Power Steering Fluid change - how to?

[finall]

I recently looked at the power steering fluid on our 07 H2 when the car went in for a seal replacemement on the PS box. They fixed it under warranty, but did not change the fluid. It is brown, and smells a bit burned (same as before and after the fix). What color is it from the factory, red?

I would like to change it. What is the best procedure to get as much of the fluid out of the system as possible, without dismantling everything? This I assume would include emptying the reservoir, PS cooler, and maybe the lines and PS rack? Anyone have a step-by-step procedure for a complete flush?

Dealer wants over $300 for a "flush". Do they have special "flushing equipment"? It can't be that hard to do, is it? And the fluid is cheap....

Please Help!

[twr]

Hi if they changed the sector seal most of the fluid would have came out when they changed it and their is no rack. The box, lines, cooler, reservoir tank. Gm fluid would look like the colour of oil, light gold or maybe red if someone did it before. What seal did they change?

[finall]

The fluid is indeed a gold color. Ok, so it looks like that is the color it is supposed to be. I thought it started as red, and as the red deteriorates, it turns golden brown, as on other vehicles I have had. So the fluid color is OK, and maybe the fluid is fine?

They replaced the "thrust bearing /pinion shaft seal in the steering gear". Then topped up with new fluid. Googling the part # comes up as:

Bearing and seal assembly – 13/16” input shaft – GM Part No. 26077989.

Called another dealer and got quoted only $100. However, going on utube shows me some "professional" machines that change the fluid. The all seem to be junk, and do not do a complete flush. They mix new fluid with old in the reservoir.

What a mess. There must be a one-way way to flush? I need info on how to do that on this particular vehicle, an H2. What to disconnect so that as much as possible of the old fluid drains as I am topping up the reservoir with fresh stuff.

Ideas and solutions?

[twr]

Hi this is another way but it could be a bit of a mess but not if your careful. Jack up the truck so the front wheels are just off the ground. Remove the return line off the reservoir put it in a bucket with a wire tie to hold the line in the bucket. Plug the return fitting at the reservoir. Now have a helper start the truck and have them turn the wheels back and forth while you keep filling the reservoir with new fluid 2 or 3 quarts that will pump out the old and you add the new. Make sure you have the lids off ready to go as the reservior needs filling. Try not to let it go dry. After all the oil is in just your helper to turn the truck off. Then remove the plug for the reservoir and reinstall the line. Recheck the level with the truck running $12.00 in fluid or so. If you have any problems when doing this like the line comes out of the bucket just get the helper to turn the truck off. Hope this helps.

[finall]

Hey TWR - thanks for the explanation.

That sounds like the best way to get most of the old fluid out. I have been doing a bit of research since my post. Looks like I will follow your advice. It will be a mess, but should work well to replace all the fluid!

[twr]

Hi just be careful and their will not be any mess. It will get all the old fluid out.