Changing the Power Steering Fluid and Filter

rv mm 46.03.000

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 rear tires.
  2. Place a drain pan under the power steering reservoir.
  3. Remove the steering gear-to-reservoir return hose at the reservoir and position it to drain into the pan.
  4. Plug the return line fitting on the reservoir.
  5. Remove the reservoir cover.
    For the 1.6- and 2-quart reservoir, unscrew and remove the reservoir cover. See Fig..
    For the 4-quart reservoir, loosen and then remove the retaining ring, filter top plate, and gasket. See Fig..

    1. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

    2. Gasket

    3. Reservoir Cover

    4. Dipstick

    5. Filter

    Fig. 1, 1.6- and 2-Quart Reservoir

    1. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

    2. Reservoir Fill Cap

    3. Retaining Ring

    4. Filter Top Plate

    5. Gasket

    6. Filter

    Fig. 2, 4-Quart Reservoir

    6. Note: Always replace the power steering reservoir filter when changing the fluid.

  6. Remove the power steering filter. It may be necessary to wiggle the filter to remove it from its base. Do not use pliers to aid in removal of the filter; pliers could cause metal chips to enter the steering system.
  7. Clean the inside of the reservoir using a lint-free cloth.
  8. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support it with jack stands.
  9. Place the disconnected end of the steering gear-to-reservoir hose in a drain pan.

    10. Important: Do not start the engine while draining the system.

  10. Have someone turn the steering wheel to full lock left and right several times until clean power steering fluid flows from the hose into the drain pan. Add fluid to the reservoir as needed.
  11. Once clean fluid comes out of the hose, remove the plug from the reservoir and reconnect the steering gear-to-reservoir hose to the reservoir.
  12. Install a new power steering filter in the reservoir.
  13. Inspect the reservoir cover and gasket for any damage. Replace the reservoir cover or gasket if needed.
  14. Install the reservoir cover.
    For the 1.6- and 2-quart reservoir, install the cover and hand-tighten.
    For the 4-quart reservoir, install the gasket, filter top plate, and retaining ring, then hand-tighten the retaining ring.
  15. Fill the power steering reservoir with Dexron III.
    Fill the 1.6- and 2-quart reservoir to the MAX COLD mark.
    Fill the 4-quart reservoir to the mark between the MIN COLD and MAX HOT marks.

    16. Important: Do not allow the reservoir to empty and pull air into the power steering system.

  16. Start the engine and let it idle for about 15 seconds, then check the reservoir and add fluid as needed.
    Since the power steering lines were drained, this will need to be done several times before the reservoir will remain full.
  17. Start the engine and operate it at idle. Turn the steering wheel to full lock left and right to adjust the fluid level and remove any air from the power steering pump and gear. Recheck the fluid level. Add fluid as needed. The system is properly bled when the steering pump does not labor when turning the wheel.
  18. Remove the jackstands and lower the vehicle.
Note:
Parent topic: Steering
Document Number: 0000120881
Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-23
Topic Publication Date: 2024-11-13