Power steering problems.

[jprins23]

I've been having some problems with my power steering. It's been getting pretty stiff lately. The fluid isn't low but it could use a flush. I'm hoping a flush with new fluid will fix the problem. Has anyone done a DIY flush or do I need to find a special pump. I've been watching YouTube videos but I'd figured I'd ask the pros before I go and do it myself. Any pointers? Thanks y'all.

 

[whippersnapper02]

I used an extraction pump to remove the fluid in the reservoir then took off the return line coming off the rack. With the front up in the air, i turned the tires side to side by hand to push the fluid out of the rack.

 

[Bojangles]

I used a large mityvac.... sucked out the reservoir, then pulled off the bottom (return) line of the system.
Filled the reservoir back up by hand with a jug of valvoline maxlife atf, worked the pump, and kept the resi full of new atf.

Took a few minutes, the hardest part was the stupid spring clamps on the line... that was not even that hard with the proper pliers tho.

Didnt intend on doing a writeup, so i didnt document the procedure... figured partway thru i should atleast video the result.

 

[Bogunn]

I used a large mityvac.... sucked out the reservoir, then pulled off the bottom (return) line of the system.
Filled the reservoir back up by hand with a jug of valvoline maxlife atf, worked the pump, and kept the resi full of new atf.

Took a few minutes, the hardest part was the stupid spring clamps on the line... that was not even that hard with the proper pliers tho.

Didnt intend on doing a writeup, so i didnt document the procedure... figured partway thru i should atleast video the result.

That’s creative.

 

[jprins23]

What fluid would you recommend? I have some Toyota brand ATF laying around when I worked on my tranny. Think that would suffice?

 

[Will Evans]

I would check the U joint on your steering column first. My 06 was corroded pretty good making it tough to turn the wheel. It would turn smooth, then go stiff and back to smooth and then stiff again as I spun the wheel. Not sure if you're having the same issue, but just thought I'd mention it.

 

[Bojangles]

What fluid would you recommend? I have some Toyota brand ATF laying around when I worked on my tranny. Think that would suffice?

I dunno, ive not heard of anyone using world standard trans fluid in the ps system before.
Ive seen a few who used the valv maxlife tho.

 

[jprins23]

I would check the U joint on your steering column first. My 06 was corroded pretty good making it tough to turn the wheel. It would turn smooth, then go stiff and back to smooth and then stiff again as I spun the wheel. Not sure if you're having the same issue, but just thought I'd mention it.

That's exactly what's going on with me!

 

[jprins23]

That's exactly what's going on with me!

How did you fix it? Could I just lube it up or does it need to be replaced?

 

[Csilver3]

I used an extraction pump to remove the fluid in the reservoir then took off the return line coming off the rack. With the front up in the air, i turned the tires side to side by hand to push the fluid out of the rack.

Did the exact same thing!

 

[Will Evans]

How did you fix it? Could I just lube it up or does it need to be replaced?

I just took some penetrating lubricant and soaked it. I used SeaFoam Deep Creep. You can crawl under the driver side wheel well and spray it from there. The U Joint is not protected by a boot so it is exposed to the elements.

 

[Walking Willy]

I tried the flush, no change but applying some oil to the u-joint with a small paint brush (get under truck driver side) did the trick.