Power steering flush

FORENSICS

MEMBER
1978 BUICK REGAL
5.0L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Hi, I'm about ready to tear apart the front end of my car. I'm swapping the alternator, water pump, radiator and going to electric fans. So I thought this would be a good time to clean out some fluid probably older than me. I'd like to a complete flush of the old fluid put new fluid in and then bleed the system, but I have no idea on how to do that. So any help would be wonderful.

Thanks to all who read and have a lovely day.

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1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Unfortunately, we don't have a diagram showing the return line from the pump to the reservoir but we need to locate that and then we can do this. Normally it is the line that is higher on the reservoir.

Basically you just disconnect the return line and put a rubber hose on it and run that into a bucket. Then lift the front wheels to take the load off the tires. Start the vehicle and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you dump in new fluid to the reservoir.

Once the fluid running into the bucket is clean, you are finished. Then shut off the engine, reconnect the hose and purge the system by filling the reservoir again and start the engine again, then turn the wheel back and forth slowly until all the air is out. You will know the air is out when the pump is not making much noise.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks