[focuspwr]

I just tried to flush my power steering fluid with sucking method rather then disconnecting the lines...at any rate the fluid i put in was not red it was valvoline power steering fluid which was a lightish golden color.....should i go ahead and disconnect the line and add in the red stuff? Also as far as color goes what specific fluid should i look for? need assistance ASAP!

 

[Grumpy]

If you haven't started the engine (hopefully), just suck out all the fluid in the reservoir, and refill to mid-level intitially with the correct fluid........MERCON ATF. Next time read your Owner's Manual.......it's your best friend. AND......."flushing" of the power steering fluid is a totally overblown/overdone process. Did you see it in the Maintenance Schedule?

 

[focuspwr]

yeah im way overdue on it....its pitch black and smells burnt....no metal particals have been spotted in the juices that i sucked out. Im at 56000 and from what i thought this was supposed to be done @ 36k

 

[Grumpy]

I have never seen black/burnt PS fluid (of any type) in any car here. Why your's has turned black......I ain't got a clue. Any chance the incorrect fluid was ever used prior? Do you race/autocross? Any "binding" in the steering or noise from the pump or rack? With my '05 with slightly less mileage than yours, the fluid is still pink and appears as pure as the driven snow. I can't even find any mention of PS fluid replacement in the Maintenance Schedule (Canada) in the Owner's Information Booklet. My '00 Nissan Maxima's PS fluid (Mercon) is still red in colour and I haven't touched it. I guess you'd better just go ahead and do a full fluid replacement........BUT, do not allow the pump to suck air. Was the reservoir cap on snuggly and is the "O" ring intact on the cap?

 

[focuspwr]

Yes everything is snugg and intact. I completed a full swap of fluids i just disconnected the hose at the tank and drained then replaced then started engine move the wheels from left to right i'll have to check it again in a few days to make sure the level is correct.