Power Steering Fluid Leaks
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System General Description? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Power Steering System Description and Operation |
| 2 | Inspect the power steering system for the following: Inspect the power steering fluid level and condition. Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the power steering system. Inspect the power steering system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause leaks. If necessary, clean the power steering system components, start the engine, and rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop. Turn the engine off and inspect all power steering system components for leaks. Is the power steering system leaking? | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 15 |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering system fittings. Are the fittings leaking? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the power steering hoses. Are the hoses leaking? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the following power steering pump components for leaks: Flow control valve seal Power steering pump shaft seal Power steering pump reservoir and seals Power steering pump Is the power steering pump components leaking? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the following power steering gear components for leaks: Power steering cylinder lines and/or seals Power steering gear stub shaft seals Power steering gear pitman shaft and/or seals Is the power steering gear components leaking? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the power steering cooler for leaks. Is the power steering cooler leaking? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the hydraulic brake booster assembly for leaks. Refer to Power Brake Booster Leak Inspection . Is the hydraulic brake booster assembly leaking? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 15 |
| 9 | IMPORTANT: If fitting is still to leaking after tightening, inspect for damage to the fitting and seals. Replace the damaged component as necessary. Tighten the fittings. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 10 | Replace the power steering hoses. Refer to the appropriate procedure(s): Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Gas With Hydroboost) or Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Gas Without Hydroboost) or Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Diesel) Power Brake Booster Inlet Hose Replacement Power Brake Booster Outlet Hose Replacement Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Gas With Hydroboost) or Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Gas Without Hydroboost) or Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Diesel) Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 11 | Replace the leaking power steering pump component. Refer to the appropriate procedure(s): Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - Off Vehicle Power Steering Pump Shaft Seal Replacement Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Replacement - Off Vehicle Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.6L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.3L) Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 12 | Replace the leaking power steering gear component. Refer to the appropriate procedure(s): Steering Gear Cylinder Pipe Assembly and Seals Replacement - Off Vehicle Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Seal and Bearing Replacement - Off Vehicle Stub Shaft Housing Replacement Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion) Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 13 | Replace the power steering fluid cooler. Refer to Power Steering Fluid Cooler Replacement (Without Hydroboost) or Power Steering Fluid Cooler Replacement (With Hydroboost) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 14 | Replace the hydraulic brake booster assembly. Refer to Power Brake Booster Replacement (Non-Adjustable Pedals) or Power Brake Booster Replacement (Adjustable Pedals) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 15 | Start the vehicle and rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop and verify the system is not leaking. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 2 |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| If fitting is still to leaking after tightening, inspect for damage to the fitting and seals. Replace the damaged component as necessary. |
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that a rattle, clunk or shudder noise is present. Is a rattle, clunk or shudder noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering hoses for proper routing and clearance. Is the routing or clearance of the power steering hoses incorrect? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the engine drive belt for cracking or excessive wear. Refer to Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis . Is the drive belt cracked or excessively worn? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering pump pulley for damage. Is the power steering pump pulley damaged? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering pump and the power steering mounting bracket/brace for the proper installation. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.6L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.3L) . Is the power steering pump installation incorrect? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the power steering gear for the proper installation. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion) . Is the power steering gear installation incorrect? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the steering linkage. Refer to Steering Linkage Inspection . Is the steering linkage worn? | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 9 |
| 9 | Inspect the suspension. Is the suspension worn? | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 10 |
| 10 | Inspect the intermediate shaft. Is the intermediate shaft worn? | Go to Step 19 | Go to Step 3 |
| 11 | Adjust or replace the hoses. Refer to the appropriate procedure(s): Power Steering Fluid Cooler Replacement (Without Hydroboost) or Power Steering Fluid Cooler Replacement (With Hydroboost) Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Gas With Hydroboost) or Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Gas Without Hydroboost) or Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Diesel) Power Brake Booster Inlet Hose Replacement Power Brake Booster Outlet Hose Replacement Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 12 | Replace the engine drive belt. Refer to or Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 13 | Replace the power steering pump pulley. Refer to Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement (6.6L) or Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement (4.3L, 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 14 | Install the power steering pump correctly. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.6L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.3L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 15 | Install the power steering gear correctly. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 16 | Replace the worn steering linkage. Refer to Steering Linkage Inspection . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 17 | Replace the worn suspension components. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Suspension General Diagnosis . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 18 | Replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement or Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 19 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that a whine or growl noise is present. Is a whine or growl noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination: Milky fluid - water Brown fluid - burnt Debris in fluid - plastic or dirt Is the fluid free of contamination? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Flush the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding . Did you complete the procedure? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering gear for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 Chassis Ear. Is the noise present at the power steering gear? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering pump for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 . Is the noise present at the power steering pump? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the power steering hoses for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 . Is the noise present at the power steering hoses? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the hydraulic brake booster for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 . Is the noise present at the hydro boost? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 9 | Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 10 | Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.6L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.3L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 11 | Adjust the routing of the power steering hoses. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 12 | Diagnose the hydraulic brake booster. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Hydraulic Brakes . Did you correct the condition? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 13 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System (With Hydraulic Booster)
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that a whine or growl noise is present. Is a whine or growl noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination: Milky fluid - water Brown fluid - burnt Debris in fluid - plastic or dirt Is the fluid free of contamination? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Flush the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding . Did you complete the procedure? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering gear for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 Chassis Ear. Is the noise present at the power steering gear? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering pump for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 . Is the noise present at the power steering pump? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the power steering hoses for a whine or growl noise using J 39570 . Is the noise present at the power steering hoses? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 2 |
| 8 | Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 9 | Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.6L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.3L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 10 | Adjust the routing of the power steering hoses. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 11 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System (Without Hydraulic Booster)
Checking & Adding Power Steering Fluid (With Hydroboost)
Note. When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
- If the power steering system has been serviced, bleed the power steering system to remove any trapped air from the system. Refer to «Power Steering System Bleeding»(ref-278038-S17174321232008012100000) .
- Fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure: Start the engine. Firmly apply the brake pedal 2 to 3 times. Turn the engine OFF.
- Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap.
- Remove the reservoir cap.
- Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals. Add fluid when required. Refer to «Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations»(ref-278026-S09169153392008012100000) .
- Install the reservoir cap.
- When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to «Power Steering System Bleeding»(ref-278038-S17174321232008012100000) .
Checking & Adding Power Steering Fluid (Without Hydroboost)
Note. When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
- Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap.
- Remove the reservoir cap.
- Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals. Use the appropriate procedure below. Add fluid when required. Refer to «Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations»(ref-278026-S09169153392008012100000) . Fluid Is Cold Remove the reservoir cap. Inspect the fluid level on the capstick. Ensure that the fluid level is between the bottom of the COLD/FULL mark and the end of the capstick. Fluid Is Hot Run the engine until the fluid reaches about 80°C (170°F). Turn the engine OFF. Remove the reservoir cap. Inspect the fluid level on the capstick. Ensure that the fluid level is between the HOT/FULL and the COLD/FULL marks on the capstick.
- If the fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to the proper level.
- Install the reservoir cap.
- When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to «Power Steering System Bleeding»(ref-278038-S17174321232008012100000) .
| IMPORTANT | Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition. |
- Turn OFF the engine.
- Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-278014-S01448585812008012100000) .
- Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to collect the draining fluid.
- Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump reservoir inlet connection.
- Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering pump.
- With the key on engine off, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right while an assistant maintains the minimum fluid level in the reservoir using new approved power steering fluid. Continue until the fluid from the return hose runs clear.
- Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection and install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
- Bleed the power steering system. Refer to «Power Steering System Bleeding»(ref-278038-S17174321232008012100000) .
- Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination: Milky fluid - water Brown fluid - burnt Plastic debris or dirt chunks
- If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 2-9.
- Lower the vehicle and check the Power Steering system for leaks.