Power Steering Service DIY...
Total time approx 30 minutes... most of it letting it drain.
Total Cost about $5 bux


Locate the power steering lines going to the cooler



Suck it up when the guard dog wants attention



Remove the power steering cap to allow the fluid to drain freely



Remove both lines and let it drain.



once it has stopped drainning, bump the starter a couple of times to move fluid along. I got out alot more fluid when I did this.

when it's done draining, replace both lines on the cooler

this is what I got out of mine... brownish in color (normal according to the manual)



Refill with approx 1 quart of ATF-4 fluid (found at walmart for $4.46/quart)



Fire it up and crank the wheel lock to lock

Check fluid level and top off as needed.

Check for leaks and repair as needed.

Done!

My system took about 34~36 oz of fluid... 1 quart is really all you'll need.

 

how often is this needed???

never done any of my vehicles

 

Me neither

WHY does it need to be done? How do yo know when it's time?

Honestly Steve, I think you are just bored. GET A JOB !!!!!

 

Steve,

Why did you not use good ATF fluid from Amsoil[>:] The reason to replace it is becasue the fluid will break down in time and we all know what happens when it does so in a transmission, **** happens and the same can happen with the power steering pump.

 

Like Charles said... it's fluid that is being pumped and needs to be changed. It heats up, runs thru your steering box, why not keep it maintained properly? do you guys ever flush your brake lines? change your diff fluids? the power steering fluid was brownish red, to me indicating dirt or contaminates. by draining & refilling... for a whole $5 bux... I have peace of mind that my pump and steering box will live a nice long life (IMO) with fresh fluid in it... After putting 20 miles on it this morning I can tell you that the steering no longer growls as it did from time to time while turning and although it's probably my imagination... the steering feels smoother.

In my M3 I had a hose leak on me, swapped it out and flushed the system... could not believe how much better the steering felt after that. proof enough for me to maintain it.

 

Thanks for the DIY info. I've changed PS fluid on my vehicles in the past and I think it's a good idea. Even if you only do it every five years, it probably adds longevity to your PS pump.

 

walmart does not carry amsoil [:@] I found out that the ATF-4 fluid is a Group III class fluid, from this website http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/fluids.html and since I was doing this for the 1st time I did not know how much fluid it would take (bought 3 quarts, used 1 whole quart and put about 1/2 quart on the driveway... oops). Now I know so next time I'll get the better stuff.

I went down to Tognotti's this morning (performance shop) to get some rear diff fluid and found that Redline sells the ATF-4 fluid in a 1 gallon container for $36 bux. next time around it'll get the Redline...

 

and your steering box..

 

in my 02 it has prob never been done! the steering is pretty loose! if i change the fluid will this help? and is this ia sign i need a new steering box?

 

fluid wont help a loose steering box... there is an adjustment nut/screw on the top of the box. look in the DIY thread tacked @ the top of the forum and IIRC there should be a writeup in there. if not, check in the same type of thread at the top of the forum in the 2nd gen forum...

I think the fluid change helps prevent premature wear.