Notice: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the
proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose
and seal damage and fluid leaks.
- Raise and support the front of the vehicle off the ground until
the front wheels are free to turn. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in General Information.
- Siphon the power steering fluid from the power steering reservoir.
- Disconnect the power steering
return hose from the power steering pump. Refer to
Power Steering Return Hose Replacement
.
- Plug the power steering return hose port.
- Position the power steering return hose toward a large container
to catch the draining fluid.
- Start and run the engine at an idle while an assistant fills the
power steering fluid reservoir with DEXRON® III automatic transmission
fluid, GM P/N 12346143 or equivalent.
- Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop.
Notice: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops while flushing the
power steering system. Holding the steering wheel against the wheel stops
will cause high system pressure, overheating, and damage to the power steering
pump and/or gear.
- Continue draining to clear all the old power steering fluid from
the power steering system.
- Inspect the draining power steering fluid until clear.
- Turn the engine off.
- Remove the plug from the power steering return hose port.
Important: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid.
- Connect the power steering return hose to the power steering pump.
Refer to
Power Steering Return Hose Replacement
.
- Fill the power steering system. Refer to
Refilling the Power Steering System
- Bleed the power steering system. Refer to
Power Steering System Bleeding
.
- Inspect the power steering system for leaks. Refer to
Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks