Changing the Power Steering Reservoir Fluid and Filter

sb mm 46.05.001
  1. Remove the dipstick, 3/8–16 hexnut, and cover. See Fig..
  2. Drain the power steering reservoir by disconnecting the power steering hydroboost hose from the reservoir. Keep the hose in an upright position to prevent drainage of fluid.
  3. Catch the fluid from the reservoir in a drain bucket, then cap the reservoir port.
  4. Lift out the spring and filter element.
  5. Thoroughly clean the reservoir with a lint-free cloth.
  6. Install a new filter element, and position the spring on top of the filter element.
  7. Fill the reservoir with approved power steering fluid, see Table..

    8. Warning: Fill only with approved clean fluid. Do not mix fluid types. Any mixture or any unapproved fluid could lead to seal deterioration and leaks. Fluid leakage could cause loss of power steering assist, possibly resulting in personal injury and property damage.

  8. Place the disconnected end of the steering hydroboost hose in a drain bucket. Do not start the engine while draining the system. 
  9. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support it with jack stands.
  10. Have someone turn the steering wheel to full lock left and right, and capture the fluid flowing from the hose in the drain bucket. Add fluid to the reservoir, as needed.
  11. Continue turning the steering wheel until clean power steering fluid flows from the hose into the drain bucket.
  12. Remove the plug from the reservoir and reconnect the steering gear-to-reservoir hose to the reservoir.
  13. Tighten the hose fitting nut finger-tight, then with a wrench, tighten until there is firm resistance. Tighten one-sixth turn more. Do not overtighten.
    Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
  14. Fill the reservoir with approved fluid, as needed. Start the engine and let it idle. Have someone turn the steering wheel from lock to lock until no bubbles are seen in the reservoir. Turn off the engine.
  15. Install a new cover gasket, the cover, and the 3/8–16 hexnut. Tighten the hexnut 28 lbf·ft (38 N·m). Install the dipstick.
  16. Start the engine and check the power steering reservoir fluid level. If the fluid level is low, add more of the approved fluid to bring the level up to the full mark on the dipstick.

    1. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

    2. Steering Gear

    Fig. 1, Power Steering Reservoir

    Table 1, Approved Power Steering Fluid

    Approved Power Steering Fluid

    Fluid Type

    Approved Fluid

    Automatic Transmission Fluid

    Dexron III or equivalent1

    1. Use the same lubricant when assembling parts as is used in the power steering system. See the Warning above.

    Table 1, Approved Power Steering Fluid

Note:
Parent topic: Steering
Document Number: 0000120365
Manual Publication Date: 2025-01-08
Topic Publication Date: 2024-11-18