Power steering fluid flush

[cholyoke]

While under the car doing other things (timing belt, etc), I found fluid on the return hose. I'm going to replace that hose, crush rings for the fitting and the reservoir. I'd like to flush the fluid since it is very dark and I've never changed it. The rack/pump seem to be fine (no leaks from boots or noises while operating). I’ve looked for a guide on flushing the fluid and the steps were:

1. Remove fluid from reservoir (replace reservoir which has a new filter).

2. Disconnect return hose and put the open end into a bucket.

3. With the car running (operating the pump) turn the wheels from lock to lock while adding new ATF (Dextron). This step cycles the new fluid through the pump and rack and then out the return hose.

4. Stop once the fluid coming out of the hose is clear and put the hose back onto the reservoir.

Since my car is up on jack stands and the cooling system is mostly off of the engine while I replace hoses and belts, I can’t run the engine and power steering pump. Can I just follow the procedure without the engine/pump running and get most of the old fluid out by turning the wheel from lock to lock? I’ll disconnect the belt from the power steering pump so that it can rotate freely.

Also, the local parts store didn’t have Dextron I or II, but had Valvoline Dex/Merc (Dextron III /Mercron equivalent). Will that fluid be OK?

[jlevie]

Draining and refilling the system will change most of the fluid. But to fully change the fluid you need the pump running. You might just want to wait until the engine is back together.

Dexron III or IV is fine.

[cholyoke]

Thank you.