Power steering fluid change? Yes/No?

[mjb1032]

Would you consider the power steering fluid a normal maintenance item? How would one flush and refill it? What kind of fluid and how much? Thanks, Marc B.

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[d_dyer]

Originally Posted by mjb1032

Would you consider the power steering fluid a normal maintenance item?
How would one flush and refill it?
What kind of fluid and how much?
Thanks, Marc B.

Some people say yes some no, Personally i have never changed mine have seen no problems.

[f150fella08]

it wouldnt hurt to change it, i changed mine, valvoline if i remember correctly makes a powersteering flush kit kinda thing, at my work we had a fluid extractor you hooked up to a air line and sucked it out, then put the flush in, turn wheels back and forth suck it out, refill, turn, and so on and so on. i dont see why a hand extractor wont work,

if your going to do all of this, go ahead and get some amsoil transmission fluid to refill it with

[lees99f150]

when i change my trans fluid, i change my PS fluid. i just suck out the fluid in the reservoir and put in new. i then run it and then do it again until i use up the quart. i just use the same fluid as i put in my trans.

[Labnerd]

A power steering pump is only a pressure system. It has no clutches or frictional surfaces to contend with, just maintain pressure. It does not "wear" out. It can get dirty over time but if you drive on paved streets and are not driving thru water that the windshield is breaking water, there is no reason to change it....unless you just need something to do.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by mjb1032

Would you consider the power steering fluid a normal maintenance item?:

Yes!! Every vehicle I've ever changed the fluid in resulted in a very noticeable difference. Not something you need to change every oil change or so, but every 50,000 doesn't hurt a thing.

Originally Posted by mjb1032

How would one flush and refill it?:

The vast majority of the system fluid is in the reservoir. Use a turkey baster and get as much out as possible and replace. If you're really anal (like me) you can remove the hoses at various points from the sytem and let it drain, but it really doesn't result in that much more fluid being evacuated to justify the labor.

Originally Posted by mjb1032

What kind of fluid and how much?:

Amsoil ATF (or if you insist, any other fluid that meets Ford Type F fluid [check your owners manual to be sure though...it'll say]) Just replace with what ever quantity is required to bring it back to the fill line on the reservior. I think the whole system is less than a quart.

[mjb1032]

Thanks Guys for the replys,
If you've seen the paint work I've done on this truck.....
I'm just trying my damnest to make it last. This was my dream purchase back in 04, and with 2 kids I know I won't be able to buy a newer truck anytime soon.
The simple maint. things I can do I will.
The rust fight will be tougher especially here in Mass.
I'm still thinking of even removing door panels and trying to get paint into the lowest door seams where rust could start.
I hate rust, it sucks to see your nice car/truck look like crap after 5 years cause the rust has started.
I know....move from Mass....I would but I know the wife and kids will find me!

[dkstone05]

I'm getting a power steering whine when it's cold out so today I'm changing the fluid to see if it helps any. I'm not really counting on it changing much but it's worth a shot.