Power steering fluid flush

FlashingBlade · Jan 21, 2006

This is for a 2000 D with 4.7L engine

My dealer suggested that I replace my power steering fluid periodically, and they'll be happy to do it for an amount that seemed a bit steep to me. I looked in the D Service manual, and couldn't find any reference on how to do this (other than the procedure to R&R the pump.)

So, I'm going to attempt this myself. I was thinking of just draining most of the reservoir, fill it with new fluid, disconnecting the return hose and just run the engine and hope it purges the hoses and rack.<ul>[*]Anyone tried this?[*]Is there a better way of doing this?[*]Is this really necessary?[*]What's a good fluid to use (or not to use?) I use Valvoline Synth P/S fluid[/list]Thanks

Anthony · Jan 21, 2006

On the 2000 there's a TSB about the steering fluid. The P/S fluid is to be switched to ATF+4 fluid. You can pump out the old fluid, repeat until fluid is clean. Or remove the return line and flush it out thru there.

tomk · Jan 21, 2006

I wouldn't touch it unless/until you have to replace some steering part.

The fluid isn't hygroscopic (water-absorbing), and it really doesn't see anything that would degrade it.

Don't borrow trouble.

Anthony · Jan 22, 2006

tomk said:
The fluid isn't hygroscopic (water-absorbing), and it really doesn't see anything that would degrade it.

The TSB states the ATF+4 gives better performance in hot and cold conditions vs power steering fluid. Dak's and D's after 2001 have had the change over done.

I've noticed a difference since I switched over in cold weather

jimbo · Jan 22, 2006

I don't see where replacement of the fluid is recommended on the 2000 D.

Steering - Power Steering Fluid Usage

NUMBER: 19-005-03

GROUP: Steering

DATE: Aug. 29, 2003

This bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin 19-007-01, dated Aug. 2, 2001, which should be removed from your files. This is a complete revision and no asterisks have been used to highlight revisions.

SUBJECT:
Power Steering Fluid Usage

MODELS:

1993 - 2003 (AB) Ram Van

1994 - 2004 (AN) Dakota

1994 - 2002 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup

2004 (CS) Pacifica

1998 - 2004 (DN) Durango

2002 - 2004 (DR) Ram Pickup

1996 - 2000 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)

1995 - 2000 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze

2001 - 2004 (JR) Sebring Sedan, Stratus Sedan1 Sebring Convertible

1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible

2002 - 2004 (KJ) Liberty

2002 - 2004 (KJ) Cherokee (International Markets)

1993 - 2004 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker/300M

1996 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Voyager/Caravan

2002 (PG) Chrysler PT Cruiser (International Markets)

1995 - 2004 (PL) Neon

1997 - 2003 (PR) Prowler

2002 - 2004 (PT) Chrysler PT Cruiser

2001 - 2004 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)

2001 - 2004 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

1993 - 2002 (SR) Viper/Viper Coupe

2001 - 2004 (ST) Sebring Coupe/Stratus Coupe

1997 - 2004 (TJ) Wrangler

2003 - 2004 (VA) Sprinter

1999 - 2004 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)

1999 - 2004 (WJ) Grand Cherokee

2003 - 2004 (ZB) Viper

2004 (ZH) Crossfire

DISCUSSION:

The factory fill power steering fluid for most 2004 model year Chrysler Group vehicles is ATF+4 (MS9602) and it provides superior performance at both low and high temperatures. WJ/WG and ZH vehicles use unique power steering fluids. Refer to the table to identify factory fill and the approved service power steering fluid by year and model. Note that MS9602 is Red in color and MS5931 and MS9933 are Amber/Yellow in color. All three fluids will darken in color with usage and fluid color is no longer an indication of fluid condition.

The part numbers for MS9602 are 05013457AA (quart) and 05013458AA (gallon.) The part number for MS5931 is 04883077 (quart.) The part number for MB345 is 05127381AA.

MS9602 shouldn't be mixed or used as a "topping off" fluid on systems requiring MS5931. On some past models, MS9602 should be used as the replacement fluid. On these models, if a power steering system is being serviced that results in a large fluid loss, such as a pump, hose or gear/rack replacement, the complete system should be drained and filled with MS9602.

tomk · Jan 22, 2006

The TSB says that ATF+4 is not an approved service fluid on a 2000 D?

Power steering fluid flush

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