How do you do a power steering fluid flush on a 98 dodge neon?

Answer 1

ATF+4 is recommended by Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth as per TSB NUMBER: 19-005-03.

It also states to only use it (ATF+4) if you are doing a complete flush and not to top off the system, as it should not be mixed with standard Power Steering Fluid.

This is how to flush and purge your system.

1 With the engine at operating temperatures and NOT running, remove the power steering return hose from the hose nipple at the bottom of the power steering pump. Allow the power steering system to drain.

2 Raise the front wheels off the ground.

3 Purge the fluid from the steering gear by slowly turning the steering wheel lock to lock several times.

4 Reattach the power steering return hose to the power steering pump.

5 Fill the power steering system to the max cold level with the new power steering fluid, p/n 0501 0304AA. Leave cap off. (Because I was doing a complete flush of the system, I used ATF+4)

6 With the engine not running, slowly turn the steering wheel lock to lock 3-4 times. Top off fluid level to max cold if necessary.

7 Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock to lock 3-4 times.

8 Shut off engine and repeat steps 1-5 to continue to purge all old fluid from the power steering system.

9 When all all the fluid has been purged and replaced, you need to bleed all the air out of the system. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to purge air from the power steering system.

10 With the engine not running, slowly turn the steering wheel lock to lock at least 20 times. Top off fluid level to max cold if necessary.

11 Start the engine. With the engine idling, watch and maintain fluid level.

12 With the engine running, slowly turn the steering wheel lock to lock at least 20 times. Top off fluid level to max cold if necessary and reinstall the reservoir cap.

13 Return the steering wheel to center position. Lower front wheels to ground.

14 With engine running, slowly turn the steering wheel lock to lock to verify smooth, low noise power assist operation and no system leaks. Recheck for proper fluid level.

Repair manuals have a procedure where you remove low side hose and crank while filling but pressure is very high and that is messy and not good to let go completely dry. Since quantity is actually pretty low, I prefer turkey baster method. Remove all you can with baster, fill, run a little bit and repeat. This will take a little more fluid to do but not messy and it's cheap and easier