I don't get it...

Nomake Wan · #1 10-02-2007, 11:45 PM

Okay, so I just got back from NY and went to pick up the o-ring I ordered for my PS pump. Cool. So I get back and start going at the whole thing. Ran into a whole bunch of crap along the way, but the system is working again and the only noise it makes now is from a belt or pulley somewhere.

However, I do have to ask a few questions, because I found myself repeating a particular expletive about 100 times today.

1.) Anyone else have a strange rubber sheath over the PS return hose? I ended up cutting it off because it seemed quite useless, and since it was covered in grime it made putting the hose back on absolutely useless.

2.) How do you people flush PS systems on your own!?!?!? I followed the How-To for flushing the PS system but it was absolutely IMPOSSIBLE! I literally dumped four quarts of ATF into the resevoir and it just ate it all. I ended up turning off the car, filling it back up, putting the hoses back on and just kinda hoping it would be okay. It seems to be.

I just don't get it. With the return hose going into a bucket and the car on, the PS system just sheds every single bit of ATF it has in an instant. I can't even see it being possible to do this with two people (as the ATF canisters don't flow nearly quickly enough!).

So how do you guys flush the PS system? Am I just lacking the necessary superhuman powers?

jeffast · #2 10-02-2007, 11:57 PM

yes to #1, and as for #2 thats basically what i did to flush my ps and the fluid is still bright pink 10,000miles later

dcarrb · #3 10-03-2007, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomake Wan

1.) Anyone else have a strange rubber sheath over the PS return hose?

It's just a guard to prevent friction damage in case the hose rubs against the bottom of the evaporative canister, or whatever. A similar sheath comes with the Subaru external transmission filter kit.

Quote:

2.) How do you people flush PS systems on your own!?!?!?

Just drain the reservoir with a turkey baster, then refill with fresh ATF. If the fluid's truly grungy, drive the car for a few days and repeat the procedure. And there you have a "flushed" PS system.

dcb

Nomake Wan · #4 10-03-2007, 12:17 PM

Okay cool, that's what I ended up doing... but the How-To on flushing the PS system is totally different... and from where I'm standing, impossible.

dcarrb · #5 10-04-2007, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomake Wan

Okay cool, that's what I ended up doing... but the How-To on flushing the PS system is totally different... and from where I'm standing, impossible.

Well, obviously, changing the contents of the reservoir isn't really a "flush," but I can't imagine any why a power steering system would require such except in cases of severe contamination. (And no doubt, some may disagree with this assessment.) The merits of flushing this-or-that have been dramatically oversold throughout automotive history, in my estimation.

dcb

Nomake Wan · #6 10-04-2007, 12:18 PM

Well after replacing the o-ring and flushing it it no longer makes screeching noises and it does seem to have a better feel to the steering. It still stiffens up if I change directions too quickly at low speeds, but other than that it feels a lot better.

NiftySVX · #7 10-04-2007, 01:07 PM

Back when I still worked at the dealership we used to call them wallet flushes. They are a good service to have done periodically, but yes they are oversold like you wouldn't believe. The first dealership I worked at offered bonuses for the number of flushes sold. The BG cans come with a "token" in them that you can trade in to the BG rep when he comes around and he'll give you cash.