Hi All,
I'm working my way through the truck changing all the fluids.

I am up to the power steering and I'm a bit stumped with the right way to go about this.

Does someone have any advice.

thanks.
________
BOWL FOR MY BONG

 

Here is the way I do it...remove the return line from the bottom of the power steering reservoir and stick it into a empty clear gallon (3.2L for you) jug, like a windshield washer solvent bottle.
Have 4 or so bottles of Dexron III and a friend with you.
Stick your return hose into the bottle, have your friend start the truck and while the engine is running pour in new ATF (automatic transmission fluid) into the power steering reservoir.
Once all new fluid is coming out of the hose shut the engine off.
Replace the line and top off the system.

Now because it is not a rack and pinion type steering system you do not need to turn the steering wheel from side to side while doing this.

DI's use transmission fluid in the power steering.
DII's use power steering fluid.

 

Too Easy!
Thanks Spike.

Now I just need to find a friend.
________
DevilishDream

 

I must be missing something!
When I remove the return line from the bottom of the reservior fluid runs out of the reservoir - Go figure!

How do you do this without coating everything in ATF and keep the reservoir topped up at the same time?
________
Roll A Joint

 

The return line is the one on the outside of the reservoir.
Once the engine is running it will not leak out because it will be sucking it in through the supply line.
You can plug the return line hole in the bottom of the reservoir with your finger.
It will only take min's for this hole thing to happen.

 

Hey Spike...I used a Turkey Baster and simply sucked everything out of the reservoir and replaced with cheap fluid first and then repeated the procedure and added synthetic with about a 1/3 bottle of the Lucas additive...I know you are not a big fan of additives, but I thought it wouldn't hurt...I also did crank the wheel back and forth to strain the pump on the first flush...I did not know about the rack and pinion and always thought it was the pump we were "flushing" by cranking wheel back and forth.

 

All the power steering pump does it pump power steering fluid into the steering box and then the pressure from the fluid makes it easier to turn the wheels.
A rack and pinion has fluid flowing through the whole thing not just the steering box.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/steering.htm

 

I'm going to postpone this until next year.
I'll replace the hoses then and new fluid at the same time.
________
Toys Webcam

 

Hey Spike....

I tried your method of changing the power steering fluid. It was perfect. I don't think I got a drop of fluid outside of a bottle. Super slick method...

Also, the stuff that came out was really bad. It was yellow/orange. Super nasty. It's making a bit of noise still, but not as much as before I changed it. Im hoping I didn't kill the pump, but wondering if anyone has some ideas on how to save it. Do additives really work, and should I leave them in for long?

Thanks again spike, and anyone else needing to change their power steering, use this method. It does take two though. Do not attempt alone. You will run the resevoir dry!!

 

I am not a fan of additives of any kind, in my opinion if you need a additive you need a different oil/fluid.
BUT, if you are on a last ditch effort to make something last another "XX" miles then go for it.
But here is what I would do if I were in your shoes, flush it again in a week, then if after yet another week it is still making noise then add a additive.

The rack and pinion on my wifes car was going bad, it had "hard" spots in it, flushed the system twice, helped for a short time.
Then they came back, added Lucas Power Steering additive and the "hard" spots are gone.
A new rack and pinion is $300+, the Lucas was $20.
I have no doubt that we will need to replace it eventually but right now...