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Using A Turkey Baster To Change Power Steering Fluid
To perform tasks like power steering fluid changes or brake fluid flushes, did you think you needed a specialized vacuum pump or evacuation device? Not at all! There is a $4 item that is available at almost any store that is invaluable for these tasks. The lowly turkey baster is ideal for either of these jobs and is asset to any toolbox.
Why Change Power Steering Fluid?
Few car owners ever think of changing their power steering fluid. But like any other oil, it deteriorates with time. Steering fluid degradation can cause excessive wear and deposit formation. Changing over to a good synthetic power steering fluid is an upgrade for any car or truck and can offer the following benefits:
- Reduced friction for optimized efficiency
- Lower wear, longer steering pump life
- Fast oil flow in cold weather
- Improved resistance to extreme heat
- Conditions pump seals making them more pliable for leak prevention
Items Needed To Change Power Steering Fluid
- Turkey baster
- 2 bottles of power steering fluid (450 to 473ml each, or so)
- Used oil container
- Paper towels or rags
Before Starting
Clean top of power steering fluid reservoir. Important: there is likely an accessory belt adjacent to the fluid reservoir. At each step of this process, prevent oil drips from fouling this belt by covering it with rags or paper towel. A small amount of oil can drip from the baster during the evacuation process.
How To Change Power Steering Fluid
- With the engine turned off, use the turkey baster to draw out old power steering fluid until the reservoir is as empty as possible.
- Refill the reservoir with new fluid, replace reservoir cap and remove any rags or paper towels from engine area.
- Start engine and turn steering wheel back and forth to right and left limits several times. As an alternative, take the car for a good drive to make sure that the power steering fluid has circulated completely.
- Stop engine and use baster to remove fluid again. Remember to cover accessory belt to protect from oil contamination.
- Repeat these steps until the reservoir has been emptied and refilled at least 3 to 4 times.
The reason for the whole process of drawing fluid, adding fluid, circulating it, removing it again and then re-filling is that this is the only practical way to change most all of the old fluid. By the time the reservoir has been re-filled 4 times, there is mostly brand new fluid in the system. One can certainly perform this task a few more times for good measure, but be sure to have enough power steering fluid on hand.
Choosing The Correct Power Steering Fluid
Not every car and truck will use the same power steering fluid. Confirm the proper steering fluid by consulting your owners manual or use our online application guide. We offer the superb AMSOIL Synthetic Power Steering Fluid which covers many car brands and models.
In our next post, we will discuss the turkey baster process for flushing brake fluid.
