about DC... according to the warranty paperwork, those components should be covered, so I'll find out when I bring it to the Stealership for the 90k service.

Hope I didn't fall into a money-pit :dammit:

 

[DC runner]

Nah. Anyone who ever owned a large truck without ps will tell ya, it is doable. The PS only helps at low speeds anyway, and it sounds like yours works, just not as well as you like.

In terms of components, it is a cheaper system to repair. Be thankful it wasn't some uber complex ABS or VSC system.

 

[ThB4ink]

I have an 04 sport with ~75K miles on it. The PS fluid is dark green, smells like burnt electrical insulation indicating it's past due for a flush and replace. I don't ride my 4R hard and have not noticed any performance degradation thus far. I would think that flush and replace is better than incremental replenishment over the long run. From my experience 4R PS is a bit stiff or heavy in comparison with other SUVs (GM, Ford, VWs..) and gives a better feel for the road. In any case drive other comparable 4Rs to get a better feel for what you are experiencing.

 

[GMZ]

I do the syringe method, you can get one made for mixing 2 stroke oil that comes with an extension and works very well for this. An empty quart yogurt container fits perfectly right next to the reservoir. I used Mobil 1 ATF.

 

[Jeffy]

Just flushed my PS fluid last night... easy job. Took a while because my buddy came over and we got to drinking out in the barn while working on the project :cheers: Dayyyuuummmmm was that old fluid nasty looking; nasty smelling too. It came out looking like a black-&-tan.

However, I don't think it made the steering any lighter. We drove around a bit afterwards, and I'm still having the same issues.

What I notice is that the steering varies from heavy to light, heavy to light... depedning on where you are in the rotational degree. Like: 12-2 is light, 2-5 is heavy, 5-7 is light, etc etc etc. in both directions.

Does that make sense?

Ok I know this is thread necromancy but I wanted to throw it out there in case anybody stumbles upon this with the same issue. I had an extremely similar issue on my 4th gen, it felt like the wheel was getting "caught" or hung up on certain points while turning. After lots of headache I finally isolated it to the intermediate drive shaft. A few squirts of PBlaster fixed it immediately, although it came back a few weeks later. Replaced the shaft (for about 60 bucks) and never had an issue again in the 40k+ miles I had the car.

 

[garbia]

Ok I know this is thread necromancy but I wanted to throw it out there in case anybody stumbles upon this with the same issue. I had an extremely similar issue on my 4th gen, it felt like the wheel was getting "caught" or hung up on certain points while turning. After lots of headache I finally isolated it to the intermediate drive shaft. A few squirts of PBlaster fixed it immediately, although it came back a few weeks later. Replaced the shaft (for about 60 bucks) and never had an issue again in the 40k+ miles I had the car.

I have the same problem and I didn't think it was the power steering since the "spots" are always at the same point.......

Did you take some pictures when did the replacement of the shaft or the spray?

Thank you so much for throwing this in!

 

[garbia]

Did this help your PS system? I just bought this used '03 with 88k miles... and the steering is really heavy. After searching around here, it seems that people have flushed the fluid, but I'm not seeing anyone say that it helped with heavy steering...

Did you figure out where the problem was?