Mark recently visited the dealership and they recommended that he change his power steering fluid, otherwise known as a power steering flush.  The dealership explained that it should be done every 3 years, and oh ya, it cost $186.  The question to me was, how hard is it to do this myself?

 

I began to think about the last time I changed the fluid in my 2004 Acura, and frankly, I don't think I ever have (which goes to show how much I care about the ole' rack 'n' pinion).  I believe it is a good idea to change the power steering fluid because like any other oil, lubricant, fluid, etc. it gets hot, dirty, and nasty (that's what she said).  As we deliberated further, the consensus was that this flush can be done at home under the shade of a tree and be almost as effective.  This guy has some good ideas, but I'm going to give you an even simpler way of doing it.

 

Buy a tool that you can suck fluid with, perhaps using the blue mucus sucker your mom would come at you with as a kid with a stuffed nose.  Next, buy a couple pints of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) power steering fluid; and I can't stress enough to buy OEM, some autos require it rather than aftermarket.  Next, with the car turned off, suck the fluid out of the reservoir and fill it up with the new fluid.  Start the engine and turn the wheels back and forth a couple times.  Turn the engine  off, check the reservoir and make sure its still full.  Drive for a day or two, then repeat the process.  After repeating about 2 times, you will have eventually replaced the majority of the fluid and saved yourself about $150.

 

Now, don't you feel special?