Chevrolet Silverado 2014-Present: How to Replace Power Steering Fluid
While changing your Chevy Silverado's power steering fluid, detaching and reattaching power steering hoses can be somewhat daunting. Here's an alternative method of changing your power steering fluid that's easier, quicker and cheaper.
This article applies to the Chevy Silverado 1500 (2014-present).
Changing the power steering fluid on your Chevrolet Silverado can be time consuming. Removing the pump hoses, relieving them into a catch pan and even the post-change ground or driveway clean-up can be more time consuming than it needs to be. However, with this method you'll be done in no time. If you feel any difference in your steering, it's best you replace the fluid.
Materials Needed
- 2 quarts of Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage PSF
- Fluid extraction pump (or a turkey baster)
- Catch pan
- Rubber gloves
Step 1 – Remove power steering reservoir cap
Open your hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir. Open the cap on the reservoir and set it aside somewhere safe.
Step 2 – Drain power steering fluid from the reservoir
There are three ways to do this:
- Remove the pump hoses and drain the fluid while it leaks out of the reservoir and stains your garage floor or driveway.
- Use a fluid extraction pump and suck the fluid from the reservoir.
- Use a turkey baster and suck out the steering fluid in small quantities until the small reservoir is dry.
Figure 2. The OTC Brass transfer pump is very nice. Just $21.94 at Amazon.com. 
Figure 3. The Amsoil extraction pump is simpler and less expensive. Amsoil has them online for just $17.35. 
Figure 4. Or, you can suck out the fluid with a turkey baster. It really works well for just $2.99 at most stores.
Step 3 – Fill the reservoir with fresh fluid
Open up your Valvoline PSL container and fill the power steering reservoir to the "Full" line on the dip tube that's under the fill cap.
Step 4 – Start your truck and turn the wheel
With the truck running, after having placed the cap back on, turn the steering wheel all the way left. Then turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Do this a few more times, and then shut off the engine.
Step 5 – Drain the reservoir again
If you only remove the fluid and cycle the steering pump through a few left and right turns, you've only done half the job. You need to repeat the process once again, and then you need to repeat it for a third time.
Pro Tip
Three times is the minimum amount of times you want to flush out the power steering fluid. Four times is even better, but you'll get most of the old oil out by the time you've cycled the new stuff through three times. If the oil is a healthy light color, you've done it!
Step 6 – Drive the truck for a few miles then check fluid level
You'll want to be certain you don't lose the full fluid level as any air bubbles seep out.
You now have a nice, clean power steering system!
Featured Video: How to Change Power Steering Fluid
Related Site
- Which Power Steering Fluid to Use on a GMT 900 - Silveradosierra.com
