Steering: Service and Repair

Flushing is required when the power steering system fluid has become contaminated. Contaminated fluid in the steering system can cause seal deterioration and affect steering gear spool valve operation.
1. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the wheels are free to turn.
2. Remove the return line from the pump.
3. Plug the return line port on the pump.
4. Position the return line into a large container to catch the draining fluid.
5. While an assistant is filling the pump reservoir with fresh power steering fluid, start the engine. DO NOT reuse any drained power steering fluid.
6. With the engine running at idle turn the wheel back and forth.

NOTE: Do not contact or hold the wheel against the steering stops.

7. Run approximately a quart of fluid through the system, then stop the engine and install the return line back on the pump.
8. Fill the system with fresh fluid and perform the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation procedure.
9. Start the engine and allow it to run for fifteen minutes, then stop the engine.
10. Remove the return line from the pump and plug the port on the pump.
11. Pour fresh fluid into the reservoir and check the fluid draining from the return line for contamination. If the fluid is still contaminated, disassemble and clean the power steering components, then repeat the system Rush again.
12. Install the return line back on the pump, then perform the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation procedure.