I did a partial change of the power steering fluid (original fluid) yesterday by just sucking out the fluid in the pump with a turkey baster. I know it won't get all the fluid out (it got out about 16 oz. ( a bottle and a third of the STP power steering fluid.)) But if you don't want to go through the total regime of a full flush this is certainly better than not doing it at all.

The old stuff was pretty brown and thick. It smelled like pretty old ATF. The STP is clear and thinner.

Well with just that, the steering feels much better than it did. It's more responsive. It's a very noticeable improvement in 20 degree weather it's not as stiff and hard to turn.

I am going to do this on a yearly schedule now.

I personly have never seen or smelled burnt sterring fluid.
What was the reason for the fluid going bad.

The fluid is thick, a dark brownish color almost black and opaque. It has somewhat a nutty smell. I am not sure if it really is considered a burn't smell.

I am assuming when the fluid was new, no matter what color it is from the factory it would be clear.

I am not sure what would cause it to become like that.

Sounds like a good idea. After a while the PS fluid picks up condensation and such.

A real good article on power steering fluid. It's condition and change intervals.
http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articleviewer.asp?section=hm&pg=ccr20030601ps

I did a partial change of the power steering fluid (original fluid) yesterday by just sucking out the fluid in the pump with a turkey baster.
Warning: Eat turkey and JohnnoO's house at your own risk ):h

Jim

Warning: Eat turkey and JohnnoO's house at your own risk ):h

Jim
):h ):h ):h

I changed mine a few weeks ago. I was able to bleed two quarts out. The brakes definitely feel better. Later! Frank

How would one go about doing a full powering steering flush? I checked the fluid and it is dark brown in color, but I'm not sure if that's the normal color of the factory fill PS fluid? Does this require power flushing or is there a drain on the reserviour, or pump?
If I go the turkey baster route as described by JohnnyO would I have to worry about mixing dissimilar PS fluids?
I'm not sure what brand of fluid to go with, any reccomendations, and is there a specific type I have to use.

Thanks