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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2001CAVALIER LS, 2.4 TREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 238 (POWER STEERING SYSTEM)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSFLUSHING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 T

Flushing the Power Steering System

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 TSECTION Flushing the Power Steering System
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire and 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
IMPORTANT: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.
  1. Turn off the engine.
  2. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to collect the draining fluid.
  4. Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump reservoir inlet connection.
  5. Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering pump.
    6. IMPORTANT:
    • This step may require 4 L (4 qt) of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear.
    • Do not run the engine without the power steering fluid level at FULL COLD.
  6. Run the engine at idle while an assistant maintains the fluid level at FULL COLD in the reservoir using new approved power steering fluid.
  7. Turn off the engine.
  8. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
  9. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
  10. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
  11. Maintain the fluid level at FULL COLD.
  12. Operate the engine at idle for approximately 15 minutes.
  13. Repeat steps 3-5.
  14. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:
    • Milky fluid - water
    • Brown fluid - burnt
    • Plastic debris or dirt chunks
  15. If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 6-12 in order to complete a third flush.
  16. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
  17. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
  18. Clean any spilled fluid.
  19. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System 
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.