'95 P/S Flush

[Ruh]

Where can I find information on properly flushing the power steering of my car (3.1L V6 '95 SE)?

I read something generic, but I want to make sure I have information specifically for this system before starting.

Also, I want to double check to make sure it even needs flushing. I took my car for safety inspection and the mechanics gave me a list of things that needed to be done. However, I want to poke around for myself since their advice may be in the best interest of their pockets and not mine.

Finally, Brake Fluid Trasfusion just means to add more brake fluid correct?
In case you haven't noticed I am not much of a car person and only recently decided to become a do it yourself kind of guy. So far I have already saved around $300 if not more.

[GMMerlin]

There are a multitude of opinions regarding fluid flushes.
If the Brake fluid is not contaminated, then there is no reason to flush it.
Same with P/S fluid.
A lot of shops out there sell these kind of services as "preventative maintenance"...I feel that if there is nothing indicating a concern then the fluid should be left alone.
I have seen many vehicles with 200-300K and over 10 years old with the same brake and P/S fluid in them with no issues.
Now one thing to remember is that brake fluid is hyposcopic (absorbs water). If the brake fluid is cloudy, severely discolored, then flushing it may not be a bad idea for improved braking efficency.
If the fluid is contaminated with an oil based product, then you have some severe damage and all the rubber componants of the brake system will have to be replaced and all the contaminated brake fluid will need to be removed.
I go on the idea of " if it ain't broke don't fix it" but more importantly " if you don't know what you are doing, don't fuck with it until you are educated" this goes for safety items such as brakes.

[xeroinfinity]

I'd agree if "it not broke" but i believe they said transfution, which I think they mean fill , top off, or add to. Makes them(safety inspection people) sound smarter using such big words.

GMMERLINs right about the contamination thing, and brakes are not something one should just jump into.You screw them up and someone can get hurt, thats expensive! But the power steering thing, I have a 99 w/ 118k miles my Powersteering was whining and growling. I replaced the filter and put in new fluid and its nice and quiet, works like new. I dont think 95s have a filter on the PS , but I'm sure draining the old fluid and adding some new will add life to your PS and your rack&pinion, this is what helps steer the car. It may take some time for this job, have to get all the bubles and or air out of the lines. Hope this'll help you out.

[skibum1111]

Flushing the power steering fluid on a 95 is rather easy but slightly messy, depending on how fast you react to leaks. I flushed mine this way: I disconnected the return line and plugged the resivoir, be careful as ps fluid pours out of the bottom of the resivoir. I attached another hose to the return line and put it into a bucket. Then I started the car and kept adding ps fluid while a friend turned the wheels back and forth. Keep adding fluid until what comes out into the bucket is clean. I did this at 190k miles on my car, and the old crap was pretty gross....