GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid With Hydroboost

Notice: 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 Power Steering System Bleeding.
  2. 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.

  3. Fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure:
  4. 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 capstick are calculated for oil at ambient temperature. If the oil is hot, the oil level may appear slightly high.

  5. Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap.
  6. Remove the reservoir cap.
  7. Important: The ideal oil level is between the Add and the Full Cold marks. Since overfilling is just as undesirable as underfilling, there is no reason to fill all the way up to the Full Cold mark.

  8. Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals.
  9. Add fluid when required. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.

  10. Install the reservoir cap.
  11. When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.

Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid Without Hydroboost

Notice: 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.
  4. Add fluid when required. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.

    Fluid Is Cold

    3.1. Remove the reservoir cap.
    3.2. Inspect the fluid level on the capstick.
    3.3. Ensure that the fluid level is between the bottom of the COLD/FULL mark and the end of the capstick.

    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 capstick.
    3.5. Ensure that the fluid level is between the HOT/FULL and the COLD/FULL marks on the capstick.
  5. If the fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to the proper level.
  6. Install the reservoir cap.
  7. When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.