Power Steering Reservoir

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the power steering fluid reservoir on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 L83 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering reservoir × 1 — GM 20864207 or equivalent
• Power steering reservoir cap with integral filter × 1 — Included with reservoir assembly
• Reservoir mounting bracket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ACDelco Power Steering Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and turn ignition off
4. Place fluid catch pan beneath power steering reservoir area
5. Remove as much fluid as possible from reservoir using turkey baster or fluid pump to minimize spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the power steering reservoir
   Locate the power steering reservoir on the driver side of the engine compartment, mounted to the inner fender well near the battery. The reservoir is a translucent plastic container with a black cap. Remove the engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on the cover to release the retaining grommets.
2. 2

   Disconnect the reservoir cap and filter
   Remove the reservoir cap by turning counterclockwise. The cap contains an integral filter screen. Inspect the cap filter for debris or damage. Set the cap aside if reusable, or discard if replacing the complete reservoir assembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect the return hose
   Locate the power steering return hose (lower hose) connected to the bottom of the reservoir. Using hose clamp pliers, compress and slide the spring clamp back along the hose away from the reservoir fitting. Twist and pull the hose from the reservoir nipple. Allow fluid to drain into the catch pan. Have shop towels ready to contain spillage.
4. 4

   Disconnect the pressure line
   Locate the high-pressure line fitting on the side of the reservoir. Using a 13mm wrench, loosen and remove the threaded pressure line fitting from the reservoir. Be prepared for additional fluid release. Inspect the O-ring on the pressure line for damage and replace if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove reservoir mounting fasteners
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the two mounting bolts securing the reservoir bracket to the inner fender well. Support the reservoir while removing the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the reservoir assembly
   Lift the reservoir and bracket assembly upward and out of the engine compartment. Tilt as needed to navigate around surrounding components. Drain any remaining fluid from the reservoir into the catch pan. Inspect the mounting bracket for cracks or damage and replace if necessary.
7. 7

   Install the new reservoir
   Position the new reservoir and bracket assembly into the mounting location on the inner fender well. Align the mounting holes with the threaded inserts in the fender. Install both mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect the pressure line
   Install a new O-ring on the pressure line fitting if not already done. Thread the pressure line fitting into the reservoir by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten the fitting to specification using a 13mm wrench and torque wrench.
   ℹ️Always use a new O-ring on the pressure line fitting to prevent leaks.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect the return hose
   Push the power steering return hose fully onto the reservoir nipple until it seats against the shoulder. Slide the spring clamp forward over the connection point using hose clamp pliers. Ensure the clamp is positioned properly over the hose bead area to prevent leaks.
10. 10

    Fill and bleed the power steering system
    Install the reservoir cap. Fill the reservoir to the FULL COLD mark with ACDelco Power Steering Fluid. Start the engine and allow to idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock 3-4 times without holding at full lock. Check fluid level and add as needed. Continue running engine and cycling steering until fluid level stabilizes and no bubbles appear in the reservoir. Top off fluid to FULL COLD mark.
    ⚠Do not hold steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds to avoid damaging the power steering pump.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover if equipped by aligning grommets and pressing down firmly
2. Wipe down any spilled power steering fluid from engine compartment and fender surfaces
3. Dispose of old power steering fluid according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• With engine running, verify no leaks at reservoir connections, pressure line fitting, or return hose
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation without noise or binding
• Check fluid level with engine at operating temperature - should be at FULL HOT mark
• Verify reservoir cap is tight and properly seated
• Test drive vehicle and verify power steering assist is functioning normally with no whining or groaning sounds

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle