Changing the Power Steering Fluid and Filter

p3 mm 46.02.000

Warning: Fill only with approved clean fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid could cause seal deterioration and leaks. Fluid leaks could eventually cause loss of power steering assist. This could lead to an accident resulting in personal injury or property damage. Wear eye protection when changing the fluid and filter.

  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the tires.
  2. Place a drain pan under the power steering reservoir.
  3. Remove the retaining ring from the reservoir. See Fig..

    1. Power Steering Reservoir

    2. Retaining Ring

    3. Filter Cover

    4. Return Hose

    Fig. 1, Power Steering Reservoir

  4. Remove the filter, filter cover, and gasket from the reservoir. Drain the fluid from the filter into the drain pan. Leave the filter hanging over the drain pan.
  5. Remove the nuts, bolts, and washers that attach the power steering reservoir to the mounting bracket, but do not remove the supply line to the reservoir. Drain the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
  6. Using the bolts, nuts, and washers, attach the reservoir to the mounting bracket.
  7. Using ATF fluid that meets Dexron III or TES-389 specifications, fill the reservoir with an approved power steering fluid to the line between the MIN COLD and MAX HOT lines. See Fig..
  8. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it with jack stands.
  9. Start the engine and operate it at idle. Turn the steering wheel from full left to full right several times until clean fluid starts flowing from the power steering filter. Add fluid to the reservoir to maintain the fluid level between the MIN COLD and MAX HOT lines.
  10. Shut down the engine.

    11. Note: Always install a new power steering reservoir filter when changing the fluid.

  11. Disconnect the filter from the filter cover, and discard the filter.
  12. Apply a thin film of power steering fluid on the gasket of the new filter. Then attach the filter to the filter cover. Hand-tighten the filter, then turn it an additional 1/4-turn.
  13. Install the filter and filter cover in the reservoir.
  14. Make sure that the gasket under the filter cover is not damaged. If the gasket is damaged, replace it. Install the gasket on the reservoir.
  15. Attach the retaining ring to the reservoir to secure the filter and filter cover.
  16. Start the engine and check that the power steering fluid level is between the MIN COLD and MAX HOT lines. Add more power steering fluid if needed.
  17. Lower the vehicle.
Note:
Parent topic: Steering
Document Number: 0000116610
Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-15
Topic Publication Date: 2024-11-22