Flushing Power Steering System

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

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
3. Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to collect the draining fluid.
4. Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump reservoir inlet connection.
5. Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering pump.

   Important: 

   • This step may require 4 L (4 qt) of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear.
   • Do not run the engine without the power steering fluid level at FULL COLD.
6. Run the engine at idle while an assistant maintains the fluid level at FULL COLD in the reservoir using new approved power steering fluid.
7. Turn off the engine.
8. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
9. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
10. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
11. Maintain the fluid level at FULL COLD.
12. Operate the engine at idle for approximately 15 minutes.
13. Repeat steps 3-5.
14. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:
    • Milky fluid - water
    • Brown fluid - burnt
    • Plastic debris or dirt chunks
15. If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 6-12 in order to complete a third flush.
16. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
17. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
18. Clean any spilled fluid.
19. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to BLEEDING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM