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First time doing power steering flush

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Old 09-11-18, 07:03 PM
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kenaston99
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Default First time doing power steering flush

I may be over-complicating things when I ask this, but if I want to do a full flush, should I force all the fluid out into the reservoir (Turning the steering wheel, etc), or can I siphon out what is currently in the reservoir, and disconnect the low pressure hose and siphon out the rest from there?
Old 09-14-18, 06:47 PM
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Arcturus
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Originally Posted by kenaston99
I may be over-complicating things when I ask this, but if I want to do a full flush, should I force all the fluid out into the reservoir (Turning the steering wheel, etc), or can I siphon out what is currently in the reservoir, and disconnect the low pressure hose and siphon out the rest from there?
Whats wrong with changing the fluid, then turning the wheels back and forth a few times? Then repeat if you want. I can tell you I’ve had my car for 5 years and never changed it once and never had any issues.
Old 09-14-18, 06:50 PM
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kenaston99
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I was thinking about doing that, but I didn't want any residual fluid in the reservoir that I wouldn't be able to siphon out.
Old 09-14-18, 09:24 PM
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Catalina45
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Unless you drain the rack at the fitting ( going into rack or remove valve that is part of rack) not all of the fluid will be flushed. In many cases you’ll have to take off the reservoir to scrub the “black ring” of old ATF off. Just use a turkey Baster or fluid extraction pump and siphon and fill about 2 quarts over a months time. It’s safer as you have almost no chance of introducing air into the hydraulic system and ultimately your PS fluid will be clean. Rather than turning the wheels, drive it 100 mikes or so before you siphon & fill. Look closely to see if you have a black ring & if you do make sure you have the Lexus “soft line” to the reservoir available as it gets brittle with age.
Old 09-14-18, 09:41 PM
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SlkySmooth
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This is the last nasty looking fluid I've yet to change on mine Is it the same fluid as transmission?
Old 09-15-18, 06:06 AM
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kenaston99
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Originally Posted by SlkySmooth
This is the last nasty looking fluid I've yet to change on mine Is it the same fluid as transmission?
I've heard people use atf on their ps fluid system, but I personally would stick with just ps fluid.
Old 09-15-18, 06:39 AM
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Romanova
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Originally Posted by kenaston99
I've heard people use atf on their ps fluid system, but I personally would stick with just ps fluid.
Pretty sure the service manual calls for ATF...
Old 09-15-18, 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Romanova
Pretty sure the service manual calls for ATF...
You would be correct. Either works, but I'm saying I would personally use Power Steering.
Old 09-15-18, 10:24 AM
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Catalina45
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The seals in the steering rack and power steering pump are designed for a specific fluid. In this case it’s Dexron II/III. If you use a regular PS fluid the viscosity will be lower which could result in leakage past the seals. Please use a compatible fluid to avoid potential problems.
Old 09-15-18, 10:31 AM
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kenaston99
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Originally Posted by Catalina45
The seals in the steering rack and power steering pump are designed for a specific fluid. In this case it’s Dexron II/III. If you use a regular PS fluid the viscosity will be lower which could result in leakage past the seals. Please use a compatible fluid to avoid potential problems.
Wow, I never knew that. That's odd that they would design a power steering system that *prefers* ATF.
Old 09-17-18, 06:24 AM
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caverman
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I just started this process myself. Dexron III is not the easiest thing to find but I found some ATF fluid at Walmart that said it was compatible for Dexron II and III so that's what I got (about $3.50). Pretty much everything on the shelves are Dexron IV which I'm not 100% is compatible with Dexron III.

Unless you put a tube on the end of a turkey baster you're really not going to be able to get much out of the reservoir. It has a small whole in the top that makes using a turkey baster by itself next to impossible to get any fluid out. I used a transfer pump which I've have for a long time but I think you can get them just about any auto parts place or even Walmart for about $7 - $10. They typically come with small tubes and it made is super easy to suck the fluid out and into a container and then just switch directions to put the fluid in from your ATF bottle.

My PS fluid was really dark with a slight tint of green to it. I did my first one about a week ago, did my second one yesterday with I did an oil change, and I'll do at least two more over the next few weeks. Then I'll make it part of the maintenance whenever I change my oil since it's such an easy job and the oil is cheap.
Old 09-17-18, 06:28 AM
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Romanova
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Don't use a turkey baster. Use
https://www.amazon.com/Plews-75-033-Battery-Syringe-Filler/dp/B000HA9PR2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537190865 https://www.amazon.com/Plews-75-033-Battery-Syringe-Filler/dp/B000HA9PR2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537190865
Old 09-17-18, 08:28 AM
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Catalina45
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I use a CTA Tools fluid extractor and put a short piece of smaller diameter tubing over the end to be able to get as much out of the reservoir as possible. The tool can also be used to "fill" if one wanted to do that as well. As far as fluids go, I used Castrol Multi-Vehicle which covered Dexron II/II and then went with Amsoil Multi-Vehicle ATF after the fluid was clean.

Amazon Amazon
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...FQrHwAodnFYD5w
https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...mission-fluid/
Old 09-17-18, 09:47 AM
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caverman
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I would use something like this. The one I have is smaller and probably even cheaper but I don't see it on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Koehler-Enterprises-RA990-Multi-Use-Transfer/dp/B0181EDCZ6?crid=20R81MBIMQIBT&keywords=auto+fluid+hand+pump&qid=1537202793&sprefix=auto+fluid+%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1&ref=sr_1_1 https://www.amazon.com/Koehler-Enterprises-RA990-Multi-Use-Transfer/dp/B0181EDCZ6?crid=20R81MBIMQIBT&keywords=auto+fluid+hand+pump&qid=1537202793&sprefix=auto+fluid+%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1&ref=sr_1_1
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