GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The power steering fluid replacement procedure includes the following two stages:

    • Flushing the old fluid from the system with new fluid.
    • Bleeding the system in order to remove any trapped air.
  1. Raise the front of the vehicle off of the ground. Ensure that the front wheels are free to turn. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the fluid return line at the pump reservoir inlet connector.
  3. Plug the inlet connector port on the pump reservoir.
  4. Position the power steering fluid return line toward a large container in order to contain the draining fluid.
  5. Start the engine.
  6. Run the engine at idle.
  7. Have an assistant simultaneously fill the reservoir with either of the following fluids:
  8. 7.1. A standard power steering fluid:
       • 0.47 L (16 oz) of GM P/N 1052884
       • 0.95 L (32 oz) of GM P/N 1050017
    7.2. A cold climate power steering fluid:
       • 0.47 L (16 oz) of GM P/N 12345866
       • 0.95 L (32 oz) of GM P/N 12345867

    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.

  9. Turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.
  10. Ensure that all of the old power steering fluid is cleared from the power steering system.

  11. Add approximately 0.95 L (1 qt) of fluid in order to flush the power steering system.
  12. Unplug the pump reservoir inlet.
  13. Reconnect the return line.
  14. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  15. Fill the reservoir to the FULL COLD mark. Refer to Refilling the Power Steering System
  16. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .