Power Steering System Flushing

Power Steering System Flushing


Important: Do not reuse drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.


1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair) .
2. Place a large suitable container under the power steering fluid reservoir inlet connection in order to collect draining fluid.
3. Clean the area surrounding the fluid reservoir cap.




4. Release the power steering fluid reservoir inlet pipe/hose spring clamp (2) and disconnect the power steering fluid reservoir inlet pipe/hose (3) from the power steering fluid reservoir (1).
5. Plug the power steering fluid reservoir (1).

Important:
* This step may require 4 L (3.5 qt) of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear.

* Do not allow the power steering fluid level in the fluid reservoir to drop below MAX while the engine is running.

* Use approved new power steering fluid from a sealed container. For fluid specifications refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations ([1][2]Fluid Type Specifications) .



6. Run the engine at idle while maintaining the fluid level at MAX in the reservoir, until the fluid draining from the power steering fluid reservoir Inlet hose is clean and free from debris.
7. Turn the engine OFF.




8. Remove the plug from power steering fluid reservoir.
9. Release the power steering fluid reservoir inlet pipe/hose spring clamp (2) and connect the power steering fluid reservoir inlet pipe/hose (3) to the power steering fluid reservoir (1).
10. Remove the container.
11. Check the power steering fluid. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid) .
12. Run the engine at idle for approximately 15 minutes.
13. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:

* Milky fluid - water
* Brown fluid - burnt
* Plastic debris or dirt chunks

14. If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 3 - 12.
15. Clean any spilt fluid.
16. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding (Service and Repair) .