Power Steering Fluid

Filling & Bleeding

System Bleeding

CAUTION
Premature power steering pump failure may occur if the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly. The condition can result on pre-delivery vehicles with signs of aerated fluid or vehicles that have had repairs to the steering components.

NOTE: Air in the system can cause a whine heard from the power steering pump. The power steering bleed procedure must be done before repairing any components because of power steering noise accompanied by signs of aerated fluid.

1. Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap and check the fluid.
2. Raise the front wheels off the floor in a safe and secure manner.
3. Insert the stopper of the vacuum pump into the reservoir tightly.
4. Start the engine.
5. Install the vacuum pump, apply the vacuum and maintain the maximum vacuum of 20-25 in-Hg (68-85 kPa).
6. If equipped with Hydro-Boost®, apply the brake pedal twice.

   CAUTION
   Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time because the power steering pump can be damaged as a result.

7. Cycle the steering wheel completely from stop-to-stop 10 times.
8. Stop the engine.
9. Release the vacuum and remove the vacuum pump.

   CAUTION
   Be careful not to overfill the reservoir.

10. Fill the reservoir with the correct transmission fluid.
11. Start the engine.
12. Install the vacuum pump. Apply and maintain the maximum vacuum of 20-25 in-Hg (68-85 kPa).

    CAUTION
    Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time because the power steering pump can be damaged as a result.

13. Cycle the steering wheel completely from stop-to-stop 10 times.
14. Stop the engine, release the vacuum and remove the vacuum pump.

    CAUTION
    Be careful not to overfill the reservoir.

15. Fill the reservoir to the correct level and install the reservoir cap.
16. Examine the power steering system for leaks.

    CAUTION
    Be careful not to overfill the reservoir.

17. Fill the reservoir to the correct level and examine the power steering system for leaks.
18. Install the reservoir cap.

System Filling

CAUTION
If the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly, premature power steering pump failure can result. The condition can occur on pre-delivery vehicles with evidence of aerated fluid or on vehicles that have had steering component repairs.

1. Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap then install the evacuation cap to the power steering pump reservoir tightly.
2. Install the hose from the fill adapter manifold tee to the evacuation cap on the power steering pump reservoir.
3. Install the vacuum pump to the fill adapter manifold control valve.
4. Install the hose to the other fill adapter manifold control valve and submerge the hose’s open end into a container of new power steering fluid.

   NOTE: When the points of the handles face the center of the fill adapter manifold, the fill adapter manifold control valves are in the open position.

5. Close the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container.
6. Open the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the vacuum pump.
7. Use the vacuum pump to apply 20-25 in-Hg (68-85 kPa) of vacuum to the power steering system.
8. Examine the vacuum gauge for 30 seconds.
9. If the vacuum gauge reading drops more than 0.88 in-Hg (3 kPa), fix any leaks in the power steering system or the filling tools before continuing with this procedure.

   NOTE: The vacuum pump gauge reading will drop slightly during this step.

10. Slowly open the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container until power steering fluid fills the hose completely.
11. Close the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container.
12. Use the vacuum pump to apply 20-25 in-Hg (68-85 kPa) of vacuum to the power steering system.
13. Close the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the vacuum pump.
14. Slowly open the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container.
15. When the power steering fluid has drained from the hose connected to the power steering fluid container, close the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container.
16. Remove the tools from the vehicle.
17. Install the power steering reservoir cap.

    CAUTION
    Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time because the power steering pump can be damaged as a result.

    NOTE: There will be a small drop in the level of power steering fluid in the reservoir once the engine is started.

18. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.
19. If equipped with Hydro-Boost®, apply the brake pedal twice.
20. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

    CAUTION
    Be careful not to overfill the reservoir.

21. Remove the power steering reservoir cap and fill the reservoir to the correct level with the correct fluid then replace the cap.