GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2000 🢒 Astro - 2WD 🢒 General Information 🢒 Maintenance and Lubrication 🢒 Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid

Check the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals. Keep the power steering system clean. Add fluid to the system when required. Use the correct fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.

Flush any dirt from the system. Refer to Power Steering System Flushing . If the system is exceptionally dirty, disassemble the pump and the gear before further use.

  1. Inspect all of the following components for leaks at regular intervals:
    2. • The tubes
    • The hoses
    • The fittings
  2. The fittings must be tight. Ensure the following components are in place and properly secured:
    3. • The clips
    • The clamps
    • The supporting tubes
    • The hoses
  3. Inspect the hoses with the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
    4. • Turn the wheels fully to the left and fully to the right while observing the movement of the hoses.
    • Ensure that the hoses do not contact the other parts of the vehicle.
  4. Correct any hose contact that could cause chafing or wear.
  5. Ensure that the power steering hoses and the pipes are not twisted, kinked, or tightly bent.

    6. The hoses should have sufficient natural curvature in the routing in order to absorb the movement and the hose shortening that occurs during vehicle operation.

  6. Air in the system will cause spongy action and noisy operation. When disconnecting a hose or when fluid is lost for any reason, bleed the system after refilling. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  7. The fluid level may be checked hot or cold. If checking hot fluid, proceed as follows:
    8. 7.1. Run the engine until the fluid reaches about 80°C (170°F).
    7.2. Turn OFF the engine.
    7.3. Remove the reservoir cap.
    7.4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick.
    7.5. The fluid level should be between the HOT/FULL and the COLD/FULL marks on the dipstick.

    Object Number: 105105 Size: SH
  8. If checking cold fluid, proceed as follows:
    9. 8.1. Remove the reservoir cap.
    8.2. Check the fluid level on the dipstick.
    8.3. The fluid level should be between the bottom of the COLD/FULL mark and the end of the dipstick.
  9. If the fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to the proper level. Use the correct fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  10. Install the reservoir cap.
  11. When checking the fluid level after the steering system has been serviced, bleed the air from the system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .