1999 Oldsmobile Alero Logo
Posted on Dec 01, 2010
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The power steering isn't working. The reservoir was empty and I added power steering fluid and it still very hard to steer

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Jonah Oneal

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  • Oldsmobile Master 14,092 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 02, 2010
Jonah Oneal
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YOU HAVE A RUPTURE PRESSURE LINE IF YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR.LOCATE LEAK THEN BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BY ADDING POWER STEERING TO RESERVOIR.DONT OVER FILL BY FULL COLD MARK ON POWER STEERING DIP STICK.ADD FLUID TO RESERVOIR WAIT A 2 MINUTES.CHECK FLUID LEVEL AGAIN.WHEN POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING.START ENGINE LET IT RUN FOR 10 SECONDS.THEN TURN OFF ENGINE CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID ADD FLUID IF FLUID LEVEL DROPS. WHEN FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING.SAFELY RAISE SUPPORT VECHICLE FRONT WHEELS.START ENGINE.NOW TURN STEERING WHEEL GENTLY FROM STOP TO STOP MEANING LEFT TO RIGHT DONT HOLD IN POSITION.LET THE STOP TO STOP BE QUICK.CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID AFTER YOU HAVE TURN STEERING WHEEL ABOUT 7 STOP TO STOP.WHEN FLUID LEVEL STOP DROPPING YOU AT HOT MARK ON DIP STICK BLEEDING PROCESS COMPLETE.TURN OFF ENGINE LOWER VECHICLE BACK TO GROUND WAIT ABOUT 5 MINUTES CHECK YOUR FLUID LEVEL.IF FLUID LOOKS LIKE A TAN COLOR.YOUR POWER STEERING SYSTEM FULL OF AIR.TURN OFF VECHICLE LET VECHICLE SET A LONG WHILE TO AIR BUBBLES SETTLE DOWN LOOK FOR LEAKS AROUND POWER STEERING PUMP FRONT SEAL AND CHECK FOR LEAKS AROUND POWER STEERING LINES.

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Adding power steering fluid

Locating the Power Steering reservoir and adding PS fluid. 1999 Pontiac GP


  • The reservoir is clearly visible in the engine bay on the 3.1 litre engine cars.
  • For the 3.8 Ltr engine cars, use a flashlight to look down past the alternator for a black cap with a steering wheel printed on it to indicate the power steering fluid reservoir. ( passenger side of the vehicle).
  • Remove the cap of the power steering reservoir, clean the dipstick, re-insert and remove again to check the fluid level. If the level is at or below the low level mark, add fluid slowly, taking care not to fill above the MAXIMUM mark. It's best to add small amounts and re-check the level as you go to ensure you do not overfill the reservoir above the MAX level.
  • ONLY use the power steering fluid recommended for that vehicle by GM.



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    Replace the reservoir's hose with another hose. It should lead to an empty container. You'll use this container to store the old power steering fluid as it leaves the reservoir. Lift the front end of your car off the ground by using a car jack.

    Add new power steering fluid to the reservoir. As you add the new lubricant, it will force the old lubricant into the tube you've connected to the bottom of the reservoir.

    Climb into the drivers seat and rack your steering wheel back and forth. The wheel should be locked in place, allowing only a slight range of mobility. This will help the extra lubricant within the power steering system to drain.

    Watch the empty container. It should fill with old lubricant. Once the old lubricant has been flushed and you see clean fluid replacing it, you've finished the hard part.

    Disconnect your hose and move the container. Replace the original reservoir hose. Pour new, clean power steering fluid into the reservoir. Rack your steering wheel a few more times to squeeze out air that might be trapped in the lines. Replace the filer cap and close your done.

    Thank you for suing fixya and good luck







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