Draining the Power Steering System

The power steering fluid replacement procedure includes the following two stages:
- Flushing the old power steering fluid from the power steering system with new power steering fluid.
- Bleeding the power steering system in order to remove any trapped air.

1. Raise the front of the vehicle off of the ground. Ensure that the front wheels are free to turn. Refer to Vehicle Lift Points.
2. Remove the power steering return hose from the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement (3.1L) or Power Steering Return Hose Replacement (3.8L).
3. Plug the power steering return hose port on the power steering pump reservoir.
4. Position the power steering return hose toward a large container in order to contain the draining power steering fluid.
5. Start the engine.
6. Run the engine at idle.
7. Have an assistant simultaneously fill the power steering pump reservoir with either of the following power steering fluids:
7.1. A standard power steering fluid:
- .47 L (16 oz) of GM P/N 1052884
- .95 L (32 oz) of GM P/N 1050017
7.2. A cold climate power steering fluid:
- .47 L (16 oz) of GM P/N 12345866
- .95 L (32 oz) of GM P/N 12345867
8. Turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop. Ensure that all of the old power steering fluid is cleared from the power steering system.

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.

9. Add approximately 0.95 L (1 quart) of fluid in order to flush the power steering system.
10. Unplug the power steering return hose port on the power steering pump reservoir.
11. Reconnect the power steering return hose. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement (3.1L) or Power Steering Return Hose Replacement (3.8L).
12. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
13. Fill the power steering system. Refer to Refilling the Power Steering System
14. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding Power Steering System.