Power Steering System: Maintenance Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Checking & Adding Power Steering Fluid (W/O Hydro-Boost)

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.

1. Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap
2. Remove the reservoir cap.
3. Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals. Use the appropriate procedure below. Add fluid when required. Fluid Is Cold 3.1. Remove the reservoir cap. 3.2. Inspect the fluid level on the cap stick 3.3. Ensure that the fluid level is between the bottom of the COLD/FULL mark and the end of the cap stick. Fluid Is Hot 3.1. Run the engine until the fluid reaches about 80°C (170°F). 3.2. Turn the engine OFF. 3.3. Remove the reservoir cap. 3.4. Inspect the fluid level on the cap stick 3.5. Ensure that the fluid level is between the HOT/FULL and the COLD/FULL marks on the cap stick.
4. If the fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to the proper level.
5. Install the reservoir cap.
6. When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to «Bleeding Power Steering System»(ref-175031-S22000876472005041400000) .

Checking & Adding Power Steering Fluid (With Hydro-boost)

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.

1. If the power steering system has been serviced, bleed the power steering system to remove any trapped air from the system. Refer to «Bleeding Power Steering System»(ref-175031-S22000876472005041400000) . Important: The oil level will appear falsely high if the hydro-boost accumulator is not fully charged. Do not apply the brake pedal with the engine off, this will discharge the hydro-boost accumulator.
2. Fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure: 2.1. Start the engine. 2.2. Firmly apply the brake pedal 2 to 3 times. 2.3. Turn the engine Off. Important: The Add and Cold Full marks on the cap stick are calculated for oil at ambient temperature. If the oil is hot, the oil level may appear slightly high.
3. Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap.
4. Remove the reservoir cap Important: The ideal oil level is between the Add and the Full Cold marks. Since overfilling is just as undesirable as under filling, there is no reason to full all the way up to the Full Cold mark.
5. Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals. Add fluid when required.
6. If the fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to the proper level.
7. Install the reservoir cap
8. When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to «Bleeding Power Steering System»(ref-175031-S22000876472005041400000) .

Important: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely.
3. Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to collect the draining fluid.
4. Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump reservoir inlet connection.
5. Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering pump. Important: This step may require 4L (4 qt) of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear Do not run the engine without the power steering fluid level at FULL COLD.
6. Run the engine at idle while an assistant maintains the fluid level at FULL COLD in the reservoir using new approved power steering fluid.
7. Turn off the engine.
8. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
9. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
10. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
11. Maintain the fluid level at FULL COLD.
12. Operate the engine at idle for approximately 15 minutes.
13. Repeat steps 3 to 5 .
14. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination: Milky fluid - water Brown fluid - burnt Plastic debris or dirt chunks
15. If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 6-12 in order to complete a third flush.
16. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
17. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
18. Clean any spilled fluid.
19. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to «Bleeding Power Steering System»(ref-175031-S22000876472005041400000) .