Power steering system flush

acuraowner

I was wondering if anyone had this done. I have heard a few people say it improved the steering feel afterwards. But I have only read of maybe 2 or 3 people who had it done.

The steering in my teggie is still great but the pump makes the grating sound like that of early 90's Fords. The only other real problem I have is sometimes on an extremely hot day when I am backing out it feels like the pump cant keep up. It shakes and makes the idle drop. Its kinda hard to explain but it happens rarely.

Would it be worth it to get the system flushed so to speak? Or should I just pass on it.

Thanks

mrdetailer

I didn't have any noise in 2 of my cars that had 115K, and 121K at the time. But I read here on Edmunds that Power Steering fluid can burn get acidic and have metal shavings just like a transmission. I checked the fluid, and sure enough they smelled burnt.

I went to NAPA and for $7.00 I bought the Lubegard Power Steering additive. It reduces temperatures and acids as well as lubricates better. I had the power steering flushed and Lubegard and new oil added. It smells much better. I found from my mechanic that they advise this process every 60,000 miles.

It seems to drive smoother and quieter, but they didn't have any problems that I could tell to begin with.

armtdm

On most engines you can syphon out (pumps available for under $10 ) the old fluid via the holding tank and just replace with new ATF in most cases. I use a synthetic ATF unless it calls for some weird fluid like Ford Type F ATF or Honda Power Steering Fluid only!.

If you do the syphon and refill 2 or 3 times in a few weeks you will basically replace most of the fluid and save some money over a flush. Flushing can also cause problems by loosing crap up in my opinion.

spokane

The PS system, like an automatic transmission, is a hydraulic system and periodic fluid replacement is advisable as a preventive maintenance procedure. I would not count on it to correct steering system problems but, in some cases, it does help. As armtdn explains, several refills of the PS pump will essentially provide a system flush. Another method is to disconnect the low-pressure hose and attach a piece of tubing to extend this hose to a collection pan. Also plug the exposed fitting on the pump reservoir. Remove the pump drive belt and manually turn the pump until the reservoir is almost empty; then refill the reservoir with new fluid. Do this several times, using at least a quart of fluid. Reconnect the return hose and top off the reservoir. The pump can be driven with an air wrench or drill motor. Operating the pump with the car's engine, however, will probably evacuate the system much too quickly and run the pump dry. As others have said, it is important to use the proper type of fluid.

scotian

The official 30K maintenence for my 300M includes a power steering fluid change, which I didn't have done because the dealer had never heard of it being done and advised against it (this seems weird for several reasons). Should I have it done anyway?

My steering has felt funny for a while, which was partially fixed by a new steering column under warranty (I will soon get a new steering wheel as well because the leather is turning into mush). The column was making a dry squeak and it felt very unnerving when steering across center; it felt like it would completely loosen up at center/straight. Also, it sometimes makes weird noises. These still happen, but not as much now. I'm wondering if its my rack and pinion. Anyway, might a power steering fluid change fix some or all of this? Might it be a bubble in the lines?

spokane

It is not too surprising that that some shops are unaware of the PS fluid change recommendation because such changes were hardly ever done until the past few years. However, the dealer's service department should, at bare minimum, know the procedures called for by the owner's manual. Perhaps you should find a better qualified shop.

A fluid change is good preventive maintenance. I would not depend on it to correct a steering effort problem or a noise, but in some instances it can help in that regard.