Power Steering Service

This procedure covers draining and refilling the power steering system with fresh ATF+4 fluid to maintain proper steering function and prevent premature pump wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering reservoir cap seal × 1 — Use OEM specification if deteriorated

Fluids

• ATF+4 — 2.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Have drain pan and clean rags ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Access power steering reservoir
   Open hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir on the driver side of the engine bay, near the firewall. Remove the reservoir cap and inspect the cap seal for cracks or deterioration.
2. 2

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Using a fluid transfer pump or turkey baster, remove as much old power steering fluid (Mopar PS fluid meeting MS-10838) as possible from the reservoir. Transfer the old fluid to a drain pan. Remove fluid until the reservoir is as empty as possible.
3. 3

   Raise front of vehicle
   Safely raise the front of the vehicle using a jack and support on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Both front wheels should be off the ground to allow free rotation of the steering system.
4. 4

   Fill reservoir with fresh fluid
   Using a funnel, pour fresh power steering fluid (Mopar PS fluid meeting MS-10838) into the power steering reservoir until it reaches the FULL COLD mark on the reservoir/dipstick. Do not overfill.
5. 5

   Cycle steering system - initial
   Without starting the engine, rotate the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock (full left to full right) 10-15 times. This pushes old fluid from the steering gear and lines back to the reservoir. Check reservoir level frequently and top off as needed.
6. 6

   Remove additional old fluid
   Use the transfer pump or turkey baster to remove the now-contaminated fluid from the reservoir that has returned from the system. Refill with fresh power steering fluid (Mopar PS fluid meeting MS-10838) to the FULL COLD mark.
7. 7

   Start engine and cycle steering
   Start the engine and allow it to idle. Slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 5-10 times, pausing just short of each lock for 2-3 seconds (avoid holding against the hard stops). Monitor reservoir level and top off as needed. Watch for air bubbles in the fluid.
8. 8

   Check for leaks and proper level
   With engine running, inspect all power steering hose connections, pump, and steering gear for leaks. Check the fluid level with engine at idle and add power steering fluid (Mopar PS fluid meeting MS-10838) if needed to bring level to the FULL HOT mark on the reservoir/dipstick.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and final check
   Shut off engine. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove stands. Start engine and turn steering wheel lock to lock several times on the ground. Recheck fluid level and top off with power steering fluid (Mopar PS fluid meeting MS-10838) to the FULL HOT mark if necessary. Install reservoir cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Ensure power steering reservoir cap is installed securely with seal properly seated
2. Wipe any spilled fluid from engine bay components and painted surfaces
3. Dispose of used ATF+4 fluid properly at a recycling center

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth, quiet power steering operation with no whining or groaning noises
• Turn steering wheel lock to lock and confirm no unusual resistance or noise
• Check fluid level with engine at operating temperature - should be at FULL HOT mark
• Inspect all connections for leaks after test drive
• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly after turns

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