Power Steering Flush

[VanillaGorilla]

I recently had my car at the dealer for an oil change. I have always used this dealer for warranty work and for oil changes. They have always treated me well. They have offered various services prior but i have always turned them down. This last visit they suggested that i needed to replace my power steering fluid. They had the entire BG kit there showing the different levels of dirty/bad fluid and a sample of mine. While it wasnt terrible they suggested i need to have a power steering flush. Just curious as to any thoughts about a flush versus drain and fill. Its $199 for the service. Car has about 57K miles on it and i plan to keep it until 100K at least.

Two notes of interest. I think this dealership just started to offer the BG service's. I previously asked them about a coolant flush and they said they only offer a drain and fill but when i asked them about a coolant flush after they told me about the PS they said they could now offer me a coolant flush. They also told me my filters (Cabin and engine) were dirty on this recent oil change and put in the ones i had just bought at the parts counter at no charge. The service lady said it didnt make sense to put back dirty filters. They seem fairly honest. Look at the coolant it isnt super clear.

Im leaning just towards draining and refilling the fluid myself versus letting them do a flush. Anyone know the life expectancy of PS fluid? I didnt see anything mentioned on the service interval list. Thoughts on flush versus drain/fill?

 

[landtuna]

Unless the fluid is discolored or dirty I would leave it alone.

 

[Youseethefight]

i just had my coolant flushed at 45k. next time i'm in for service i might do the power steering flush.

 

[Bill K]

Ask them to show you in the owners manual where it says that you need to do this.

The power steering flush is great for flushing out the excess weight in your wallet.
The service writer's job is to be a sort of salesman for the dealer.

I've never flushed a power steering system..... My 2005 Elantra has 136,000 and it's power steering fluid has never been touched.

 

[GenesisCaptain]

I don't think power steering fluid is hygroscopic. So, blow off the flush.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

The fluid was dirty. That is why the dealer is suggesting a flush. The fluid wasnt black but it was "dirtier" then ideal. I think i will just drain and fill it myself and keep and eye on any color change.

 

[DRS]

I recently had my car at the dealer for an oil change. I have always used this dealer for warranty work and for oil changes. They have always treated me well. They have offered various services prior but i have always turned them down. This last visit they suggested that i needed to replace my power steering fluid. They had the entire BG kit there showing the different levels of dirty/bad fluid and a sample of mine. While it wasnt terrible they suggested i need to have a power steering flush. Just curious as to any thoughts about a flush versus drain and fill. Its $199 for the service. Car has about 57K miles on it and i plan to keep it until 100K at least.



Two notes of interest. I think this dealership just started to offer the BG service's. I previously asked them about a coolant flush and they said they only offer a drain and fill but when i asked them about a coolant flush after they told me about the PS they said they could now offer me a coolant flush. They also told me my filters (Cabin and engine) were dirty on this recent oil change and put in the ones i had just bought at the parts counter at no charge. The service lady said it didnt make sense to put back dirty filters. They seem fairly honest. Look at the coolant it isnt super clear.



Im leaning just towards draining and refilling the fluid myself versus letting them do a flush. Anyone know the life expectancy of PS fluid? I didnt see anything mentioned on the service interval list. Thoughts on flush versus drain/fill?

Suggestion..... Do they do the BG direct injection program? It is supposed to have a "IV" like insert into the intake which will clean the intake valves that get deposits from the PCV and other things (they do not get gas with cleaner to clean them off), and a oil additive before change to clean the piston rings that get gunk inside them causing oil consumption and other hassles...

I have used a different system, sans the oil additive. They did get arthroscope inside with video and the valves do show the deposits are gone, nice and clean after the treatment. It is a IV like system the has a small spray that goes in a intake spot past the MAF, as the engine is running (and full operating temp). I schedule to do this every 10k miles. I am trying to avoid the walnut shell cleaning the BMW and Volkswagen have done. Have to pull the intake off to do that.

Anyway, Would like to see if someone has used the BG system for DI and ring service.

Thanks.

 

[Gunkk]

PS fluid is one of those "if it ain't broke" items. If you don't hear the PS growling when you turn the wheel to lock, then it's fine. Wife's Solara has 140k+ and runs Dextron II for PS fluid. Still as bright red as the day it came out of the bottle.

clean the piston rings that get gunk inside them

Most forum members and I'm sure DRS will agree, definitely don't let just any old Gunkk get in your car!