Power Steering Service

Drain and replace power steering fluid in the rack-and-pinion system, including filter replacement if equipped, to maintain steering system performance and prevent component wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering fluid or ATF+3 × 1 — Mopar ATF+3 or equivalent

Fluids

• power_steering — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove front wheels to improve access to steering components
6. Clean area around power steering reservoir cap to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate power steering reservoir
   The power steering reservoir is mounted on the driver side of the engine bay, near the front of the engine. It is a translucent plastic tank with a screw-on cap and fluid level markings on the side. Identify the reservoir and check the current fluid level and condition.
2. 2

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Remove the reservoir cap by turning counterclockwise. Use a turkey baster or fluid extraction pump to remove as much fluid as possible from the reservoir. Transfer the old fluid to a drain pan. Continue extracting until the reservoir is as empty as practical (some fluid will remain in the bottom).
3. 3

   Disconnect return hose
   Locate the low-pressure return hose connected to the bottom or side of the reservoir. This is the hose that returns fluid from the steering gear back to the reservoir (not the high-pressure line from the pump). Place a drain pan under the connection point. Loosen the hose clamp and carefully disconnect the return hose from the reservoir. Allow remaining fluid to drain into the pan.
4. 4

   Drain system through return line
   With the return hose disconnected and directed into the drain pan, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times. This will push fluid from the steering gear and lines through the return line into the drain pan. Do NOT start the engine. Continue turning the wheel until minimal fluid flows from the return line. The system will not drain completely but this removes the majority of old fluid.
5. 5

   Reconnect return hose
   Inspect the return hose for cracks, swelling, or damage. Replace if compromised. Reconnect the return hose to the reservoir fitting and secure with the hose clamp. Ensure the connection is tight to prevent air leaks which will cause fluid aeration and poor steering performance.
6. 6

   Refill reservoir with fresh fluid
   Using a funnel, pour fresh power steering fluid meeting the factory-specified requirement into the reservoir until it reaches the FULL COLD mark on the reservoir side. Add fluid as needed, monitoring the level as you fill, referencing the factory service manual for correct system capacity. Do not overfill as fluid will expand when heated during operation.
7. 7

   Bleed air from system
   With the reservoir filled, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10-15 times without starting the engine. This pushes fluid through the system and helps remove trapped air. Check the reservoir level frequently and add fluid as needed to maintain the FULL COLD mark. The fluid level will drop as it fills the system.
8. 8

   Start engine and complete bleeding
   Start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 3-4 times while the engine is running. The fluid will become aerated and frothy initially - this is normal. Check the reservoir level and top off as needed. Continue running the engine and turning the wheel until the fluid level stabilizes and air bubbles dissipate. This typically takes 2-3 minutes of operation.
   ⚠Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 2-3 seconds as this creates excessive pressure and heat in the system.
9. 9

   Check for leaks and proper level
   With the engine running, inspect all connections including the return hose, pressure line fittings, and pump for any signs of fluid leakage. Turn the steering wheel again to verify smooth operation without noise. Shut off the engine and check the fluid level with the engine hot - it should be at or slightly below the FULL HOT mark. Add fluid if necessary.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern, then torque to the factory-specified value from the service manual. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure reservoir cap is securely tightened to prevent contamination
2. Verify all hose connections are tight and clamps are properly secured
3. Wipe up any spilled power steering fluid from engine bay and chassis components

Verification

• Check power steering fluid level with engine at operating temperature - should be at FULL HOT mark
• Start engine and verify no unusual noises from power steering pump or steering gear
• Turn steering wheel lock to lock and confirm smooth operation without binding or noise
• Inspect all connections for leaks with engine running and steering wheel turned
• Test drive vehicle to verify normal steering feel and response
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if needed

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