Power Steering Flush
12-01-2007, 10:05 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Power Steering Flush
How do I go about flushing my power steering system completely out? I am an idiot and just realized that the Toyota PS system takes ATF and not PSF. 
I have a slow leak... probably due to the PSF, anybody think that a flush and refil would cure it, or do you think the seals are toast?
anyway, I most likely have to do this on my own, so is there a one-man procedure for a complete PS flush?
*edit: also, how much fluid does the entire system hold.. including gearbox?
I have a slow leak... probably due to the PSF, anybody think that a flush and refil would cure it, or do you think the seals are toast?
anyway, I most likely have to do this on my own, so is there a one-man procedure for a complete PS flush?
*edit: also, how much fluid does the entire system hold.. including gearbox?
Last edited by az4x4runner; 12-01-2007 at 10:10 PM.
12-01-2007, 10:12 PM
#2
Registered User
put the front of the vehicle on stands and turn it on. disconect the return line going to the pump. turn the steering wheel a good amount of times slowly. and most the fluid will be forced out the lines. if anything youll want to put psf in instead of atf cause its thicker. it doesnt mater if you use either but i would use psf in this case
12-01-2007, 10:50 PM
#4
Registered User
^^
I don't know if he means "on" or "running", doing this while running will cause it to empty quickly, so be ready for that (you don't want to run the pump dry)
I'm not entirely sure, but I think that the manual says to crank it over a bunch of times, and to not let it start,
you can do it by yourself, just go buy some hose to extend the return hose (disconnect it at the pump) long enough so you can get it into a bucket or whatever so you don't spray fluid everywhere (ask me how I know)
you might be able to get away with one quart, but you might want to get two, and if you don't use the second, just take it back later,
I used two as I really wanted to flush everything out, and I had replaced the pump, and I had used some of the first quart to "lubricate" half of my engine bay
but, yes you'll need to jack up the front end and removing the passenger side tire will help with getting the lines off and on
are you sure that the seals are toast? where is it leaking from?
there have been some people here who thought they had a bad seal, and all they had to was tighten some of the bolts on the pump, as they work loose over time (i don't know what bolts, just a thought)
and yes, you need to use atf, and not psf, apperently the psf is bad for the seals or something? and yours are going bad, so obviously this isn't "working for you"
this might help:
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/
I don't know if he means "on" or "running", doing this while running will cause it to empty quickly, so be ready for that (you don't want to run the pump dry)
I'm not entirely sure, but I think that the manual says to crank it over a bunch of times, and to not let it start,
you can do it by yourself, just go buy some hose to extend the return hose (disconnect it at the pump) long enough so you can get it into a bucket or whatever so you don't spray fluid everywhere (ask me how I know)
you might be able to get away with one quart, but you might want to get two, and if you don't use the second, just take it back later,
I used two as I really wanted to flush everything out, and I had replaced the pump, and I had used some of the first quart to "lubricate" half of my engine bay
but, yes you'll need to jack up the front end and removing the passenger side tire will help with getting the lines off and on
are you sure that the seals are toast? where is it leaking from?
there have been some people here who thought they had a bad seal, and all they had to was tighten some of the bolts on the pump, as they work loose over time (i don't know what bolts, just a thought)
and yes, you need to use atf, and not psf, apperently the psf is bad for the seals or something? and yours are going bad, so obviously this isn't "working for you"
this might help:
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/
12-02-2007, 06:33 AM
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
Thanks for the pointers guys. Do PSF and ATF mix? I don't mean a 50/50 mix, but if I don't get 100% of it out when I flush...
Anyone know the exact capacity of the pump/gearbox so I can tell if I did get all the fluid out?
thanks a lot,
Bryan
Anyone know the exact capacity of the pump/gearbox so I can tell if I did get all the fluid out?
thanks a lot,
Bryan
12-02-2007, 06:56 AM
#6
Contributing Member
By the way, you will probably need to repack the pws pump and resevior since most of the early 90's ones develope leaks. Mine is leaking now and has been for several months.
12-02-2007, 07:16 AM
#7
Contributing Member
Yes, the seals probably need replacing.
This write-up:
http://members.cox.net/stacewilliams/ps-pump.htm
Along with the FSM will help a lot with that:
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/
Flushing is good but that won't stop a leak. And I agree with the poster that said don't run the pump dry while flushing. That small reservoir will run dry very quick with the motor running.
Toyota engineers recommend ATF, so I'd stay with that.
This write-up:
http://members.cox.net/stacewilliams/ps-pump.htm
Along with the FSM will help a lot with that:
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/
Flushing is good but that won't stop a leak. And I agree with the poster that said don't run the pump dry while flushing. That small reservoir will run dry very quick with the motor running.
Toyota engineers recommend ATF, so I'd stay with that.
Last edited by mt_goat; 12-02-2007 at 07:22 AM.
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12-02-2007, 04:01 PM
#8
Registered User
Thread Starter
Thanks for the input guys, I just finished the process. flushed 2 whole quarts of ATF through it to make sure, it's comin out pink now. I turned the wheel from lock to lock a few times... drove it around town a little and checked the fluid, no leaks yet and fluid is still pink.
12-19-2007, 11:54 AM
#14
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Thanks very much.
Is a quart close to a litre? I'm from Canada and not very smart about these sorts of things... yet. LOL
And other than seals slowly breaking down, will there be any major issues with handling? I ask because there is a plan in the works to replace the PS pump quite promptly (next 2 or 3 months). Could I get away with running PSF till i replace the pump?
Luke
Is a quart close to a litre? I'm from Canada and not very smart about these sorts of things... yet. LOL
And other than seals slowly breaking down, will there be any major issues with handling? I ask because there is a plan in the works to replace the PS pump quite promptly (next 2 or 3 months). Could I get away with running PSF till i replace the pump?
Luke
Last edited by AlladdinSane; 12-19-2007 at 11:59 AM.
12-19-2007, 01:19 PM
#18
Contributing Member
Power steering fluid spells a quick demise for Toyota power steering pumps in my experience.
If you put it in pretty much at all, prepare for a PS pump replacement in your future.
They specify Dexron ATF for a reason - it's what works!
If you put it in pretty much at all, prepare for a PS pump replacement in your future.
They specify Dexron ATF for a reason - it's what works!
12-20-2007, 06:46 AM
#19
Registered User
one thing of note, if you actually replace the pump instead of 'rebuilding' it, then either go with an oem toyota one, or get one from a parts store that has a good warranty (autozone has a lifetime warranty, don't think they've got those in canada?), the reason for this is that some people wind up getting a pump, or two, that are only good for a few months, then they start leaking again, if you have a warranty then it's free to replace, until you get one that won't go bad on you, I haven't personally had this hapen to me, but it has happened to others
if I had to do mine over again (hopefully not soon) I'll go to a junkyard and find an oem one to rebuild so I wont have to risk getting a bad one from the parts store
12-20-2007, 09:16 AM
#20
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Hmmm...
I'm not very mechanically inclined (no kidding, huh? lol). That being said, I'm looking to become much more able in this respect. I'm a pretty quick study and with the info on this forum laid out the way it is, my knowledge is increasing at a pretty decent rate. I've actually just done my first repair in the form of a tie rod end replacement. Not much, i know, but considering that I've never owned a tool, and now have a "pickle fork" (amongst other new tools) I'd at least have to say that it's a step in the right direction. I liked it. I'll be doing more in the future. Buuuutttt....
...What will it take to rebuild a PS pump? Is that sort of thing out of my league right now? Should I just get a beefy warranty on a new one?
Thanks for listening and responding in advance.
Luke
I'm not very mechanically inclined (no kidding, huh? lol). That being said, I'm looking to become much more able in this respect. I'm a pretty quick study and with the info on this forum laid out the way it is, my knowledge is increasing at a pretty decent rate. I've actually just done my first repair in the form of a tie rod end replacement. Not much, i know, but considering that I've never owned a tool, and now have a "pickle fork" (amongst other new tools) I'd at least have to say that it's a step in the right direction. I liked it. I'll be doing more in the future. Buuuutttt....
...What will it take to rebuild a PS pump? Is that sort of thing out of my league right now? Should I just get a beefy warranty on a new one?
Thanks for listening and responding in advance.
Luke
