Power Steering Flush

[sigurross]

I was going through the service records I got with my van and noticed there was power steering fluid put instead of ATF. I want to flush my power steering system and put some good quality stuff in.

Here are my two thoughts for flushing and refilling my power steering system:

1) buy a whole bunch of ATF. Pump the existing fluid out of the PS reservoir and replace it with ATF, run my van, and repeat around 10 times. Until i'm seeing nice new fluid.

... or

2) disconnect the return hose from the PS reservoir, start my van, and refill the res as return hose drains. Until I see clean red oil.



Which is the return hose, the red or green?

If you think both of my methods are bunk please let me know and I'd appreciate some insight as to the proper methodology i should be following.

And while i'm at it is there a brand of ATF you'd recommend for this purpose. I was thinking of getting some redline ATF, but that might be pricey with both of these methods!

Thanks people.

- Jason

[jessef]

I would just drain and fill. #2

have someone at the wheel turn it lock to lock full movement to get all the air pockets out as you are topping it up

All ATF is synthetic. Redline is good for transmissions/gearboxes/diffs but I would put conventional PS fluid in.

[sigurross]

Doesn't the manual state you should use Dextron II for the PS? Does conventional PS fluid meet these requirements?

... also, based on my picture which one of the return hose the green or red?

Thanks.