PS Fluid Flush Quantity

[EddieC]

2008 Tahoe, 5.3.
Preparing to replace some PS parts including a fluid flush because the old stuff smells bad.
Unfortunately parts stores here don't have GM fluid but it is readily available on-line; RA is reasonably priced but the problem is in anticipating how much fluid is needed for a flush.

I could use information on how much fluid to have on hand.

 

[swathdiver]

Can't find it anywhere. I would buy 3 quarts and if ACDelco wasn't available, I'd use Lucas.

 

[Coveman]

I do mine via dilution like a transmission fluid service. I just suck out the reservoir and refill it, drive and repeat a couple times. Takes about 2 quarts.

 

[B-train]

I just did my 2008 with 2 quarts of Lucas PS fluid. I bought 3, but didn't need the third. It was super simple with a second set of hands.
1. Pull off return hose from pump (spring clamp connection) and direct it to an empty 1 gallon jug. Put cap on pump connection tube (prevents leakage when topping off).
2. Jack up front end enough to get wheels off the ground
3. Have second person turn the wheels left to right with engine OFF. I let it suck the reservoir almost dry so as to move the old fluid through without diluting with new.
4. Top off reservoir while doing this. If it sucks air, no big deal. Once 2 quarts are run through it should look pretty clean.
5. Run lock to lock 3 or 4 times to purge any air.
6. Lower truck and reinstall hose. Check fluid level. Done!

 

[donjetman]

For the last 50 yrs I've used atf for ps fluid in everything I have owned. No issues.
For the last 15 yrs I've used synthetic Amsoil atf for ps fluid in everything. No issues.

 

[petethepug]

Bail on using the OEM GM ps fluid. This is the one OEM GM thing I’ll say that on.

When the GM OEM ps fluid was used on my newly rack replaced rack of our 08 YXL Denali it wouldn’t stop cavatating and foaming.

It had to be drained and a fluid 3x the cost, amsoil or something similar was used. Day and night difference.

 

[j91z28d1]

I just did my 2008 with 2 quarts of Lucas PS fluid. I bought 3, but didn't need the third. It was super simple with a second set of hands.
1. Pull off return hose from pump (spring clamp connection) and direct it to an empty 1 gallon jug. Put cap on pump connection tube (prevents leakage when topping off).
2. Jack up front end enough to get wheels off the ground
3. Have second person turn the wheels left to right with engine OFF. I let it suck the reservoir almost dry so as to move the old fluid through without diluting with new.
4. Top off reservoir while doing this. If it sucks air, no big deal. Once 2 quarts are run through it should look pretty clean.
5. Run lock to lock 3 or 4 times to purge any air.
6. Lower truck and reinstall hose. Check fluid level. Done!

this is the way

I did my car like this, used gm fluid, bottles were half qt size and I ran 2 thur it. was clean looking to me by then. other than may a little longer hoses, looks like a standard gm setup.

I haven't done my yukon but only because it's electric.

 

[EddieC]

So I have a range of 1 quart to 4 quarts to choose from.

 

[B-train]

For the last 50 yrs I've used atf for ps fluid in everything I have owned. No issues.
For the last 15 yrs I've used synthetic Amsoil atf for ps fluid in everything. No issues.

I too have done this and seen many other do it. It definitely works just fine. I'd be curious to see what the differences really are between the two. It seems as if the PS might be a little thicker, but not by much.

 

[B-train]

So I have a range of 1 quart to 4 quarts to choose from.

Just get the Lucas PS fluid from Walmart if you want to make it easy. Buy 3 so you have extra if you spill some or choose to run more through it. It really is probably one of the easiest fluid exchanges you'll ever do.

 

[EddieC]

Just get the Lucas PS fluid from Walmart if you want to make it easy. Buy 3 so you have extra if you spill some or choose to run more through it. It really is probably one of the easiest fluid exchanges you'll ever do.

Not economical at our WM. A pint is about $10. No quarts. So that's about $60 for 3 quarts.

 

[Doubeleive]

Not economical at our WM. A pint is about $10. No quarts. So that's about $60 for 3 quarts.

this is what I have used since I have owned it (annually), takes about 3qt's of extracting what is in the reservoir, with the front end jacked up enough to turn the wheels back n forth
i just extract what is in the tank, refill with fresh, turn the wheels lock to lock several times, shut it off, repeat for 3qts
after 3qts it should be all nice and clear again. should run about $50 for the fluid.
I don't like to pull any lines off, especially being the lines are basically hermetically sealed at this point, I just use a $10 transfer pump from the auto parts store and a empty milk jug.

 

[donjetman]

I suck out then replenish what I can out of the brake & PS reservoirs with a Tractor Supply 3 oz syringe.

 

[EddieC]

Doubeleive,
I have better a source for the GM but it's not local and that was the reason for asking for the quantity needed.
It's $5.25/16 oz. As long as they are combined with another part the shipping gets significantly absorbed and it's much cheaper than the big A.
I have a new turkey baster dying to get dirty!
It looks like 3 1/2 quarts should be a safe bet. I contacted Lucas who wrote that mixing with GM fluid is not an issue but I'm trying to not start out on that foot.
Thanks for the input.

 

[EddieC]

D

I suck out then replenish what I can out of the brake & PS reservoirs with a Tractor Supply 3 oz syringe.
View attachment 454134

Do you find the syringe degrades after use?
It seems that the things I use to move gas or lubricants tend to have the seals on the plungers swell and they offer quite a bit of resistance on the subsequent attempts at usage. The effort needed after the first use makes for nervous sessions.

 

[donjetman]

D

Do you find the syringe degrades after use?

No
The syringe in the picture I provided is at least 10 yrs old.
It's used for brake fluid and atf/ps fluid extraction at least 10 times/yr.

 

[alpha_omega]

For the last 50 yrs I've used atf for ps fluid in everything I have owned. No issues.
For the last 15 yrs I've used synthetic Amsoil atf for ps fluid in everything. No issues.

This is the way I have always run my power steering systems. I have always used ATF instead of PS Fluid. It’s also not corrosive to metal parts if you have a spill and makes for noticing the clean fluid running through a flush that much easier.

 

[petethepug]

My wife hasn’t been able to keep a turkey baster in the house for more than a year. When thanksgiving and Xmas comes round I always make sure I’ve replaced the one I snatched.

You know the story, “haven’t seen it but I can run up the street and get one for ya”.