Flushing the Power Steering System
Flushing the Power Steering System1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle off the ground in order to remove the weight of the vehicle from the front tires. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the power steering gear outlet hose from the reservoir (4).
3. Position the power steering gear outlet hose toward a drain pan or suitable container in order to catch the draining fluid.
4. Drain the power steering fluid.
Notice: Refer to Notice - Using Proper Power Steering Fluid When Adding in Service Precautions.
5. Fill power steering reservoir with new DEXRON(R)-III Automatic Transmission Fluid, GM P/N 12346143, or equivalent.
6. Start and run engine at 1,000 RPM. After one or two seconds, power steering fluid will begin to discharge from the power steering gear outlet hose. Stop the engine immediately.
7. Ensure that some fluid remains in the power steering reservoir.
Notice: Refer to Notice - Installing Hoses Without Twists or Bends in Service Precautions.
8. Connect the power steering gear outlet hose to the reservoir.
9. Start the engine.
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.
10. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop.
11. Maintain the power steering fluid level with the engine idling.
12. Shut engine off.
Notice: Refer to Notice - Air In The Steering System in Service Precautions.
13. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System.
14. Lower the vehicle.