JonCAGS300

My power steering started making groaning noises. And then it screamed a couple of times going around a long circling on-ramp. The fluid was black and smelled very burned. I thought it was a goner for sure.

I then changed the fluid out by siphoning it out of the reservoir, replacing with new ATF, and driving normally. I repeated this every day over a week or so about 10 times. The groaning stopped and the screaming hasn't returned. It sounds smuch quieter. The car is 14 years old. I bet the fluid was never changed. Everyone should do this. It's easy.

There are two methods: drain (siphon/suck/etc) and refill multiple times, which is what I did. The result is approximately 90% fresh fluid. Or for a more complete exchange, disconnect the return line and pump fresh fluid through. There are a few links below that discuss this. I might also do it for maximum benefit.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=43174
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steering/psflush.html
http://my.is/forums/f67/is300-power-...-flush-340996/

AirForceGS

Is that all it is? Mine is starting to scream like a banshee. I thought I was going to have to replace the power steering pump itself. Can anyone confirm this?

JonCAGS300

Well, yours could be going bad, but I'd try the fluid exchange before replacing the pump.

AirForceGS

Well mine probably sounds the way yours did. But my fluid looks and smells fine. The whole banshee thing was for visualization. I'll try the flushing. I hope thats really the problem.

JonCAGS300

If your fluid is ok, don't get your hopes up for an easy fix. But you never know until you try. Good luck.

stevesinn

first of all, thanks for the links to the "how to flush power steering" forum. my car is doing the same thing(moaning and groaning)and this is a big help. this may sound like a dumb question though, but isn't ATF automatic transmission fluid? shouldn't i be using power streering fluid? not sure if this is an oversight or if ATF is power steering fluid. im just learning as i go.

MIC123321

yeah, you use ATF. --MIC.

JonCAGS300

Good question. ATF is not the same as power steering fluid. Our cars use ATF, not power steering fluid. I believe the specs call for Dextron II, but you won't find that in stores anymore. Look for Dextron III or anything that replaces it, such as Dextron IV, MD-3, or maybe others.

Other car manufacturers have various specs. Some use ATF, some power steering fluid. Honda has a special blend.