How to Add Power Steering Fluid to Vehicles

by Contributing WriterUpdated June 12, 2017

The power-steering unit on the Vehicles is a hydraulic unit that assists turning the front tires while driving. Power-steering fluid is needed to help run the unit. Though power-steering fluid is not consumed like gasoline, a leak may reduce the amount of fluid in your car. If you hear a loud squeak when turning the wheel, check the power-steering fluid level and add additional fluid if needed.

Under The Hood:

 How to Add Power Steering Fluid to Pontiac G6 2006 Car

Make sure the engine is cool. Locate the power steering reservoir. On the 2006 G6, it is mounted to the power steering pump near the alternator.

Remove the dipstick from the reservoir. The fluid level should be in the cross-hatched area of the dipstick.

Add small amount of power steering fluid until the level is correct. Do not overfill the reservoir. If too much fluid is added, remove the excess.

Items you will need

  • Power steering fluid

 How to Add Power Steering Fluid to a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville

Park the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville on a flat surface, engage the parking brake and open the hood to allow the engine to cool. You should add power-steering fluid when the engine is cool.

Locate the fluid reservoir in the engine compartment. The reservoir is located near the back of the passenger side of the engine compartment, to the right of the radiator coolant reservoir.

Open the cap of the power-steering reservoir and wipe off the dipstick with a rag.

Reattach the cap, remove it from the reservoir and check the fluid level on the dipstick. You need to add fluid if the fluid level is below the “Full Cold” mark on the dipstick.

Pour power-steering fluid into the reservoir in small amounts and continually check the fluid level on the dipstick using the method described in Step 4.

Secure the fluid reservoir cap to the reservoir when the fluid level reaches the “Full Cold” mark.

Items you will need

  • Rag

  • Power-steering fluid

 How to Add Power Steering Fluid to a 2002 Park Avenue

Allow the engine to cool thoroughly before attempting to check your power steering fluid. Remove the power steering reservoir cap and wipe off the dipstick attached.

Screw the reservoir cap back into the power steering unit and take it back off again to read the dipstick. Much like checking your oil dipstick, you must wipe off the power steering fluid from the dipstick initially to remove the excess fluid that has sloshed around it due to normal driving.

Add power steering fluid to the reservoir if the dipstick reads at the "FILL" mark or less than half way between the "FILL" and "HOT" marks. Feed the funnel tub into the power steering reservoir and add a little bit of fluid in the funnel at a time.

Check the power steering fluid levels again by replacing the cap back on to the reservoir and then removing it. Add more fluid to the reservoir until the dipstick reads the fluid level halfway between the "FILL" and "HOT" marks. Do not overfill the reservoir, as damage will occur to the power steering pump.

Items you will need

  • Power steering fluid

  • Funnel with attached hose

  • Paper towels or rag

More Articles

article divider
×