I took my 2015 GX in for service and the recommended that I change my power steering fluid. The SUV gas 150k on it so im think that that may need to be done. Any thoughts on this service ?

 

At a 150k, it is not a bad idea but this is a very DIY job. Some of these references mention disconnecting the return line to flush this system. I did not do that, I just removed the old fluid from the reservoir with a turkey baster and refilled. Do this about 5-6 times with a drive in-between.

Some links:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...placement.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...ing-flush.html

 

Should have done this much sooner but better late than never.

 

Thanks for the advice Mike... But can you elaborate on what you mean by doing this 5-6 times

 

Remove fluid from reservoir, refill, drive. Do this process about 5-6 times until removed fluid is clean.

 

Can likely exercise the wheel from lock-to-lock a handful of times to circulate/mix the fluid, and then change again (opposed to doing one flush, driving, and doing this over many hours and/or days).

 

Without the engine running, the power steering pumps fluid if the steering wheel is turned ... so I drive the front tires onto heavy doubled over yard waste bags ... very slippery, so makes turning the wheels easy.

 

What fluid should I use ? some people say red line, and some people say ATF

 

Valvoline maxlife atf works fine, it’s the red one.
I believe the factory fluid is yellow I think it’s Idemitsu power steering fluid PSF. Another way to flush the fluid which I used is the unhook the return line to the reservoir and use a suction device, you can keep filling the reservoir and pulling through for a full flush, very easy

 

From the owners manual: Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III

 

This is what I used. Check owners manual in case it was changed, I’ve got a 2014.

 

This is a dam good idea! I usually extract the PS fluid 10 times and turn lock to lock on hard pavement. I'm going to use this method next time!! thank you!!

 

Ingenious! I love clever solutions!

 

Be careful, I have a epoxy/painted garage floor and I put some flattened cardboard boxes under the tires to do this, it took a bit of the finish off the floor. Almost a little bit like sandpaper. Not destroyed, but you could tell where I had done it. Next time, I'll take it out to the street and do this.

You can find Dex/Merc at Walmart for a good price in a large jug from Valvoline. Dex II/III ATF is what the owner's manual recommends. I wouldn't use the "universal" fluids.

It's good to change power steering fluid, but I wouldn't go overboard with the drain and fills.

 

Like @mike202 I did not disconnect anything, I use a large syringe I bought at CVS for $1.00. I removed the old fluid from the reservoir and refilled with the new ATF. Turned the steering wheel back and forth and repeat. A week later I did it again until. When the fluid remained bright red I know I got most of the old fluid out.