eicca

Here's a write up for y'all to do a power steering flush quick and easy and relatively painless. This thread is for quick access via search and to add to the wealth of knowledge and other similar flush methods that are out there.

This applies specifically to the GS400/430 because of the remote reservoir but can be adopted to any other vehicle using the same basic principles.

This process will ensure you get the vast majority of the old fluid out, unlike the syringe method which only exchanges what's in the reservoir and takes far longer to completely change the entire system fluid.

1) raise the front wheels off the ground. Observe safety practices.
2) remove the air box. A few 10mm bolts, undo the hose clamp and unclip the MAF and it lifts right out.
3) use a syringe and suck as much fluid out of the power steering reservoir as possible.
4) use a flathead screwdriver and detach the power steering reservoir from its bracket. Tilt it so the fluid pools in one side and suck more out with the syringe.
5) undo the spring clip on the smaller of the two hoses attached to the bottom of the reservoir. This is the return line. Detach the hose. Some fluid will spill out.
6) plug the port on the bottom of the reservoir with something. I cover it with a finger from a latex glove and wrap it with a rubber band.
7) return the reservoir to its bracket. Run the return hose into a water bottle or something similar. Make sure it's clear and you can see the end of the return line inside.
8) pour fresh Dexron III into the reservoir. Fill it to the top.
9) turn the key ON but don't start the engine.
10) keep an eye on the return line in the bottle. Grab the front wheel and turn it lock to lock with your hands. You'll see fluid pumped out of the return line into the water bottle.
11) keep doing this and add more fluid to the reservoir so it doesn't get sucked dry. After several minutes you will see the fresh fluid start to come out the return line. This is when you know you've flushed the whole system. I gave it about 1.5 quarts.
12) put everything back together. Once reassembled, give the wheels a few more turns lock to lock to ensure the air is removed from the system.

I prefer not starting the engine because it's easier to monitor how much fluid is being pumped through. I'd also get sick of turning the car on and off every few seconds

Cheers.

Mcon

iTrader: (1)

Hi eicca,

First, great info.

Second, Just in case you no see this DIY page before, check this link please. Here you can found all or some of the info that are you need it for your DIY. LOL

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...iy-thread.html

Third, In any way am I trying to take out the work what are you made with this job and effort that you made to make this thread. I hope and you understand me and don't take personal. That is a great job. To take the initiative to do by yourself. That is great for me. Also, as you explain each step. Again, well done. .

eicca

Thanks all the methods I saw in the FAQ were the syringe-based method so I thought I post this as a more complete way to remove all the old fluid.

bruceb58

I prefer the sucking out method. Way less hassle than doing it this way and way cleaner.

Bhubb18

I bought a little hand pump to do mine. Pump out reservoir, top it up with fresh fluid. Do it a few times over the next few days, ezpz

burny

i thought the return line was the top hose, not the bottom hose

eicca

It is on the LS. On the GS400 both hoses are on the bottom and it's the smaller of the two.