Flushing the PS system

[lee]

Admit it, we all change our oil, and most of us change the ATF (probably out of fear if nothing else), some change their brake fluid, but how many have flushed their power steering system?

I ripped (& modified for the SVX) a procedure from the BITOG forum (credit where credit is due) - haven't tried it yet, but it makes sense - probably will try it in the next few weeks.

-jack up the front so the wheels are off the ground.
-locate the PS return line (the rubber hose toward the rear of the tank - metal line in front is the "output" line) and disconnect it from the reservoir. Have a cup ready to catch the fluid that drains out of the reservoir.
-after the reservoir is empty, plug the return port with something: a plastic cap, some plastic and an elastic band, use your imagination - you're going to be putting fluid back in the reservoir.
-attach an extension hose (3/8" ??) to the return line, suggest use of a barbed connecter. Have rags handy because a little oil is going to leak out.
-place the other end of the extension hose in a drain pan, empty milk jug, whatever.
-refill the reservoir with fresh fluid
-turn on the key to unlock the steering wheel and begin turning the wheels lock to lock while monitoring the level in the reservoir. You don't want to let it go dry and suck air into the system. If you have someone help you, they can pour in new fluid while you're turning the wheels.
-continue turning the wheels and flush through as much fluid as you like. 1 quart should be enough, maybe 2 if your old fluid was very dirty.
-re-connect the return line, top up the reservoir, start the engine, cycle the wheels a few more times and recheck the level.