I took my car for an oil change last week. It was one of those places that specializes in oil changes. As part of their "service" they search around your engine looking for more work. They said that my coolant's level, color, and effectiveness is off, and should be flushed. They also said that the steering and transmission fluid also need to be refreshed. Of course, they want an arm and a leg to flush these fluids. So i'd like to do it myself. I hope to save a buck and learn a thing or two. So my questions is: how do i flush these fluids? Can someone point me to detailed instructions on how to do this at home? Thanks. I appreciate your direction.

-JD
'93 850 GLT, 109k mi.

http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/atfflushindex.html

Look at Bay13.. They have them. This isn't that hard to do... I do brake fluid, coolant, power steering, and tranny every year. About two hours for all of it.

How do you flush the power steering system? I do not see it in Bay 13, Haynes or Chilton manuals. The only references I see are about "topping off the ps resevoir.

Dan

As an alternative to flushing the power steering fluid consider putting a magnafine filter in the return line. It takes the 3/8" size.
The P/S fluid is under much less stringent usage conditions than tranny fluid and the filter will take out any ferrous bits or other particulates. Easy job and with a piece of 3/8" hydraulic hose you don't have to cut any hoses. IPD sells the filters and they come with some instructions.

Same thing for me : I do brake fluid, coolant and tranny flush every year on my 2 bricks but I never did the power steering, how hard it is to do that one?
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Ken

Two ways to flush the P/S system. One that reguires a helper is to lossen the fitting at the rack until fluid starts running out and move the steering wheel stop to stop while adding new fluid. Sort of a messy job that requires jacking the car etc. Easier is to get a qt of Mobil 1 ATF. Empty the pump with a turkey baster and refill with M1. Start the engine or drive the car and repeat the procedure about 5 times and you'll have 95% of the fluid changed. Then install a magnafine filter as suggested in the other post. It goes in the soft return line with the flow direction towards the pump. Make sure you don't install it backwards.

bl

I'll go with the second method !!

Thx a lot pal
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Ken

Very easy jobs. For your tranny flush, go to the IPD website and download instructions from their ATF flush kit (that you don't really need) or as MG suggests Bay 13 has instructions. Your tranny can be done in <30 mins with about 4 ft of clear vinyl (1/2" ID) tubing from Home Depot, an empty milk jug marked in qts and a case of fluid. WOn't even have to jack the car or get your hands dirty.