Flushing the Power Steering System

Notice: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.

1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle off the ground until the front wheels are free to turn. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Siphon the power steering fluid from the power steering reservoir.





3. Disconnect the power steering return hose from the power steering pump.
4. Plug the power steering return hose port.
5. Position the power steering return hose toward a large container to catch the draining fluid.
6. Start and run the engine at an idle while an assistant fills the power steering fluid reservoir with DEXRON(R) III automatic transmission fluid, GM P/N 12346143 or equivalent.
7. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop.

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.

8. Continue draining to clear all the old power steering fluid from the power steering system.
9. Inspect the draining power steering fluid until clear.
10. Turn the engine off.
11. Remove the plug from the power steering return hose port.

Important: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid.

12. Connect the power steering return hose to the power steering pump.
13. Fill the power steering system. Refer to Refilling the Power Steering System
14. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System.
15. Inspect the power steering system for leaks. Refer to Steering and Suspension Leaks