My oil change, power steering flush, coolant flush

[dave]

Just did a bunch of fluid flushes on a 2007 Saturn Relay 6 cyl. Took a long time doing all of these things without professional machines and it was quite messy.

First, here is a simple DIY oil change:

For the power steering flush, I disconnected the return line from the reservoir and attached hose that ran into a bucket. With the engine running, I poured new fluid into the reservoir until I started seeing new fluid in the bucket. I had a helper sit in the driver seat and start the car and turn the wheel left/right to flush the rack and pinion:

My power steering flush set-up

The old power steering fluid:

The power steering pump was very noisy until I bled the system.

Using a coolant flush kit, I cut in a T-splice into the upper heater core inlet in which to attach a garden hose w/ the heater on ‘high’:

Coolant flush in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ65WntIEng&feature=youtu.be
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ65WntIEng&feature=youtu.be[/video]

Here is a link to my brake fluid flush.

All of this was a lot of work to do all at once, took a lot of time, and was very messy but I ended up saving a lot of $$$. Did everything except a transmission flush and filter, which I decided would be too messy to drop the pan. Cost $$$ to have someone else do the trans but it was worth not having to deal with the mess.

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Topic

[dollman0]

Great job on the fluid changes.

When I do the power steering, I drain the fluid and use a return hose like you did. I just raise the front and turn the wheels to purge the old fluid from the rack or steering box. I like to add 4 oz of Marvels Mystery Oil and run it for about a month and change it out again. This cleans up a lot of the dark deposits and the pressure control valves seem to work better. *I never tried this in a Honda because OEM is the only fluid to use.

At least you are changing out your fluids, some people wring every dollar out of their car and then whine that it cost them a bundle when it tears up from neglect.

[twiggy]

I love this post with the pics. This Is very helpful for novice DIY,ers as not everyone on this site is a pro tech.

[Author]

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