Flushing the PS System

[brown7373]

I am installing a new power steering pump and want to flush the system. Since the pump and hoses are new, it is the gear I need to flush. Do I use a vacuum pump on the return side to draw clean fluid through the gear, or force it through the pressure side?

[tcarroll1963]

take your return line off at the pump and point it down into a drain pan. Plug where the return line on pump goes for now. Top up ps pump with clean ps fluid and have another full quart in hand. Get someone to start the truck and turn wheels from lock to lock while it is running and you are pouring the quart in your hand into the pump. Return steering wheel back to center and shut off truck. Re-hook up return line to pump. clean up any oil. Top up pump and start up the pump and turn lock to lock and back to center, re-check ps pump level and top up if needed. you are done. If pump makes noise afterwards let truck idle for a bit and slowly turn wheel from lock to lock to get air out of the system.

[68is4me]

To add to your questions what fluid type is better, p/s fluid, or tranny fluid? I know they came from the factory with trans fluid.

[michael bustamante]

id use dex III power steer fluid. its just better

[tcarroll1963]

Either is fine.