It does not hurt to change it. Also How it looks in the reseviour can be deceiving.

 

I changed my fluid yesterday. The DIY video is way more complicated than necessary for just a fluid change. I would only do it that way if you are adding a filter. Here's what I did. Proceed at solely you own risk.

Suggest 3 quarts of PSF just in case you have to repeat 7 and 8 a few times due to air being let into the system.

My girlfriend and I did this in about 30 minutes. Next time it'll probably only take 15-20

1. Use a flathead screwdriver to wedge the black metal tab that holds in the power steering reservoir, and slide the reservoir free.
1. Loosen and lower the clamp on inlet hose (the skinny one) of power steering reservoir (PSR) about 2 inches. I used a Vice-Grip for this as you can lock the clamp open and use the Vice-Grip to pull the clamp down (without having to worry about the clamp trying to tighten).
2. Place towels underneath PSR
3. Slide off inlet hose and plug the PSR inlet hole with a cork. I used a 1/8" bottom diameter to 1/4" top diameter cork from Ace hardware. I think the cap from a gear oil bottle will work here to, but it may not stay in the PSR inlet hole.
4. Let the inlet hose rest. It'll only drip a little bit.
5. Attach a clear vinyl hose to the inlet hose. I used a 1/2" OD hose inserted inside the inlet hose. I had to trim it a little thinner with a box cutter.
6. Route the clear vinyl hose to a waste fluid container.
7. Fill up the PSR to the top.
8. Have a cohort start the engine for about 1 second. THE FLUID LEVEL WILL DROP QUICKLY SO BE PREPARED TO ADD MORE QUICKLY. ALSO MAKE SURE YOUR COHORT STOPS THE ENGINE QUICKLY. Likewise, it will empty into the waste container quickly so make sure it doesn't fall over from the oil flow pressure. If the fluid drops below the PSR level you may induce air into the system.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until you see new fluid coming out of the clear vinyl hose. The fluid will have some air bubbles in it probably, but not many. If it is full of tiny air bubbles you got air into the system. Repeat 7 and 8 until the bubbles are larger and less abundant.
10. Fill the PSR up to the proper level.
11. Detach the clear vinyl hose.
12. Remove the cork and quickly jam the inlet hose back onto the PSR.
13. Move the clamp back to the correct position.
14. Turn the steering wheel full lock to lock about 15-20 times to bleed air from the system
15. Check level of PSF and replace PSR cap.
16. Carefully test.

Again, proceed at your own risk only. Not my fault if your steering gives away and you have an accident.

 

I have some Valvoline Dexron-VI Full Synthetic ATF. Will that work as well or does it have to be Dexron 3?

 

Anyone?

 

It'll actually work better than the dex 3 that is specified. Dex 4 is actually a lower viscosity, yet will provide the same or better protection as 3 so you may see some improvement in power/fuel economy from the reduced PS pump load.

 

What about Nissan matic-j?

 

Where did everyone get their turkey baster/Syringe that would fit? Looks like the turkey baster cant be any wider than a dime. I've looked at a few places and every turkey baster is too wide in diameter and every syringe I've seen the needle doesn't seem long enough to reach the bottom of the reseviour.

 

you can always unbolt the resevoir and do it that way. A little messy but gets everything out fast and no tools needed other then pliers and maybe a socket if its held on by 10mm.

I have a hand vacuum pump, many use it for brake bleeding as well. $25 or so at sears or any auto place.

 

Bottom of the car on the rack there is a small clamp. Remove it with a bucket underneath and presto!!

 

Can anyone who found a turkey baster or anything small enough online to do this job please link me to what you bought?

I'm in no hurry to do this and have been lazy about it but have been searching and haven't found anything that would work. I already have the PSF and just want to find something cheap to get the job done.

Thanks!

 

^ did everything work out? It was autozone had to buy one today, though both of them where broken..sigh.

After I got a working one, here is how just one reseviour full looks like after 30k miles. Not too bad but I am changing out my fluids for Zday in a few weeks.

Its a bit darker in person

 

No not yet! Haha I looked on their websites to find what you were talking about and had no luck. Can you post a pic of what it looks like so I know exactly what I'm looking for when I go into the store??

Thanks!!

 

^ http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=574855_0_0_

Though as you read before its crap. When you get one, take it out of the package before you leave and test it. It should have a plop/poping type sound, the two that were broken did not seal so it created no vacuum

 

Awesome thank you!! I'm going to pick one up tomorrow! I've been wanting to do this forever but have not been able to find the right tool to use. I appreciate all your help!

 

I did this to my car several years ago - haven't done it since but its probably time. Good thing this thread was around to remind me!

I use a pump/hose for mine. its the same one I got for doing the rear diff fluid 3-4 years ago. Works well. I bought another one at Harbor Freight for like 3 bucks. Gonna try that out this time.