- Raise and support the front of the vehicle off the ground in order to remove the weight of the vehicle from the front tires. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- Remove the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose from the reservoir (4).
- Position the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose toward a drain pan or suitable container in order to catch the draining fluid.
- Drain the power steering fluid.
- Plug the hose connection on the reservoir.
- Fill power steering reservoir to the MAX COLD mark (2) with new DEXRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid, GM P/N 12346143, or equivalent.
- Start and run engine at 1,000 RPM. After one or two seconds, power steering fluid will begin to discharge from the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose. STOP THE ENGINE immediately.
- Add fluid to the reservoir in order to keep the fluid level above the MIN COLD mark.
- Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop.
- Remove the plug from the reservoir.
- Connect the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose to the reservoir.
- Add fluid to the reservoir in order to keep the fluid level above the MIN COLD mark.
- Start and run the engine at idle for approximately 15 minutes.
- Remove the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose from the reservoir.
- Position the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose toward a drain pan or suitable container in order to catch the draining fluid.
- Drain the power steering fluid.
- Inspect the draining fluid for contamination. If the fluid is contaminated, repeat the flushing procedure.
- Connect the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose to the reservoir.
- Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
- Lower the vehicle.
Important: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.
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.
Important: This step may require 2-4 quarts of fluid.
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.
Notice: The inlet and outlet hoses must not be twisted during installation. Do not bend or distort the inlet or outlet hoses to make installation easier. Failure to follow these procedures could result in component damage.
If the fluid from the second flushing procedure is contaminated, replace the power steering pipes and hoses.
If the fluid is not contaminated, remove the plug from the reservoir.
Notice: If the power steering system has been serviced, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be obtained unless air is bled from the steering system. The air in the fluid may cause pump cavitation noise and may cause pump damage over a period of time.
