Changing the Power Steering Fluid and Filter

cen 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, and remove the steering gear-to-reservoir return hose at the reservoir. Drain the power steering fluid into the drain pan and dispose of the fluid properly. Plug the return line fitting on the reservoir.
  3. Use the following procedure for Century Class Conventionals. For Argosy COEs, go to the next step.
    1. Use one hand to apply downward pressure to the power steering reservoir cover. Remove the flanged nut and rubber washer. See Fig.. Remove the cover.

      1. Vented Fill Cap and Dipstick

      2. Flanged Nut

      3. Rubber Washer

      4. Reservoir Cover

      5. Filter Spring

      6. Filter Top Plate

      7. Reservoir Filter

      8. Threaded Shaft

      9. Power Steering Reservoir

      Fig. 1, Power Steering Reservoir and Filter, Century Class Conventional

      Note: Always replace the power steering reservoir filter when changing the fluid.
      1. Lift out the filter spring and the filter top plate, then remove the 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. Clean the inside of the reservoir using a lint-free cloth.

        Important: Do not start the engine while draining the system.
        1. Place the disconnected end of the steering gear-to-reservoir hose in the drain pan. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support it with jack stands. Have someone turn the steering wheel to full lock left and right. Capture the fluid flowing from the hose in the drain pan. Add fluid to the reservoir, as needed. When clean power steering fluid flows from the hose, remove the plug from the reservoir and reconnect the steering gear-to-reservoir hose to the reservoir. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
        2. With the larger opening at the top, install a new filter in the reservoir. Install the filter top plate so its center fits into the opening at the top of the filter. Install the filter spring.
        3. Clean the reservoir cover and O-ring seal. Inspect the O-ring and the cover for cracks, deformities, or damage. Replace the O-ring seal or cover as needed.
        4. Install the reservoir cover over the threaded shaft. Apply a slight downward pressure while installing the rubber washer and the flanged nut. Tighten the nut until it is snug.
      2. Use the following procedure for Argosy COEs.
        1. Remove the clamp that holds the cover on the reservoir. See Fig.. Remove the cover.

          1. Fill Cap

          2. Filter Spring

          3. Filter Top Plate

          4. Clamp

          5. Filter

          6. Reservoir Cover

          Fig. 2, Power Steering Reservoir and Filter, Argosy COE

          Note: Always replace the power steering reservoir filter when changing the fluid.
          1. Lift out the filter spring and the filter top plate, then remove the 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. Clean the inside of the reservoir using a lint-free cloth.

            Important: Do not start the engine while draining the system.
            1. Place the disconnected end of the steering gear-to-reservoir hose in the drain pan. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support it with jack stands. Have someone turn the steering wheel to full lock left and right. Capture the fluid flowing from the hose in the drain pan. Add fluid to the reservoir as needed. When clean power steering fluid flows from the hose, remove the plug from the reservoir and reconnect the steering gear-to-reservoir hose to the reservoir. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
            2. Install a new filter into the reservoir. Install the filter spring and the filter top plate.
            3. Clean the reservoir cover and O-ring seal. Inspect the O-ring and the cover for cracks, deformities, or damage. Replace the O-ring seal or cover as needed.
            4. Install the reservoir cover and the clamp. Tighten the clamp 25 lbf·in (280 N·cm).
          2. Using ATF fluid that meets Dexron III or TES-389 specifications, fill the power steering reservoir with approved power steering fluid to the FULL COLD mark.
          3. 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 existing 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.
          4. Check for leaks in the power steering system, and repair as needed. Top off the power steering fluid level as needed.
          Note:
          Parent topic: Steering
          Document Number: 0000122428
          Manual Publication Date: 2025-02-11
          Topic Publication Date: 2024-06-04