Power Steering Maintenance

Just a Hunter

Just a Hunter

Bought an X
Location
Georgia
Today, I performed a drain and fill of my power steering reservoir.

Currently my X has just over 58,000 miles and I'm unsure if the power steering fluid has ever been replaced. This process is simple enough and consist of sucking the old power steering fluid from the reservoir with a Turkey baster , and refilling to the appropriate level.


No, I'm not replacing all of the fluid and I'm aware there is plenty left in the lines and pump.

However, in a couple days I will repeat this process once again and a final time in apx 3500 miles.


Afterwards, I may add this maintenance to my list of yearly to-do's.


For those interested, I decided to try Royal Purples Max Ez power steering fluid.
 
Last edited:
Just a Hunter

Just a Hunter

Bought an X
Location
Georgia
I agree with everyone which is thinking " A total flush would have been better", and it would.

However, doing a "drain and fill" on a regular basis will assist with protecting your pump from wear and thus extending its life while preventing rust from forming inside your power steering system.

Why power steering fluid will change color over time.
  • Water causes power steering fluid to oxidize, which diminishes the ability of the fluid and therefore of the system as a whole. As with many components of your vehicle, the power steering fluid reservoir can sometimes trap unwanted water. This water mixes with the fluid, causes oxidization and changes the color of the power steering fluid.
  • Power steering fluid is subject to high loads of pressure, as it relies on pressure to do its job effectively. This pressure causes the temperature of the fluid to increase, especially during long drives. As the fluid rises in temperature, it begins to slowly break down as the chemicals separate from one another. This is known as electrochemical degradation and is the cause of discoloration and sludge in the power steering fluid.
  • As your power steering fluid does its job, it comes into frequent contact with your vehicle’s rack and pinion. The rack and pinion system is made up of high amounts of aluminum which over time can shed into a fine powdered state. This fine powder can contaminate your power steering fluid resulting in a sludgy compound that does not hold the same consistency as your ideal power steering fluid.
 
IM1RU

IM1RU

Skid Plates
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, UT
Two comments:

Changing out the PS fluid is super easy as described (and thank you for posting), but what I am wondering is why you went to the hassle of changing just a bit of it? If you do what you said, then:
Start the truck, turn the steering wheel full lock to full lock a couple times, shut the truck off, and repeat 3- 5 more times, you will have effectively flushed the whole system, without the need to do it again for a few years.

And second @westslope, why can you not put the brake fluid in with all the other fluids, and dispose of it as you do your oil, trans fluid, etc?
Do your auto parts stores, and quick lube places not take the fluids for free?
 
Just a Hunter

Just a Hunter

Bought an X
Location
Georgia
IM1RU

In the past, I've swapped my fluid as I posted and as you recommended.
To be honest, one method is probably equal to the other.

In my case, I wanted to provide some time for the Royal Purple to circulate , mix and go through a couple heat cycles prior to swapping again.

However, I will probably modify this weeks second drain and fill to include your own suggestion.
 
wild.coast

wild.coast

Bought an X
Location
British Columbia, Canada
You can just hook an extra clear hose to the power steering return line, turn the wheel side to side and watch the old fluid pour out into your drain bucket. Just keep topping off the reservoir until you see the clean new fluid coming out in the flush. Then reconnect. Easy, no mess, and actually flushes all the lines, pump, and gear box!

Here's a vid describing this procedure for reference:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gXTGBUZkh8


For the X (1st gen), there are two rubber hoses attaching to the reservoir. The thicker one is the OUT line, which goes to the power steering pump. The thinner hose is the RETURN line that goes into the bottom of the reservoir. Just disconnect it from the steel fitting of the low pressure return line. Then connect your clear hose to this fitting and drain.

Additionally, I would also just drain the reservoir using the return hose you just disconnected. Then once the reservoir is all drained you can remove it and wash all the crud out without making a mess!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top