Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Pontiac Aztek AWDFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Flushing Power Steering System
Important:Β Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.
- Turn off the engine.
- Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely.
- Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump reservoir inlet connection.
- Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering pump.
- Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to collect the draining fluid.
Important:Β
- This step may require 2-4 quarts of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear.
- Do not run the engine without the power steering fluid level at FULL COLD.
- Run the engine at idle while an assistant maintains the fluid level at FULL COLD in the reservoir using new approved power steering fluid.
- Turn off the engine.
- Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
- Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
- Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
- Maintain the fluid level at FULL COLD.
- Operate the engine at idle for approximately 15 minutes.
- Repeat steps 3-5.
- Inspect the draining fluid for contamination.
- If foreign material is found, repeat steps 6-12 in order to complete a second flush.
If foreign material is still found after a second flush, replace all of the hoses.
- If foreign material is not found, proceed to step 15.
- If foreign material is found, repeat steps 6-12 in order to complete a second flush.
- Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
- Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
- Clean any spilled fluid.
- Bleed the power steering system. Refer to BLEEDING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEMΒ .
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
