Power Steering Fluid Reservoir: Service and Repair

WARNING: Power steering oil, engine components and the exhaust system may be extremely hot if engine has been running. Do not start engine with any loose or disconnected hoses or drive belts. Do not allow hoses to touch hot exhaust manifold or catalyst.

REMOVE
1. Using a siphon pump, remove as much power steering fluid as possible from the power steering fluid reservoir.





2. Remove the 3 bolts attaching body side panel. Remove body side panel by pulling upward until lower retaining clips come out of valance panel.





CAUTION: When removing power steering fluid return hose from power steering fluid reservoir do not use excessive force. The fitting for the power steering fluid return hose could be broken off the reservoir.

3. Remove hose clamp from power steering fluid return hose. Remove power steering fluid return hose from power steering fluid reservoir.





CAUTION: When removing power steering fluid supply hose from power steering fluid reservoir do not use excessive force. The fitting for the power steering fluid supply hose could be broken off the reservoir.

4. Remove hose clamp from power steering fluid supply hose at reservoir. Remove power steering fluid supply hose from power steering fluid reservoir.





5. Remove power steering fluid reservoir from mounting bracket. Reservoir is removed from bracket using following procedure. Using a screwdriver, bend retaining tab on power steering fluid reservoir mounting bracket outward. While holding retaining tab outward, lift fluid reservoir upward out of mounting bracket.

NOTE: When installing power steering fluid reservoir into mounting bracket, be sure it is properly locked into the bracket. If fluid reservoir can be removed from mounting bracket without bending back the retaining tab the fluid reservoir is not locked into the mounting bracket. If fluid reservoir does not lock into the mounting bracket, remove reservoir from bracket and bend the retaining tab inward toward the fluid reservoir. Bend retaining tab far enough to ensure it securely locks the fluid reservoir into the mounting bracket.

INSTALL
1. Slide power steering fluid reservoir into mounting bracket until retaining tab locks it in mounting bracket.
2. Install power steering fluid supply hose on power steering fluid reservoir. Install hose clamp on power steering fluid supply hose. Be sure hose clamp is installed past bead on nipple of fluid reservoir.
3. Install power steering fluid return hose on power steering fluid reservoir. Install hose clamp on power steering fluid return hose. Be sure hose clamp is installed past bead on nipple of fluid reservoir.

CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission fluid in power steering system. Only use Mopar (R) Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.

4. Fill power steering pump reservoir to correct fluid level.
5. Start the engine and let run for a few seconds, then turn the engine off.
6. Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above procedure until the fluid level remains constant after running the engine.
7. Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
8. Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel stops. Then turn the engine off
9. Add power steering fluid if necessary.
10. Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock.
11. Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and refill as required.
12. If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above procedure.
13. Check for leaks at all hose connections.
14. Install side panel. Install and securely tighten the 3 bolts attaching side panel to vehicle.