Problems after Power Steering Fluid Change

[aontkos]

I decided to flush my power steering system yesterday; it had been filled with power steering fluid so I flushed it with 2qts of ATF.

After doing so, my pump is whiney on start-up. This started right after the flush; I didn't notice any sounds before the flush. I also noticed that there is a slight clunking sound coming from the rack when turning lock to lock while parked. I also noticed a straining sound from the pump/rack while making a slow turn in a parking lot this morning.

I'm thinking that since the pump and rack are acting up it may be time to replace both. I suppose there could be air in the system, but I figured it would have gotten worked out fairly quickly. Thoughts?

 

[soupkitchen]

you can try bleeding it some more back and forth at full lock...I bet its just air. Mine did the exact same thing for a few days after I changed fluid. It went away and feels fine.

 

[aontkos]

you can try bleeding it some more back and forth at full lock...I bet its just air. Mine did the exact same thing for a few days after I changed fluid. It went away and feels fine.

Phew, I hope this is the case. That makes me feel better. Thanks for your response.

 

[mtbtim]

You definitely got air into the lines, and from what I've heard too, it will eventually work itself out. But, if and when you decide to do this again, try the low-tech method [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I did on our rigs. It works with little mess and no chance of getting air into the lines. The chance of getting air into the system is why we chose to do it a different way.

Here's our video:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GOb5yF2Xv8Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[aontkos]

I wanted to post an update on this in case anyone finds it in a search- the issue is resolved, so it probably was just air finding its way out of the system.

So before you vehicle hypochondriacs get your panties in a wad (like I do), give it some time.

 

[DK327]

I wanted to post an update on this in case anyone finds it in a search- the issue is resolved, so it probably was just air finding its way out of the system.

So before you vehicle hypochondriacs get your panties in a wad (like I do), give it some time.

Thanks for the follow up! I will do mine this weekend using the turkey baster method and hopefully won't run into any issues...

Tim: how much fluid did you remove before topping it off with new fluid? I don't want to remove too much to introduce air into the system. I'll either use a drip-less turkey baster or an automotive syringe so I don't make a huge mess...

 

[AZPartsGuy]

I just did mine this weekend and had a few starts with a little grinding. Went away quickly after all the last little air bubbles burped.