Power Steering Flush - How?

[SaidiaDude]

I need to flush the Power Steering Fluid from a '98 Corolla, 120K miles (wifey's car). It has the original fluid which is now dark brown and smells. How do I flush/drain this fluid? Is there a bleeder valve like the brake system? I was thinking of removing one of the rubber hoses and draining out most of the reservoir, but I can't find a way to drain the rest of the fluid. Also, I don't want to let air into the system.

Thanks for your help.

[retiredat44]

one of the hoses is a return line, you could take that off... add a section, using some micky-mouse type fitting, coupler, use the extended hose, run that into a medium size can, or bucket.. and have somone pour new fluid in the pump resivour while you let it pump the fluid into the bucket... but it will have to be coordinated so you don't run it dry, it wil pump it very fast..

actually, you can pull the hose... let the fluid drain.... (engine off). Then pour new fluid in,,, and startt eh engine,, and with the wheels on jackstands tunr the wheel full left and right to purge the air out (if any air) and top it off to wherever the top mark is for the ful line.

This last procedure is the actual procedure in the manual for bleeding air.
Since it's so hard to get to parts in this car,,,, I would suggest you use the bleeders (they are ont he rack steering unti close to where the column and steel lines and hoses connect to the rack. But, if that's to difficult, the try the host connects at the pump.

I suggest you buy line wrenches. They are like open box end wrenches for the bolt on steel fuel and pump lines. They slip over the line but still have 6 pioints to lock around the nuts on lines. They will serve you a lifetime and prevent you from having to use open end wrenches which can round corners.



I would also suggest you ask someone with more experince on pumps ... I have done mine, but there are others here with much more experince with Toyota pumps... maybe they have a better procedure...

[mikered30]

If you don't want to mess around with lines, you could use a less efficient way: use a turkey baster and suck out the fluid. Do that about at least 5 times.

[SaidiaDude]

Thanks folks. I'm thinking of changing the hoses now. I've changed all the Radiator+Heater hoses (+water pump +thermostat, etc). Is the job similar for Power Steering hoses? I.e. Something like:
- Find a drain bolt or bleed valve as suggested by retiredat44
- Drain fluid
- Remove hoses (how many are there total - 2?)
- Replace hoses
- Refill with new fluid
- Bleed air

Did I miss anything? Thanks

[stubborn1]

Originally Posted by mikered30

If you don't want to mess around with lines, you could use a less efficient way: use a turkey baster and suck out the fluid. Do that about at least 5 times.

One more vote for the turkey baster method. Actually a vacuum pump works better, but same idea. I remove the old fluid, add new, turn the car on and turn the wheels full rotation a few times to get the fluid moving, rinse and repeat. Usually 3-4 times get the fluid looking new again.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

i agree mostly with retiredat44

I have done mine and my GF's simply by taking off the return line to the reservoir then putting a foot long hose on the reservoir so the new fluid doesn't leak out then extend the return line to a bucket then get someone to crank the car and turn steering lock to lock if possible (will empty the reservoir every 30 secs) then shut it down fill and repeat, untill fluid coming out is clean

If you use that clear vinyl hose to go to the bucket it will show you when the fluid is running fresh and clear

when your done put the return hose back then cycle the steering lock to lock top it off if neccesary and call it done

[retiredat44]

I can't remember the website with the instructions for bleeding the air, but I put it in a nutshell above... you must do that... on stands,,, and it can take up to 1/2 hour.... make sure you have at least a quart, in case you need more.... or spill some...

Do Not run it dry!