Power Steering Fluid Changing Alternatives
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Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Maryland
Power Steering Fluid Changing Alternatives
After 4 years and 40K-mi, I've just noticed that the power steering fluid in my 2002 RX300 has darkened. What are the groups thoughts on a dealer flush, progressive refilling of the tank, and the unscrew the bottom hose alternative? I haven't noticed any performance difference. I don't have a reasonably priced Lexus dealer, although Toyota dealers are a possible alternative for the flush.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Arizona
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 9
From: CA
It is your lucky day, I just posted a photo guided DIY in RX300's forum, requrested by another follow member. Let me know if you run into any problem.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=224976
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=224976
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 66
From: El Paso, TX
The PS pump should NEVER run dry, especially as suggested on the 2nd link (I think). It's also not good to do the 1/2 and full changes suggested on the 1st link, as all that chatter while purging the system is REALLY BAD for the pump. I attempted this on my BMW, and the chatter was horrendous; no way in the world that's not causing some scoring or other damage to the pump. Last time I ever did that.
The only safe way to replace all the fluid at once is a flush (but not a POWER flush), where old fluid is coming out and new fluid coming in, but the incremental system done several times would basically achieve the same goal, much cheaper, cleaner, and safer. This is what I'd do if my PS fluid was neglected.
The absolute best way to deal with PS fluid and tranny fluid is just to drain and replace (the 'incremental' system done once) every 10K miles or so, and do it SINCE NEW. Or after a flush. This way, fluid will always be fresh enough, and never require a full flush again. That's what I've been doing. In fact, the PS can be done every 2 oil changes or so; it's cheap and easy enough. Later gang.
The only safe way to replace all the fluid at once is a flush (but not a POWER flush), where old fluid is coming out and new fluid coming in, but the incremental system done several times would basically achieve the same goal, much cheaper, cleaner, and safer. This is what I'd do if my PS fluid was neglected.
The absolute best way to deal with PS fluid and tranny fluid is just to drain and replace (the 'incremental' system done once) every 10K miles or so, and do it SINCE NEW. Or after a flush. This way, fluid will always be fresh enough, and never require a full flush again. That's what I've been doing. In fact, the PS can be done every 2 oil changes or so; it's cheap and easy enough. Later gang.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 9
From: CA
Originally Posted by ELP_JC
The PS pump should NEVER run dry, especially as suggested on the 2nd link (I think). It's also not good to do the 1/2 and full changes suggested on the 1st link, as all that chatter while purging the system is REALLY BAD for the pump. I attempted this on my BMW, and the chatter was horrendous; no way in the world that's not causing some scoring or other damage to the pump. Last time I ever did that. .
Incremental change can probably get only 20-30% of old P/S fluid out, also the next time one does incremental change, part of relatively fresh fluid get drained out, which is an unnecessary waste.
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