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Power Steering Flush

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Old 04-23-2010, 06:24 PM
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Default Power Steering Flush

Finished a power steering flush today myself, she has 117k on her. The first flush was done by the dealer at 60k. I think i paid them $80-$100. I won't do that again.

Keep in mind that I have about zero skills at turning wrenches. I used turkey baster to extract as much PS fluid out of the reservoir as I could. Then I added two ounces of Seafoam Trans Tune and topped her off with clean 5931 PS fluid. I used Valvoline as wally world had it for $12 a gallon. Ran the truck about 500 miles this week.

This morning, I used the turkey baster again but filled the reservoir with 100% Trans Tune then drove about twenty miles and drained all of the power steering fluid. Then I poured the rest of the Trans Tune into the reservoir and let it drain. Then I connected the hose back and added PS fluid until the system was full. I drained the fluid by removing the hose that connects the PS pump to the PS cooler under the front dumper. During the drain processes, I turned the steering wheel from side to side to push everything out (engine off).

I was surprised at how easy this was and it took about twenty minutes to perform. Total cost: $22.
 
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Old 05-30-2010, 07:06 PM
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from what i saw in the DIY, you can just remove a hose that runs into the radiator. however, i noticed my tube (and it sounds like yours) goes into the cooler. never heard about that or knew where it was. i took a pic earlier..anyway, i think you can just pull that hose that runs from PS to this cooler and let it drain. then just top it off with new brake fluid correct? thats what i remember from the DIY...any input? thanks

so i believe this is the "cooler". one line runs to the PS and where does the other one go? thanks
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Old 05-31-2010, 01:44 PM
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^My truck doesnt have a PS cooler.. I dont think many 2 gens do.
 
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Old 05-31-2010, 01:58 PM
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mine has a power steering cooler. And my 1996 had it.

I think it was part of the 4x4 or the towing package. Both my trucks were 4x4 with the towing package.
 
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Old 05-31-2010, 02:09 PM
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Notice any differences in steering after the flush?
 
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Old 05-31-2010, 03:15 PM
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I just bought a factory PS cooler from the bone yard. $7...
 
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Old 05-31-2010, 03:39 PM
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There are so many things wrong with this thread I won't even comment, but it should be deleted to keep others from FUBARing their Ram.

I don't normally say negative stuff on this forum about people, but that procedure is not advisable under ANY circumstances.
 
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Old 05-31-2010, 04:01 PM
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please clarify why this is not good to do.
 
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Old 05-31-2010, 04:22 PM
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I drained from the hose circled in green. I didn't notice a huge difference in the steering but I have piece of mind that my fluid is clear versus cola colored.

Squirrels, you have helped me in the past, if you know something I don't please share. I've gone a full oil change and no problems.
 
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Old 05-31-2010, 04:41 PM
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lucas makes a real good PS fluid, really thick stuff. For my PS fluid changes i take the return line off at the resevoir and turn it down into a pail. Take the cap off the resevoir and fill it right up. Now turn the engine on and turn the steering wheel from side to side forcing the old fluid out into the bucket, make sure to keep adding fluid to the resevoir while it is being pumped out. Keep doing that until clean fluid comes out, then turn the truck off reconnect your hose and you are as good as new.
 

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