Hey whatsup, has anyone ever done their own power steering fluid change? I went in for an oil change today and the tech said that I'm going to need to change the power steering fluid soon. If so, can you post a DIY, i think small maintainance things like this should be done ourselves to save big $$$... the lube place wanted $49.95 + tax for the exchange. Is it difficult to do?? thanks

 

On cars with rubber lines leading to the power steering reservoir, changing the fluid is very easy. Disconnect the return line at the power steering reservoir. Extend the disconnected line into a bucket or receptacle using some hose adapters and fittings, available in any hardware or autoparts store. Plug the power steering reservoir where the return line was attached to it. Support the car safely while allowing the front wheels to turn freely. Run the engine, adding fluid to the reservoir while turning the steering wheel all the way to the left and right a few times. Maintain the fluid level in the reservoir (this is really a two person job) until only fresh fluid comes out of the return line that is in the bucket or receptacle. Don't let the reservoir run dry and suck air. Shut off the engine after the fluid coming out is clean and reconnect the return line to the power steering reservoir. Top off the power steering reservoir.

 

Why do we need to change the power streering fluid, I thought u jus add power steering fluid as needed?

 

ya i changed my subframe yesterday and had to do that, the old fluid smelt so amazingly bad, and it does make a smoother difference.

 

Acura dosen't say to change power steering fluid, just top it off.

 

Acura doesn't say to change power steering fluid, just top it off.

 

Acura also likes it when you take your car to them to replace the whole rack and they can just say it's normal wear and tear when in reality keeping good power steering fluid in the system can give it many more miles of use.

 

Exactly.
don't take your car to the dealership, unless it's warranty work or a recall.

plus, at the dealership i work at, it's like 95 dollars an hour flat labor fee.

wow. and dealerships don't fix, they just replace, and charge hours and hours of labor for doing so.

DIY!!!!!!!

 

the stealership told me the same thing. they also said my brake fluid could use a change. i want to do the power steering myslef but im stupid with cars. if it involves jacking the car up.... im all set.

 

I just had my power steering fluid changed at the local lube/car wash spot near my neighborhoood. It cost only $40 + tax and took about 15-20 mins. The steering wheel feels much smoother and easier to turn then before.

 

i was going to do it myself today but it looks like it would make a super mess so ima have someone else do it

 

dealer also told me that out fuel filters are lifetime and we don't have to change them...

 

still need to do this!!!

 

all u need to do is jack up the front of the car... and then remove the tube going into the PS resevior... as it is draining, unlock the wheel and turn it side to side to get the fluid out of the pump... after all is drained, put the tube back in, fill the fluid, and drop the car...

 

i dont have a jack and im def not going and removing the subs to pull that one out. is it possible to do it with out jacking it up?? prolly not by y not ask! also how do u remove the tube with out ps fluid going everywhere out the tube and the res.???

 

u need to jack up the car so u can turn the wheel.. otherwise u can just drain what is in the resevoir... and then fill in with new fluid.. it will dilute with the old fluid in the PS pump when it cycles...

clamp the hose... then disconnect the hose.. and get a long tube and drain it into a pan...

 

Why couldn't you do it with the car on the ground if the engine is going to be on anyways?

 

thats what i was thinking!

 

i never said the engine would be on... i said unlock the wheel so u can turn it...

if your engine is on, your PS pump is spinning... u don't want that running when the oil is draining because it will be running dry...

when the car is on jack stands, you won't be starting the car... just turn the car on to position II to unlock the wheel and turn it side to side.. u are not running the engine so your PS pump won't be turning.. thus no oil in there is okay... if the car is not jacked up and you are able to turn the wheel without PS assistance, then u r superman...

good luck with that...

 

damn... who blew my cover........

 

Ah I see, I thought there was going to be some new stuff siphoning in, I didn't really read it though

I can spin the wheel too full lock left/right without the car on, helps to do it in a garage with smooth floors too

So, jacking it isn't something you HAVE to do, just something that will help the little guys