Hello everyone -
Well, I took the time to flush my PS fluid since I think it's one of the most overlooked fluids of all. I decided to invest on the RP Max EZ Power Steering Fluid. Found a good deal on amazon. 7 bottles for $35 with free shipping/no tax. I was not expecting night&day difference after the flush with the RP, but I guess is all peace of mind and preference.
Anyways, it was pretty simple. About 45 min. of my time. First remove all the fluid of the reservoir with a turkey baster. After that disconnect the return hose (bottom) from the reservoir and connect a longer hose to it, to route to a container. I used a rubber grommet to plug the bottom of the reservoir. I jack up the vehicle so that it will be easier to turn the wheel while flushing and bleeding.
Once you have everything set up have a helping hand to start the vehicle and turn the wheel as you continue to keep the reservoir full, as the old fluid is pumped out. It comes out rather fast so you might have to have the helper stop the engine as you catch up. I used about 6.5 bottles to swap all the fluid. It started coming out purple about after the fifth bottle. The fluid capacity is really only 1 1/8 qt.
I used the bleeding procedures found on the FSM. Here it is.
Air Bleeding Hydraulic System EGS000SZ
Incomplete air bleeding causes the following. When this happens, bleed air again.
Air bubbles in reservoir tank.
Clicking noise in oil pump.
Excessive buzzing in oil pump.
NOTE:
When vehicle is stationary or while steering wheel is being turned slowly, some noise may be heard from
oil pump or gear. This noise is normal and does not affect any system.
1. Stop engine, and then turn steering wheel fully to right and left several times.
CAUTION:
Do not allow steering fluid reservoir tank to go below the MIN level line. Check tank frequently and
add fluid as needed.
2. Run engine at idle speed. Turn steering wheel fully right and then fully left, hold for about three seconds.
Then check for fluid leakage.
3. Repeat step 2 several times at about three second intervals.
CAUTION:
Do not hold steering wheel in the locked position for more than 10 seconds. (There is the possibility
that oil pump may be damaged.)
4. Check for air bubbles or cloudy fluid.
5. If air bubbles or cloudiness still exists, stop engine, perform steps 2 and 3 again until air bubbles or cloudiness
does not exist.
6. Stop engine, check fluid level.
My truck is 06 CC with 45000 miles. After 5 years I figured it was time to change the fluid. The old fluid did not look bad. It was all preventative maintenance.
Hope this is usefull to someone. Here are a few pics. Later.
Well, I took the time to flush my PS fluid since I think it's one of the most overlooked fluids of all. I decided to invest on the RP Max EZ Power Steering Fluid. Found a good deal on amazon. 7 bottles for $35 with free shipping/no tax. I was not expecting night&day difference after the flush with the RP, but I guess is all peace of mind and preference.
Anyways, it was pretty simple. About 45 min. of my time. First remove all the fluid of the reservoir with a turkey baster. After that disconnect the return hose (bottom) from the reservoir and connect a longer hose to it, to route to a container. I used a rubber grommet to plug the bottom of the reservoir. I jack up the vehicle so that it will be easier to turn the wheel while flushing and bleeding.
Once you have everything set up have a helping hand to start the vehicle and turn the wheel as you continue to keep the reservoir full, as the old fluid is pumped out. It comes out rather fast so you might have to have the helper stop the engine as you catch up. I used about 6.5 bottles to swap all the fluid. It started coming out purple about after the fifth bottle. The fluid capacity is really only 1 1/8 qt.
I used the bleeding procedures found on the FSM. Here it is.
Air Bleeding Hydraulic System EGS000SZ
Incomplete air bleeding causes the following. When this happens, bleed air again.
Air bubbles in reservoir tank.
Clicking noise in oil pump.
Excessive buzzing in oil pump.
NOTE:
When vehicle is stationary or while steering wheel is being turned slowly, some noise may be heard from
oil pump or gear. This noise is normal and does not affect any system.
1. Stop engine, and then turn steering wheel fully to right and left several times.
CAUTION:
Do not allow steering fluid reservoir tank to go below the MIN level line. Check tank frequently and
add fluid as needed.
2. Run engine at idle speed. Turn steering wheel fully right and then fully left, hold for about three seconds.
Then check for fluid leakage.
3. Repeat step 2 several times at about three second intervals.
CAUTION:
Do not hold steering wheel in the locked position for more than 10 seconds. (There is the possibility
that oil pump may be damaged.)
4. Check for air bubbles or cloudy fluid.
5. If air bubbles or cloudiness still exists, stop engine, perform steps 2 and 3 again until air bubbles or cloudiness
does not exist.
6. Stop engine, check fluid level.
My truck is 06 CC with 45000 miles. After 5 years I figured it was time to change the fluid. The old fluid did not look bad. It was all preventative maintenance.
Hope this is usefull to someone. Here are a few pics. Later.
