flush the power steering fluid
03-24-2009, 02:24 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
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Location: Houston TX
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St. Jude Donor '05, '14, '15
flush the power steering fluid
Can I just use a turkey baster and grab as much as I can and then refill with new fluid for awhile? or do/should I use the manual's way......
Flushing the Power Steering System
Notice
When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks. Refer to Power Steering Fluid Recommendations in this section.
1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle. Ensure that the tires and wheels are free to turn. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Important
Position the inlet hose or the reservoir hose toward a large container in order to catch any draining fluid.
2. Remove the reservoir hose at the fluid reservoir inlet connector.
3. Plug the fluid inlet connector port on the fluid reservoir.
4. While an assistant is filling the fluid reservoir with fluid, start the engine. Run the engine at idle.
Notice
Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops while flushing the power steering system. Holding the steering wheel against the wheel stops will cause high system pressure, overheating, and damage to the power steering pump and/or gear.
5. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop.
6. Continue to drain the reservoir until all of the old fluid is cleared from the power steering system.
7. Add approximately 0.94 liters (1 quart) of new fluid in order to flush the system.
8. Inspect the fluid that is draining while you are refilling the fluid reservoir. Do not reuse any drained fluid.
9. If necessary, perform the following steps:
o Replace all of the lines.
o Disassemble and clean the system components.
o Replace the system components.
10. Unplug the fluid inlet connector port.
11. Connect the reservoir hose at the fluid reservoir inlet connector port.
12. Turn the engine off.
13. Fill the fluid reservoir to the C mark on the fluid level indicator.
14. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System in Power Steering.
Flushing the Power Steering System
Notice
When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks. Refer to Power Steering Fluid Recommendations in this section.
1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle. Ensure that the tires and wheels are free to turn. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Important
Position the inlet hose or the reservoir hose toward a large container in order to catch any draining fluid.
2. Remove the reservoir hose at the fluid reservoir inlet connector.
3. Plug the fluid inlet connector port on the fluid reservoir.
4. While an assistant is filling the fluid reservoir with fluid, start the engine. Run the engine at idle.
Notice
Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops while flushing the power steering system. Holding the steering wheel against the wheel stops will cause high system pressure, overheating, and damage to the power steering pump and/or gear.
5. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop.
6. Continue to drain the reservoir until all of the old fluid is cleared from the power steering system.
7. Add approximately 0.94 liters (1 quart) of new fluid in order to flush the system.
8. Inspect the fluid that is draining while you are refilling the fluid reservoir. Do not reuse any drained fluid.
9. If necessary, perform the following steps:
o Replace all of the lines.
o Disassemble and clean the system components.
o Replace the system components.
10. Unplug the fluid inlet connector port.
11. Connect the reservoir hose at the fluid reservoir inlet connector port.
12. Turn the engine off.
13. Fill the fluid reservoir to the C mark on the fluid level indicator.
14. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System in Power Steering.
03-24-2009, 02:33 PM
#2
Team Owner
I use the turkey baster (or smaller version) works very well. I do leave a small amount in the bottom, so as not to suck it dry enough to introduce air into the system. 
03-24-2009, 03:37 PM
#5
Race Director
03-24-2009, 04:16 PM
#6
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
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If the turkey baster method actually worked well GM would have the mechanics do it instead of the procedure defined in the Service Manual.
Bill
Bill
