Draining the Power Steering System

The power steering fluid replacement procedure includes the following two stages:
^ Flushing the old fluid from the system with new fluid
^ Bleeding the system in order to remove any trapped air

1. Raise the front of the vehicle off of the ground. Ensure that the front wheels are free to turn.
2. Remove the fluid return line from the pump reservoir inlet connector.
3. Plug the inlet connector port on the pump reservoir.
4. Position the power steering fluid return line toward a large container in order to contain the draining fluid.
5. Start the engine.
6. Run the engine at idle.
7. Have an assistant simultaneously fill the reservoir with either of the following fluids:
7.1. A standard power steering fluid:
^ 0.47 L (16 oz) of GM P/N 1052884
^ 0.95 L (32 oz) of GM P/N 1050017
7.2. A cold climate power steering fluid
^ 0.47 L (16 oz) of GM P/N 12345866
^ 0.95 L (32 oz) of GM P/N 12345867

NOTICE: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops while flushing the power steering system. Holding the steering wheel against the wheel stops will cause high system pressure, overheating, and damage to the power steering pump and/or gear.

8. Turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop. Ensure that all of the old power steering fluid is cleared from the power steering system.
9. Add approximately 0.95 L (1 qt) of fluid in order to flush the power steering system.
10. Unplug the pump reservoir inlet port.
11. Connect the return line to the pump reservoir.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
14. Fill the reservoir to the FULL COLD mark.
15. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM.