I have a '04 TL with about 58k miles, i just had the power steering pump recall fix done and the dealer recommended a flush/change of PS fluid, they want $180.

is the flush necessary? Can I just have it changed (or change it myself?). What are others paying?

 

Easy to do yourself,go buy a "turkey baster" and pick up some Amsoil "PSF", then simply suction old power steering fluid out of the reservoir and replace with "PSF". You will have to do it a few times to get the majority of the old fluid out (much like the transmission flush procedure). Changing to synthetic PSF will also quiet down the system especially in cold weather.

 

The dealer is just trying to pad their wallets. I'm not even sure if there is a maintenance interval on the power steering. What lariat described is essentially all you need to do. Make sure you're swinging that wheel left and right to almost the locked position so the fluid is circulating from the reserve to the pump through the lines to the rack and back.

 

No, it's not necessary and not on the TL's maintenance list either.

 

If your gonna change it take the return line off the resevior and into a bottle or some sort of container. Turn the steering wheel lock to lock until no more fluid is coming out from the return line. If any fluid is in the resevior remove that too. put the return line back on and fill resevior. Turn steering wheel lock to lock and add fluid as it fills the system and bleeds all the air out.