Power steering fluid

[Austin O.]

This might be a dumb question, but how do I know if I need more power steering fluid?

My steering wheel will sometimes squeal when turning it, usually soon after I turn the car on, then it goes away.

I see where the reservoir is under the hood, but how do I tell if I need more? If I do need more, what do I buy?

Thanks!

 

[BlueC]

I see where the reservoir is under the hood, but how do I tell if I need more?

Open the cap and take a look.

If I do need more, what do I buy?

Power steering fluid. You can get some from the parts store or dealership. If you're in a pinch, ATF can be added in limited quantity.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Unscrew the lid on top of the power steering fluid reservoir and see if its fluid is as high as it should be, so everything is covered inside. To just below where the filler neck starts, use the cap's dipstick. Add more power steering fluid as required.

 

[BlueC]

Add more DOT 3/4 brake fluid if needed, synthetic is good if you can find it. Don't add DOT 5 which is incompatible. DOT 5.1 is ok though.

Brake fluid in the power steering system? I thought power steering fluid was more like ATF.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Brake fluid in the power steering system? I thought power steering fluid was more like ATF.

LOL, I was looking to see his model year to see if he needed power steering fluid or ATF as newer TJs require and got sidetracked.

 

[JKP]

The cap of the reservoir has a dipstick with marks for full cold and full hot. Add if it's below the appropriate mark.

Your year uses power steering fluid. Later years used ATF, I don't remember the year it switched off the top of my head.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Your year uses power steering fluid. Later years used ATF, I don't remember the year it switched off the top of my head.

2003 is when the steering system switched from Saginaw to Mercedes.

 

[Austin O.]

Thanks all!