Power Steering Fluid Flush

This procedure drains the old power steering fluid from the system and refills it with fresh ATF+4 to maintain optimal hydraulic performance and prevent component wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Fluids

• ATF+4 — 3 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Allow engine to cool to ambient temperature if recently driven.
4. Raise front of vehicle with jack and support securely on jack stands under front jacking points.
5. Verify vehicle stability before working underneath.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and access power steering reservoir
   Open hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir on the driver side of the engine bay, mounted near the firewall above the steering gear. The reservoir is a translucent plastic tank with a black screw-on cap labeled with power steering fluid specifications. Clean any debris from around the cap before removing it.
2. 2

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Remove the reservoir cap by turning counterclockwise. Using a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, extract as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Transfer the old fluid to a drain pan. Continue extracting until the reservoir is as empty as practical. The reservoir itself holds only a small volume; you will be able to extract a limited amount from the reservoir at this stage. Confirm total system fluid capacity against the factory service manual.
3. 3

   Prepare for system circulation
   With the reservoir still empty or nearly empty, locate the power steering return line where it enters the bottom of the reservoir. This is a low-pressure rubber hose secured with a spring clamp. Position the drain pan directly under the reservoir area to catch fluid during the next steps.
4. 4

   Flush system through steering lock-to-lock cycles
   Fill the reservoir with fresh fluid to the cold fill line. The most effective flush method for this hydraulic system uses the engine-running procedure in the following step; extract old fluid from the reservoir with the baster, refill, then use short engine-running cycles to circulate and displace old fluid. Repeat extraction and refill until returning fluid matches the color of fresh fluid. Monitor the fluid level and color in the reservoir. As old fluid returns, the level will rise and the fluid will appear darker. Use the turkey baster to remove the contaminated fluid and refill with fresh ATF+4. Repeat this cycle until the fluid returning to the reservoir appears clean and matches the color of fresh ATF+4.
5. 5

   Perform engine-running flush
   Fill the reservoir to the cold fill line with fresh ATF+4. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Immediately begin turning the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while monitoring the reservoir fluid level. Keep the engine running for no more than 15-20 seconds during this initial cycle. Stop the engine, check the fluid level, and top off as needed. The fluid level will drop as air purges from the system. Repeat this process 3-4 times, allowing the engine to cool for 30 seconds between each cycle, until the fluid level stabilizes and no air bubbles are visible in the reservoir.
6. 6

   Bleed air from system
   With the reservoir filled to the cold line, start the engine and let it idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 5-6 times, pausing for 2-3 seconds at each lock position. Watch for air bubbles rising in the reservoir. Stop the engine and check the fluid level. If bubbles are still present, repeat the process. Continue until no bubbles appear and the fluid remains at a consistent level. This indicates the system is fully bled.
7. 7

   Final fluid level adjustment
   With the engine at operating temperature (after the bleeding process), turn the steering wheel lock to lock one final time. Stop the engine and immediately check the fluid level. The hot fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir. Add ATF+4 as needed to bring the level to the proper hot fill range. Do not overfill, as fluid expands when hot and can be forced past seals.

Reassembly

1. Securely install the reservoir cap by turning clockwise until tight.
2. Wipe down any spilled fluid from the reservoir, engine bay, and steering components.
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands to the ground.
4. Remove wheel chocks.
5. Dispose of used power steering fluid according to local regulations for petroleum products.

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no leaks around the reservoir, cap, or any steering system connections.
• Turn the steering wheel lock to lock several times while stationary and verify smooth operation with no whining or groaning noises from the pump.
• Drive the vehicle at low speed and verify normal power steering assist in both directions.
• After a short test drive, recheck the fluid level with the engine warm and top off if needed to the hot fill range.
• Verify the fluid in the reservoir is clear red ATF+4 color with no foaming or discoloration.

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