Hello--

Im having an issue with my power steering. It only 'whines' in the morning or when I first start the car for about 5-10 min until it warms up. I was told it may be that it was filled with the wrong type of fluid that may be to thick and needs time to thin out (the reason for the whine). Im hoping it doesnt need a belt replacement, I have 120,xxx miles on it. My question is, how would I flush the system? I would like to try that before taking it in and being told I need a replacement!
Any help is appreciated....

 

Not sure if it is possible to entirely flush the system, or if necessary to get out every drop. I just changed my ps pump on a 92 Accord (262k miles). To get as much of the old fluid out I disconnected the feed hose into the pump, removed the filler cap on the resevoir and put air pressure to force out the resevoir side where the majority of the fluid is located. Not sure what the total volume is, but it took almost 2 pints to refill to proper level after I started the engine and turned the wheels back and forth. Check your belt to ensure it is properly tensioned and that no ps fluid or oil is leaking onto it to cause the slippage, or it simply could be worn and after it spins for a while the friction heat from the slippage causes it to start gripping.

I had a problem with the fluid getting foamy and spilling over the resevoir cap. The problem was a leak at the shaft seal on the pulley (pump). The dealer said using other than OEM fluid was not that big a deal. But at this point I figure most of the fluid is now OEM. Also ensure your fluid level is at the correct mark. After I changed the pump I realized it would be extremely easy to have also changed the belt.