Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• new power steering fluid
• drain pan
• socket set
• rubber gloves (used in the video is Permatex Black 5 mil Nitrile Disposable Gloves #08184)
• ramps or jack and jack/axle stands
• rags
• funnel
• seal/gasket for drain plug

Procedure:

• when opening the reservoir, older fluid may appear to be a darker color and can also smell burnt
• fresh fluid is normally a bright red, but this will depend between manufacturers as I have seen some green as well
• first you will need to determine what type of fluid your vehicle takes along with the capacity of the system
• ensure the vehicle has reach operating temperature so the fluid will drain easier
• elevate the vehicle safely, either by jacking up your vehicle and using axle stands or with the use of ramps
• located the drain plug and clean the area around the plug
• place a drain under the area and then remove it using the required tools
• for this vehicle, an allen head socket is required
• sometimes you maybe required to loosen the power steering reservoir cap to allow air into the system for draining
• I would recommend wearing rubber gloves for this procedure as it allows for easy clean up, especially when we'll need to operate the steering wheel in a moment
• DO NOT start the engine when replacing the fluid to push fluid out of the system
• depending on the design of your system, you maybe required to elevate the rear of your vehicle so it sits somewhat level
• carefully turn out steering from lock to lock right and left which will help push the remaining fluid out of the system
• next taking a look inside the reservoir, most vehicles are equipped with a filter
• filters can be cleaned, replaced, or left as is
• before reinstalling the drain plug, they normally are equipped with some form of a gasket which will need to be replaced or can be reused
• replace the gasket if needed, if reusable, inspect for any damage and replace if it is damaged
• wipe off both the plug and sealing surface where the drain plug is installed
• reinstall the drain plug and torque to the correct specifications
• refill the system with the new fluid with the engine off
• you will notice bubbling in the reservoir which is perfectly normal
• with the engine off, turn the steering to full lock right and left which will push air from the system
• keep an eye on the fluid and add when needed
• continue this until the fluid level has stopped dropping
• DO NOT drive the vehicle without bleeding the system as you do risk damaging the pump, but it can be removed off the ramps or from being elevated
• with the engine running, leave the cap on but loose just to prevent any fluid from bubbling out
• turn the steering from lock to lock right and left about four times each way or until all the air has been bleed out of the system
• some vehicles may require more than a few times
• keep an eye on the fluid and add when needed
• you will notice the fluid cavitating which is perfectly normal
• this will eventually disappear once the air is gone and may take a few minutes
• turn the wheel, it should turn smoothly each way, and the pump should not whine if it's still in good condition