Easy Subaru Power Steering Flush

[@maintaineveryday4732]

picked up 3rd gen outback for $2900 and had quite a few issues like this; didnt quite work out like this but I emptied the power steering reservoir using a pump to avoid mess, hooked up a 3/8th inner diameter pvc (3/8th ID on tag) tube from home depot ($5) to the return line to "plug it" (had the tube higher than the reservoir so it wouldnt leak back out with the tube removed) and let the driving line empty into a gallon water jug. Every time i locked the turn to each side (left side then right side) i refilled the reservoir and bam. 5 cycles of this and I got clean red liquid and my squealing noise and shudder was gone!THX!!!!!:)

[@EdgarGarcia-jf2yq]

I love watching how experts get the job done from the biggest job to the smallest. Just so much awesome information! Keep up the awesome work Mr Subaru!

[@maloosecat123]

I love how the power of silence is more effective than all the yapping others do!

[@markeetea]

I typically don't like/reference ASMR because it's forced and overhyped. but the sound of working on a car outside is music to my ears, naturally!

[@eggpod4567]

This channel is pure gold, thank you! Here soon I'm about to buy my second outback. I don't see the point in buying any other cars, since you can have a few cars with interchangeable parts. So, channels like this help a lot. Thanks.

[@caraficionado4724]

Thanks! Was in need for this! One of my favourite KZbin channels! Good job, keep it up.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad to help. 👍🏻

[@josephpastore7292]

I flushed out the reservoir with a wet dry vac. attached a thin tube to get down in there, replace the fuild with dexron 3 which is recommended for my outback 2.5 and presto ! All seems find ,I didn't have to replace the o ring with I bought anyway just in case , what a relief ! Thanks

[@patonbike]

easy and makes such a big difference in steering feel

[@VenturiLife]

I did this with a pump from a soap dispenser type deal that cost $1. Was laborious, but didn't take too long. Need to do a couple more changes between drives, but a good ghetto work-around vs a full PS flush, and cheap to do. New fluid often has a zinc-based additive that can help lubricate the pump supposedly. Dexron III for the older Subarus is recommended. Apparently the system uses 0.7L or 0.74 quart of fluid, so not that much really.

[@stefancogurik166]

Read .7L or .74qt in the owners manual for my 07 outback, hard to find the capacity number online. Nice!

[@JI77469]

I was going to ask here what tubing would fit in the small hole but never thought about a soap dispenser thing. Great idea!

[@isaacromero8331]

Drain ATF from container, Disconnect the hose coming from the pump to the reservoir, plug opening, have car jacked up like video and turn wheel lock to lock while someone pours fluid in the reservoir, the house you disconnected goes to a separate plastic container that you supply where all the bad fluid will go, once you see pink you tell them to stop turning the steering wheel then top of fluid, at no point should you let the fluid run low while the other person is turning it lock to lock, allowing air into the system, however it is not hard to bleed out

[@quickeasy910]

Just the way I like my DIY videos. Keep up the good work. You got a new sub.

[@christophersmith-tr8im]

omg thank you for actually giving people like me the right info this was my last shot and u nailed it

[@LeggySti]

yus! i need this video, my power steering fluid is terrible!

[@sammyraz6628]

Thank you for these many resourceful and informative Subi videos. They are awesome.

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@802Garage]

Keep beating me to all my best video ideas. I even have the fluid ready to go for my mom's car. Next time. :P Nice job as always.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thanks. 👍🏻

[@jhenry0688]

@@MrSubaru1387 hello 👋 what's the purpose of jacking up the car? I will do this with the car level as I don't have experience lifting cars up & I could not see the arrows under the car for the stands you'd mentioned. Is valvoline ATF+4 ok to use? That's what I found on various search engines for an 06 Subaru Baja. Subaru brand power steering fluid says ATF- HP, but I bought valvoline.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@jhenry0688 jack the front end so you can freely turn the wheels back and fourth. Use GM Dexron ATF.

[@jhenry0688]

@@MrSubaru1387 thx for the reply! In my rural area, only brand available is valvoline ATF+4, which I already have & the other available type is Valvoline DEXRON VI/MERCON LV Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF.) Why so high on GM? Subaru uses their own ATF-HP

[@jhenry0688]

& Castrol Transmax DEX/MERC

[@toffeepie1878]

You have a new Sub, I love my 2008 Legacy 3.0 SpecB and need to check all the fluids

[@deano8265]

That is a twist top cap , u will break it pushing on it and wrenching on it like that.leave it off until you have bled the system. Also , depending what year your subaru is , you will need to leave the car down off axle stands to bleed air out (turning steering wheel lock to lock) as there are galleries that only open when there is load on the suspension. Cycle with load and without.

[@wiciuwiciu2783]

I heard it's good to drive around a little on some open space

[@MWorsa]

Which years require the load?

[@deano8265]

@@MWorsa mine was an 07 so anywhere from then on id asumme

[@MWorsa]

@@deano8265 Mine is an ‘08 🤔

[@deano8265]

@@MWorsa yea I would do loaded and unloaded a few times , just to be sure . Dosnt take much

[@sashasmail-h6c]

I did this on our 2011 outback, took 12 times to fully clean the system, so worth it though!

[@577buttfan]

12 times? How many quarts was that? Lol

[@sashasmail-h6c]

@@577buttfan about 4.

[@577buttfan]

@sashasmail-h6c That aint bad,ill grab 4 thx.

[@sashasmail-h6c]

@@577buttfan hey, it probably depends on what vehicle you have, but should be about the same?

[@577buttfan]

@sashasmail-h6c I didn't jack it up I just pulled the return line and started the car until the reservoir was empty and it blew air then i refilled with clean atf and repeated 3 times until the atf came out of the return clean..good enough for me lol..it used about two quarts doing that method. Thanks again!

[@cgrey4082]

Hello, hello! I am NOT a mechanic. Just an owner of a 2009 Outback which is a wonderful vehicle. About 56K on her. I can do simple things on my car to anticipate maintenance troubles or needs. Car has been maintained per vehicle specs since purchase. It started making grinding noises and whining noises a few days ago. Correlated to vehicle getting started and occasionally on corners. Steering wheel is having "hard" or "stiff" moments. I said to myself, "Self, you better hope this is NOT the rack and pinion!" Power steering pump went south about two years ago, mechanic replaced with Subaru pump. No trouble with steering until now. Checked here for advice. Opened up the hood. Opened up the power steering reservoir. Ah ha! Fluid is brown and dirty. I think the fluid in it is the same age as the vehicle: I don't recall ever having the fluid flushed and replaced. I do not have any sort of lift arrangement to get the front of the car off the ground. I think I can do this little job without taking the car to the dealership. I understand the necessity of putting in new fluid and then starting the engine to circulate the fluid which is in the pump and the fluid line back to the reservoir. Then testing for older, dirty fluid, removing and refilling again as necessary to get all of the dirty fluid to the reservoir where it can be siphoned out and replaced with clean. Repeat as necessary. I have a bulb syphon in my emergency kit with a long tube. The local auto supply place has PS fluid. I am not sure what must be done with the old fluid in terms of disposal: it is a petroleum product so there may be environmental requirements for disposal. The video shows the mechanic doing that with the vehicle elevated so he can turn the steering wheel and the wheels of the vehicle to promote fluid flow so all of the old fluid gets removed by vacuum with the syphon. Query: Can I achieve the same result by driving the car a short distance, stopping and going through the cleaning procedure as before until all of the fluid in the reservoir is new and clean and that pretty red color? THANKS!

[@sashasmail-h6c]

Yes!! that will work as well!

[@majormax3764]

Great video! Very instructive one complaint though. I feel like you shouldn't spray break clean at the reservoir while it's still open. I could be wrong but that just makes me nervous

[@sashasmail-h6c]

it will evaporate in seconds, and will not cause damage. just do not spray too much inside

[@DKSE123]

Or you can remove return hose & plug off tank . Then have an assistant start engine while you add fluid . This process takes less than 20 seconds and system is completely flushed & refilled

[@krispyquam5713]

I found the hose to disconnect but after it drains shall I still put the wheel lock to lock?

[@jhenry0688]

Not sure what you mean?

[@DC2Marcus]

Or you can place the return line in a container, turn the wheel lock to lock to force the fluid out. Refill slowly. That's what I do

[@jesselyons2002]

@@gulzeb True. But keeping fluid going through the pump should stop it from burning out. The method he used. I usually see the fluid mixing with some old dark fluid after its been driving awhile.

[@n3rdstrength]

Came for the information, stayed for the ASMR.

[@johnmoorman5200]

Thanks brother you helped me out a lot with my car problems

[@michaeldautry]

I recently changed the power steering pump on my 2009 Subaru Forester due to it leaking significantly. I’m now having trouble with air bubbles in the system. I will do this once I figure out the issue. Question, on the outlet power steering hose there is a medium size bolt with a hole in the shaft as well as a hollow portion of the shaft that fits into a ring hose head. Is there a required orientation for that bolt hole for proper operation? I.E. do I need to mark the bolt head to indicate the location of the bolt hole and line it up with the hose? Thank you!

[@Shane-cc8qk]

The music at the beginning, I thought I accidentally clicked on a Vice Grip Garage video! 😂😂

[@miriamvivo4279]

Just swapped back to the oem psp that I rebuilt. Cardone new psp pc of crap lasted 14 months on the 2006 sti . Flushing out the psf

[@rustyshackelford9156]

I had bad luck with a Cardone too. Noiser than the original with 200k. And it was new not a reman. No more Cardone for me.

[@richcarter9476]

Nice job on the fluid change. Now change the serpentene belt pulley bearings.

[@Christosan88]

On the gd wrx the steering rack has some softelines under it that I like to use for flush.

[@chios1958]

Great video . Helps me so much. Thank you!

[@elizabethvillalobos4504]

Is it necessary to raise it Can the fluid be poured and just rotate wheels without setting on jacks???

[@IDE-YA]

have you tried not setting jacks? please let me know

[@herpeeslurpee]

Did anyone do it yet? Lol

[@johndoesha9599]

@@herpeeslurpeeyes lol. U don’t have to use jacks. Just easier that way to turn the tires. I did it without jacking up the car this week just fine

[@TylerDeBoy]

The point of raising the front is to prevent dry steering. Turning the wheels on the ground while neutral is really hard on the pump and the tires

[@joerobertson3478]

Thanks for the tips...much appreciated!

[@krallber]

Thanks I did this a while back after changing to the new fluid the steering is good at low rpm but hard as a brick at high rpm. Not sure if the pump is failing or has some kind of a blockage.

[@killabyte79]

after bleeding the steering is hard to turn, not so hard but it is not as easy as it was before

[@thestalkinghorse]

Thanks so much. Happy motoring!

[@burhanuddin7782]

Good job very informative ✌️🙏 oooo and you got a new sub as well

[@Robert-un3cf]

Question, what is the correct way to fully drain the system if I need to replace the steering rack?

[@mattkennedy2470]

Hey mrsubaru. Any advice on bleeding a stubborn ps system on a 2007 2.5L outback. I rebuilt a very leaky pump following your video and that went well. No leaks. But after 1.5qts of dex 3 I still have extremely stiff steering. Turned wheel dozens-100s of times. No impact. With front wheels high off ground. Appreciate any input. Thanks!

[@thambrown37]

Hey mate do you have a video showing how to change the o-ring in the power steering? And does it explain how to get rid of the vacuum leak that doing this creates? Thank you kindly, Sam

[@josephbelk3924]

I had to disconnect my power steering pump for a different repair. Now my power steering doesn't work. I think it might be due to excess air still in the system. The reservoir is full of bubbles after turning the wheel. There's no pump whine though.

[@eknapp70]

I wonder what logic they used that this Outback uses a timing chain setup and the 2021 sti still has a belt setup

[@TheCarBro]

Shouldn’t the cap be off while bleeding or turning the wheel lock to lock..?

[@gwot]

not necessary, because the system isn't being bled, you're just removing the fluid in the reservoir then replacing it, there are no air bubbles induced in the process. only necessary if you removed all fluids from lines/rack and stuff.

[@TheCarBro]

@@gwot thanks man

[@jmueller87]

Same procedure on the ‘12 Outback 3.6?

[@barrythomas6429]

I wonder how many Subarus finish up with a big dint in the sump after it has been used as a jacking point. The "real"jacking point looks so flimsy.

[@diegocastro5015]

Bro who spray you apply to clean fluid tank ¿? Greetings from chile.

[@rsbharley4766]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@francisburns1545]

Thanks - very helpful !

[@waynes.2983]

Faster to disconnect the lines at the rack which will drain the reservoir and lines, turn the wheels side to side which will force the fluid out of the rack & then reattach the lines and refill, bleed once & then too up the fluid level. Also it is less wasteful & more effective.

[@jmowens69]

Wayne S. Faster to disconnect the return line at the reservoir besides disconnecting lines at the rack on outbacks is a pita. All you need is hose to dump the return fluid to a bucket and a plug for reservoir inlet . But this video is not bad advice for the average joe with a turkey baster.

[@sneakyfoz3692]

Realise that's these videos are aimed at the DIYer or inexperienced, yes this method could be considered wasteful but it's simple for anyone to do, Dexron is cheap as chips and really you are not wasting that much as it is . It's still a hell of a lot cheaper than paying a mechanic to do this.

[@MrSubaru1387]

No mess of disconnecting lines. No worry of those lines leaking and not sealing after removal. You don't actually have to jack up the car if you don't want to.

[@cgrey4082]

@@jmowens69 I'm the average Ms. Joe with a turkey baster. I hope I can do this little chore without forking over $100 at the dealership!

[@cgrey4082]

@@MrSubaru1387 I'm reading this as a reply to my query, above. Make sure the pump is not dry, run the engine between fluid removal efforts and get as much of the dirty fluid out of the system as possible.

[@jam5741]

Hi! What was the spray that you used to clean the ps fluid tank after? Thank you

[@fml861]

Brake cleaner

[@vtecpower2818]

you need to open up the low p hose in the botoom for better results

[@sashasmail-h6c]

however, if not done exactly right, it will destroy the system with the air getting in. this is more DIY friendly

[@jadameek4421]

Quick question. Do you have to jack it up or is it recommended?

[@nathanmaxwell1195]

just makes it a lot easier to turn the front wheels, methinks

[@Blinknone]

@@nathanmaxwell1195 It isn't difficult to turn the wheels with the car running, as it was in the video. Seems like just extra work with no benefit.

[@mattjohnson550]

Watch you videos all the time and has helped a lot! Good stuff and always refer to one if not sure! Would you recommend lucas power steering stop leak fluid if there's a leak somewhere that's not a hose? Even just mix some in with the tranny fluid?

[@gwot]

yeah, I just use a turkey baster and suck out the reservoir every couple of weeks, quick and easy job, and fluid is cheap.

[@Chris05STi1982]

I need the help of the Subaru Tech God!!! Putting a fully built 2.5L STi long block (built for Non-AVCS) into my 2002 WRX. I want to slap a new power steering pump in since my car has 278k miles (goooo EJ!!!). Will the 2004-2005 STi (Part Number: 34430FE081) power steering pump work on my 2002 WRX since I am using a 2.5L STi Long block, or do I have to get a 2002 WRX power steering pump (Part No: 34430FE002)?

[@zivmor7207]

what's the amount of fluid for the system? I'd like to know ahead of time how much I should buy. I enjoyed your video very much. thank you.

[@jjperera3389]

Did you ever find that out ?

[@MikeFox__FoxMan2099]

So helpful. Can you recommend the vacuum for removing the fluid? Thanks for the vid. This is an expensive service and I'd rather spend that money on the tools to do it myself 👍

[@MrSubaru1387]

amzn.to/2z1UWTF

[@Jason_Laster]

I didnt believe it til i tried it, but a turkey baster from walmart does a fine job

[@nathanmaxwell1195]

@@Jason_Laster I just put that on my shopping list after I watched this video

[@shawnhampton2895]

Ok so my Subaru legacy is a 05 and just had a JDM swap and new my steering pump is making noise when the car is off the tank is full and when u start it the all runs down it disappears and if you try to fill it up while it's running it will overflow when you shut it off what do you think is wrong what should I look at

[@brandonion5647]

Did you just jack the car up so the wheel turns more freely?

[@P.a.r.a.d.o.x]

Yes

[@chthonianqueen]

Would this work if I accidentally put regular ps fluid in and wanted to fix my mistake? Or do I need to do a more serious flush?

[@FN2CTR2008]

I've just followed this video and flushed my power steering (2007 JDM BP5 legacy twinscroll) and now the power steering is shaking like crazy!!! I'm at a loss! Changed the o ring on the pump with OE subaru part too. Any recommendations please??? 🙏

[@Americansikkunt]

What was the fix? I’m about to flush to fix my stiff/squeaky PS…..

[@martinvaldepena48]

I have subaru engine 2.5 in my 1986 vw vanagon I install power steering in the vans the high pressure line keeps blowing open or blows the hose off any suggestions.

[@JosePerez-og5ye]

How about a friend? Excuse the question. Could you tell me why my Subaru legacy outback limited 2002 suddenly increases the RPM and gets very gastona when that happens? here in Mexico you can't help me with that yet .. thanks in advance

[@stalekristiansen2942]

I have changed my steering rack and power steering pump, but i still get that jumping on the steering wheel, what can that be? (Sorry for my bad English)

[@LyubomirStoychev]

MrSubaru1387 I have a 2005 Forester 2.5 XT. In the morning at cold start the PS is very smooth and soft when still. Later when I drive around some it becomes noticeably harder when still. This happens every day for like the past month or so. What do you think the issue might be? The fluid is pretty dark, do you think changing may fix it?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Definitely the place to start.

[@LyubomirStoychev]

@@MrSubaru1387Thanks for the answer. Is it possible to do it your way but without lifting the car? is it important to eliminate the resistance the tires have with the ground?

[@MrSubaru1387]

If makes it substantially easier.

[@LyubomirStoychev]

@@MrSubaru1387 Ok, cool. Thanks man, you channel is awesome btw, keep up the good work!

[@sergiopena6930]

Question. I did a rack n pinion, lower control arms, one cv axle on my 2010 Forrester, and power steering flush like this video, Dealership says I damaged steering angle sensor. Is this possible??? Thanks.

[@JohnJ25]

Thank you for sharing 👍

[@ZeroCool2013]

Link for the handheld siphoning pump please.

[@japhysynder]

Why jack the car up? I have seen other videos of people doing this and they do not lift the vehicle. Wondering the benefit, if it is worth doing or not. Thanks.

[@cocoyc495]

Thanks for the video. What is the reason for lifting the front wheels vs keeping them on the ground? Newbie here. Thanks.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Just makes it easier to turn the wheels back and forth fully and quickly.

[@hahahi20]

A tip is to stack two pieces of cardboard on top of each other under each front wheel. That way you will not have to jack up the car.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

@@hahahi20 Thanks, Nice additional tip! I don't have a jack/stands, but I can definitely get some cardboard.

[@waybach]

Pyramiden mind=blown :)

[@imkriswithak1135]

What did you spray it with to cleanup? Wd40 brake cleaner?

[@Nazimuddin-tv3wt]

Hey Mr. Subaru. My 2008 outback power steering reservoir has lot’s of bubbles but the power steering pump has no leak. Where shall I look ? Please advise. Bless you.

[@leeleses]

Does the system have a replaceable filter? And if yes do you usually need to replace it?

[@juneior8907]

Where can I get that vacuum pump at thanks for the video.

[@asdf-jv8iv]

Keep it up!

[@clarkgriswold4057]

I just realized I used steering fluid instead of atf for my 04 legacy. Will this cause any problems?

[@juanluisfernandezfolgueira7700]

Que liquido es el recomendado para un Impreza del 2006?

[@arnoldbogarin5086]

When u fill the atf into ps reservoir, do u level it to the cold markers? Or hot?

[@sergiomattie989]

Can i change the fluis then go to ride for 1minute and refill the fluid again? Or i must lock to lock with jack

[@gwot]

you technically can, it's just a waste of time and effort. Also going lock to lock ensures the fluid gets through the whole system. If you don't have a jack/stands get a couple of plastic sheets/trays and drive on it, or cardboard, it makes it easier to turn the wheels stationary on the ground. Alternatively, you can just do it once everytime you come home until one day the fluids are all clean.

[@subiethingz]

Hey do you have to jack the car up or can I keep it parked and just rotate the steering wheel when needed between flushes

[@Blinknone]

No need to jack up the car.

[@splatmatt]

Was the hand pump used to remove the fluid one of those squeeze bulb thingys?

[@MrSubaru1387]

No. This is the kit. amzn.to/2XPcRYT

[@damionkasturige7691]

When the fluid was low while I was doing this. When fully turned heard a screeching noise, is it normal?

[@ksmiles5333]

Is there an aftermarket PS pump that you would recommend? Not sure if the pump is failing there is no noise but on top of the pump where the hose onto there seems to be residue and road dirt just trying to think ahead if a pump is needed. Thanks

[@MrSubaru1387]

Nope. No aftermarket unit I can honestly recommend.

[@marvinwilkins]

My power steering rack boots are trash and the steer is tight aswel need a quality rack asap can you point me in the right direction 01 OB 2.5

[@IDE-YA]

wherte did you get your handheld vacuum

[@cadevaughn7596]

Lexus badge on the hood?

[@stephenmiller5572]

Is it important to jack up the front end, or can I skip that part?

[@Americansikkunt]

Did it work out ok?

[@themaestro5338]

Can using the wrong power steering fluid damage your pump or can it cause it to have the same symptoms as a bad pump? Sorry for my ignorant, dumb question, but I’m trying to learn

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes

[@danielechevarria8918]

you think it’d be an issue if i did this without lifting the car??

[@MrCycling101]

Does the car not need to be level for this procedure?

[@thierrycola]

how come you lifted the car up?

[@manuelbejarano6121]

Is this a yearly flush or just how often is this to be done?

[@MrSubaru1387]

About every 30k miles.

[@rivs-bn4ho]

Why do you have to jack up the car ? Is it a must ?

[@LeggySti]

How much fluid did you got through to get it to be correct? only say this as oils are expensive AF here

[@MrSubaru1387]

Little over a qt.

[@jrnycg3589]

hello sir what transmission oil did u use for the power steering fluid

[@Xubaruu]

If your car is a Subaru use atf not cvt fluid for your power steering

[@gobbledeznutz5376]

how do you bleed the air?

[@andrewvisiko5250]

Is Dexron IV ok to use a substitute over dexron lll?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes.

[@kenc.9067]

@@MrSubaru1387 What about Dexron VI?

[@pgomez4694]

What arrows? 1:18

[@misterkenwong]

can someone please tell me where are the arrows? i cant see them

[@svetlanagladkih4777]

Thanks

[@twinblitzen356scroll]

What was the point of jacking the car up? Have I missed something? Please advise.

[@MrSubaru1387]

To be able to turn the front wheels freely when bleeding air from the system.

[@twinblitzen356scroll]

@@MrSubaru1387 Thank you.