Power Steering Service

Drain and refill the power steering system on the 2005 Dodge Viper, including filter replacement if equipped and system bleeding to ensure proper operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering reservoir cap O-ring (if damaged) × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn

Fluids

• ATF+4 (power steering) — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
3. Locate the power steering reservoir on the driver's side of the engine bay, mounted near the firewall
4. Place drain pan and shop rags under the work area to catch spills
5. Have approximately 2 quarts of ATF+4 available (system capacity is 1.5 quarts but extra is needed for flushing)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Old Fluid from Reservoir
   Remove the power steering reservoir cap. Using a turkey baster or fluid evacuator pump, remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Transfer the old fluid to a drain pan. Continue until the reservoir is as empty as practical using this method.
2. 2

   Disconnect Return Hose
   Locate the low-pressure return hose connected to the bottom of the power steering reservoir. This is the smaller diameter hose compared to the high-pressure line. Loosen the hose clamp and carefully disconnect the return hose from the reservoir. Direct the hose end into the drain pan and allow remaining fluid to drain. Plug the reservoir outlet with a clean rag to prevent dripping.
3. 3

   Flush Remaining Fluid
   Remove the rag from the reservoir outlet. Have an assistant slowly pour fresh Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4 (MS-5931) into the reservoir while you monitor the return hose draining into the pan. Continue pouring until the fluid coming out of the return hose runs clear and fresh (approximately 1 quart). This flushes old contaminated fluid from the system. Do NOT start the engine during this process.
4. 4

   Reconnect Return Hose
   Wipe the reservoir outlet and return hose fitting clean with a shop rag. Reconnect the return hose to the reservoir and secure the hose clamp firmly. Ensure the clamp is positioned properly over the barbed fitting.
5. 5

   Fill Reservoir to Cold Mark
   Using a funnel, fill the power steering reservoir with fresh Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4 (MS-5931) to the COLD or MIN mark on the reservoir. Do not overfill. Install the reservoir cap finger-tight. Inspect the cap O-ring and replace if cracked or damaged.
6. 6

   Bleed System - Initial Lock-to-Lock
   Without starting the engine, turn the steering wheel slowly from full left lock to full right lock 10 times. This cycles fluid through the system and begins removing air. Check the reservoir level after every 5 cycles and top off as needed. The level will drop as fluid fills the system.
7. 7

   Bleed System - Engine Running
   Start the engine and let it idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 5 times while the engine idles. Monitor the reservoir and top off with Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4 (MS-5931) as the level drops. Watch for air bubbles in the reservoir - they should decrease with each cycle. Do not hold the steering at full lock for more than 2-3 seconds to avoid overheating the pump.
8. 8

   Final Fill and Check
   With the engine running and wheels straight, check the fluid level in the reservoir. Add Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4 (MS-5931) to bring the level to the HOT or MAX mark. Turn the engine off. Check for leaks at the return hose connection and around the reservoir cap. Wipe away any spilled fluid from the engine bay components.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is completed during the procedure steps
2. Ensure all hose connections are secure and clamps are properly tightened
3. Verify reservoir cap is installed and sealed

Verification

• Start the engine and verify smooth power steering operation with no unusual noises
• Turn the steering wheel through full range of motion - there should be no whining, groaning, or grinding sounds
• Check fluid level with engine at operating temperature - should be at HOT/MAX mark
• Inspect for leaks at all connections after test drive
• Steering effort should be consistent and light with no binding or resistance
• Recheck fluid level after first drive cycle - top off if necessary as residual air purges from the system

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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