One of the most common car repairs is to remove excess power steering fluid. This is because over time, power steering fluid can build up in the system and will cause the steering to become difficult and erratic. In this article, we are going to teach you how to remove excess power steering fluid safely and efficiently using a few simple steps.
Identification of the Issue
If you are experiencing excessive power steering fluid usage, it is important to identify the issue. If the cause is a problem with the power steering pump, then the only option is to replace it. If the issue is due to a leak or overflow from the system, a few simple repairs may be all that is necessary.
One common symptom of an issue with the power steering pump is a loss of power. If the pump is not able to deliver enough fluid to the system, the car will struggle to turn properly. Other symptoms may include:
• Vague and difficult steering
• Reduced engine power
• A “dead” feeling when turning the wheel
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is important to seek out professional help. A failing power steering pump can lead to serious problems, including accidents.
Procedure for Removing Excess Power Steering Fluid
If you find that your power steering is sluggish or difficult to turn, it may be time to flush and/or replace the power steering fluid. Follow these simple steps to remove excess power steering fluid:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Disconnect the battery cables.
4. Open the hood and remove the cap from the power steering fluid reservoir.
5. Pour a quart of power steering fluid into the reservoir through the cap.
6. Replace the cap and tighten it with a Phillips head screwdriver.
7. Connect the battery cables and turn on the engine.
8. Drive the vehicle around for a few minutes to distribute the fluid properly throughout the system.
Results of the Removal
If you have a 2010-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it is likely that you will need to remove excess power steering fluid. This is due to the fact that the power steering system has been updated and now uses a different type of fluid. If you are not sure if you need to do this, please read our article on how to determine if your Jeep needs this service.
Once you have determined that your Jeep needs to remove excess power steering fluid, there are a few steps that need to be taken in order to complete the job. The first step is to drain the system. You can do this by removing the lower oil filter cover and using a container or pump to drain the oil into. Once the oil has been drained, replace the cover and tighten it back up. Next, use a pressure washer to clean all of the seals in the system. Make sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies as this will help keep contaminants out of the system. Finally, add new power steering fluid to the reservoir and fill up the system with Subaru synthetic blend (90/10). Reinstall all of the covers and tighten them down.