Like the brake hydraulics, your power steering system is subject to the ravages of time. Rubber hoses and complex sealing mechanisms can break down and contaminate the steering fluid. It should be changed every 40,000 miles.

To flush the system, first locate the power steering pump lines. Usually a high pressure line takes fluid from the pump and is attached to the fitting with a crimped on steel sleeve. You want to detach the low pressure return line, which is usually hose clamped to the return nipple. While adding steering fluid at the reservoir, have an assistant turn the steering wheel back and forth. Get the front wheels clear of the ground with jack stands for this. Continue to drain off the old fluid until clean oil begins to drip from the pump.

Then reattach the return line and top off the fluid reservoir. A few turns of the steering wheel should be enough to force out air bubbles.

Another way to help extend pump and steering rack life is to install an in line fluid filter. The filter is hose clamped into the low pressure return line to the pump. First, drain the power steering fluid, then cut the rubber hose line within an inch or two of the inlet nipple. Hose clamp the after-market filter to the free ends of the hose. The filter's tiny screens remove abrasive particles that can cause pump failure.