Engine Brake and PS fluid change questions...

Brake and PS fluid change questions...

How often do you guys fool with changing these fluids? I don't think I've EVER changed PS fluid on any vehicle, unless I had it apart for some reason. And the brake fluid....what about it?

Do you guys include these two items as a part of regular maintenance?? Should we?

Late,
Trav

You should change your power steering fluid in order to keep the system in good condition.

Brake fluid is much more important to change. I recently changed mine with Willwood High Temp performance brake fluid. I would include brake fluid change as part of regular maintenance.

just as alby said, change it regularly along with your clutch fluid if you have a manual.. I change mine every 2 yrs. Use Dot 4 spec fluid

I changed my P/S fluid at 3600 Kms and switched to Amsoil's synthetic ATF for a good improvement, especially in colder temperatures. At 30000 Kms, I replaced my brake (+clutch) fluid with Valvoline's SynPower synthetic DOT 3/4 and felt a impressive improvement in feel and response. Both fluids should be replaced about every 2 years...

I don't mean to sound dumb, but how do you change the power steering fluid? I mean, where do you drain it out at?

And the brake fluid?? Any tips here?

Trav

you don't sound dumb at all. this fluid is not meant to be easily changed. there are a couple of different ways if i am not mistaken. one way is to suck out as much as you can from where you fill it and then replace it with fresh fluid. the other method escapes me at the moment.

brake fluid can be done easily with two people. one person pumps the brake while the other bleeds out the old fluid topping off the brake fluid by filling it with fresh fluid. make sure you bleed all four locations and there should be fresh fluid through the entire system. one and a half bottles should be enough to do the entire system with some left over to top off as the pads wear.

Brake fluid can also be drained by gravity without pumping brakes... Starting from the furthest wheel, with a vinyl hose on the bleed fitting into a drain bottle. Hose should be looped up and back down to keep air out. Crack bleed fitting open enough for fluid to drain. (Small air bubbles may be seen going up tube via bleed fitting threads) Keep reservoir over low level. Never let it get empty. Pumping may help speed up the process till you see clean fluid in clear tubing. (Valvoline's Synpower synthetic DOT 3/4 fluid is almost colorless) Same deal with the clutch's slave cylinder bleed fitting. It took all of the 12 oz. bottle...
PS fluid can be drained by removing return line from reservoir and into a drain pan or empty gallon. Plug reservoir inlet and refill with new fluid (Amsoil synthetic ATF https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx). With front wheels off the ground, I cranked the engine over with spark plugs out for a few seconds at a time (I was also replacing my spark plugs) while turning steering wheel left to right all the way, and while keeping reservoir filled to avoid any air. Idealy, PS pump can be turned with an air ratchet wrench with serpentine belt removed. One quart and maybe a bit more should be sufficient. After refitting return line and with level at 'Full Cold', start engine and turn steering all the way left to right a couple times to bleed system, check for leaks, then recheck level.

I realize this thread belongs elsewhere, but it's already here, thanks to yours truly, so I'll just keep it going.

I changed both fluids today. I used Mobil 1 synthetic ATF to replace the PS fluid - HUGE difference. Steering wheel is so easy at idle, now. I'm certain cold weather will be an improvement, also.

Brake fluid, per dominator's suggestion, was replaced, also with the Valvoline Synpower. Good stuff and I was amazed at how clear it is. The brakes don't necessarily work better, per se, but do have a much better feel.

Either way, I'm glad it's done @ 53,757 miles.

Late,
Trav

Hm. I haven't changed either yet, but most of my brake fluid is new due to excessive bleeding when I replaced a caliper..