Steering: Service and Repair

Flushing the Power Steering System

Important: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely.
3. Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump reservoir inlet connection.
4. Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering pump.
5. Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to collect the draining fluid.

Important:
^ This step may require 2-4 quarts of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear.
^ Do not run the engine without the power steering fluid level at FULL COLD.

6. Run the engine at idle while an assistant maintains the fluid level at FULL COLD in the reservoir using new approved power steering fluid.
7. Turn off the engine.
8. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
9. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
10. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
11. Maintain the fluid level at FULL COLD.
12. Operate the engine at idle for approximately 15 minutes.
13. Repeat steps 3-5.
14. Inspect the draining fluid for contamination.
^ If foreign material is found, repeat steps 6-12 in order to complete a second flush. If foreign material is still found after a second flush, replace all of the hoses.
^ If foreign material is not found, proceed to step 15.
15. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
16. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
17. Clean any spilled fluid.
18. Bleed the power steering system.