Power steering fluid flush

IMAGING

MEMBER
1999 BUICK REGAL
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

Can I use a pump to drain out my power steering reservoir instead of bleeding the hose that's by the front tire?
How much fluid does the reservoir hold so I can purchase the right amount? Can I effectively remove all of the fluid through this process?

5 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This will get some of the fluid out but it will not be effective.

Here is a guide that will show you how to flush this properly to get all the fluid out:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

If you just pull the fluid out of the reservoir and fill it, it will only get about a half quart to a quart and the system holds about 3-4.

Please let us know if you have other questions and how you make out. Thanks

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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 4:16 PM

IMAGING

MEMBER
151 POSTS

The vehicle has a whining noise when turning and revving the engine. I believe it's low power steering fluid but last time I took the vehicle for an oil change, I had told them to check all the fluids. They said, they always do that and top off the fluids. Now, if the power steering fluid needed filling and they did not drain out the black old fluid, it will probably continue whining until the old fluid is out?

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Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 AT 3:24 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Correct. A whining power steering is one of three things. Fluid, air in the system, or the pump is faulty. If the fluid is black then I would start with that. However, if it is black then that does indicate a failing pump so I would not jump to the pump but if the fluid does not fix it and there is no air, in it then it will need to be replaced. To bleed the air, jack the front wheels up and turn from lock to lock a number of times and that will work the air out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Let us know what you find. Thanks

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Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 AT 6:12 PM

IMAGING

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151 POSTS

Since my last visit to the repair shop, I had done an oil change. I had asked them to check all the fluids and they said that they always do regardless. Now, since they didn't mention anything about the power steering fluid, I guess it was the right color and consistency. So it might just be air in the system. Would they have noticed it and taken out the air or they don't do that?

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Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 AT 8:45 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Unless it is making noise or some other issue causing them to pay attention to it, they would just check to make sure it is full and move on.

Unfortunately power steering and brake fluid are the two most overlooked fluids for condition as they don't require much maintenance. As long as they are full and no issues in the system they just gloss over it.