How To Replace Power Steering Fluid On Jeep Grand Cherokee - A Complete Guide

Are you worried about the power steering fluid in your Jeep Grand Cherokee based on its look or age? If the situation corresponds to factory recommendations, replacing the fluid would be the best option. But how to replace the power steering fluid on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

First, find the power steering pump reservoir and remove its cap to insert a pump into it. Afterward, pump the old fluid out and store it in a container. Make sure you wipe up any spills around the car area. Then simply refill the reservoir with fresh fluid.

However, before you delve into the power steering fluid replacement process, it would be wise to have a general idea of why and when you might want to perform this maintenance. Luckily, we have compiled all necessary info here. Just stay with us till the end.

How To Replace Power Steering Fluid On Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Now it’s time to have an in-depth look at the power steering fluid cleaning process. In general, you don’t require being a mechanical engineering expert to replace the power steering fluid in your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The simplest way to complete the power steering fluid is by adhering to the steps outlined below.

Necessary Tools

Before you start, make sure you have necessary tools on hand. First, you should purchase a brand new fluid oil suitable for your jeep. You’ll need a sealed container for keeping the old fluid, and a pump that will transport the fluid.

You may choose a good pump at most mainstream merchants for about $9. Additionally, you’ll need:

A funnel – for precise fluid refilling
A cloth or rag – to clean spills

Gloves – for safety

Step 1: Locate the Fluid Reservoir

First you should jack up your vehicle securely, either by using your jacks or with the use of ramps. Afterward search for the fluid reservoir. To locate the reservoir, start by looking for the plastic cover that covers the engine compartment.

Under this cover, you’ll find a small black button. Push this button and listen for a loud hiss as air escapes from the reservoir.

The reservoir is now accessible, situated in front of the driver’s seat located on the right side of the engine bay. It is a circular white container.

Step 2: Insert the Pump

Your fluid transfer pump will have pointed tubing. Insert that tubing into the fold of the reservoir. If you don’t have a specific pump on hand, the tube from a shampoo or soap bottle may serve perfectly as a substitute.

Step 3: Pump Out The Old Fluid

Now, pump out the old fluid using the pump and stash it in the bottom container you had previously gathered.

Other than the urge to entirely empty the reservoir, you can also detach the line from the pump and twiddle the wheel back and forth until all the outdated fluid is moved out of your Jeep.

Step 4: Refill the Reservoir with the New Fluid

You’re at the edge of the replacement process. Here you just need to refill the reservoir with the brand new power steering fluid. Use a funnel to avoid wastage and ensure precision.

The possibility of bubbling at the reservoir is perfectly normal. Turn the engine off when directing the steering wheel to the full lock for left and right, which will release pressurized air in the system.

Keep an eye on the fluid level and add it when required. Keep doing this until the level of fluid has stopped falling. Don’t forget to clean all the spills around the car using the rag or soft cloth.

When Should You Change The Steering Fluid Of Your Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The transmission fluid and power steering fluid have different service life. Add to that, there’s a range of available fluids to choose from in and outside the vehicle.

Considering all these elements, it’s hard to predict when it is time to change your power steering fluid.

However, there are some common signs that may indicate the steering fluid level is low, and it’s time for a replacement.

But the fact is that some of these may not be visible until you search for them. These signs include:

If the color of the power steering fluid is dark.

Jerky or jumpy power Steering
Stiff or extremely loose steering.
Stains under the vehicle

Steering wheel locks
Wheels seem too hard and tough to turn
Loud noises coming from the steering

Warning lights

What Happens If You Don’t Change the Power Steering Fluid of Jeep Grand Cherokee?

It’s true that the power steering fluid does not regularly evaporate as fast as some other fluids. Nevertheless, everything comes to an endpoint.

So, over time, dirt particles and debris accumulate in the fluid, causing contamination. The continued accumulation puts strained fluid on the pump and the entire system, which can lead to severe and expensive damage.

Here are some of the negative consequences you may encounter if the power steering fuel of your Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t replaced.

Lack of Control Over Steering

Your car weighs several thousand pounds every time you drive it, yet once your steering wheel is pressed, the amount of force you apply becomes effortless.

What’s the magic? Well, the large force that turns lighting up your lights into a nonissue has been made possible by power steering fluid.

When your power steering fluid becomes contaminated, your power steering will suffer a loss in the pressure it relies on, and you’ll start to experience more sluggish steering.

As a consequence, you will struggle to get a proper grip on the steering wheel, which leaves control of your vehicle feeling jerky and heavy, or might be hard to pedal.

This could function as the most serious drawback. That could be the most serious worry you may experience.

Irritating Noises

Along with the pressure you necessitate to reign over, steering fluid serves as your liquid lubricant, assisting the functioning of the steering components you depend on, including the pumps, cylinders, pistons, and lines.

This fluid lubricates the components so that they may function smoothly and quickly. Without fresh steering fluid, your steering mechanisms’ moving parts may make rough surfaces.

This eventually leads to cracking, squeaking, scraping, and groaning noises while steering.

Severe Steering Difficulties

Would you like to drive your Jeep Grand Cherokee with a stiff steering wheel? Maybe not.

So, be cautious. When the power steering fluid gets very low, it interferes with your wheel’s ability to relocate correctly because the steering system will not be supplied with sufficient energy.

However, there could be other reasons why your wheel is not moving as smoothly because it might have a damaged belt, or there could be a minor leak.

Deterioration of Components and Leakage

It’s critical to check and operate the power-steering fluid reservoir regularly to be sure it’s at a proper level and that the power-steering system is functioning properly without a leak.

If the steering fuel isn’t changed even after it’s too old, the seals, O-rings, and other components of the power-steering system can degrade and cause leakage. Such a leak can cause catastrophic damage to the rest of the system, including the pump.

FAQs

Let’s have a look at a few frequently asked questions concerning the power steering fluid replacement on Jeep grand Cherokee. Getting answers to these questions will help you discover common thoughts seen among Jeep enthusiasts around the world.

What does “SERVICE POWER STEERING” mean on Jeep Grand Cherokee?

If you notice the EVIC/DID screen of your Jeep is displaying “POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF – SERVICE SYSTEM” or “SERVICE POWER STEERING” message with the steering wheel icon, this signify a power steering maintenance service is required. In most cases, it’s the result of losing steering power assistance.

How do I know that my Jeep Grand Cherokee requires a steering fluid replacement?

You might hear squealing noises whenever you turn the wheel, troubles turning the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, bubbles or debris in your fluid, and other signs suggesting that your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s power steering system needs to be replaced.

Is it safe to drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee with low steering fluid?

Absolutely not. If your power steering fluid levels are low, a steering fluid leak will inevitably drain the levels, and this will lead to increased friction and heating, resulting in a too-high engine temperature, which can cause serious and expensive damage.

How long does the power steering fluid of Jeep Grand Cherokees last?

You will likely want to regularly change your power steering fluid if you’re driving a new model of your vehicle. When your vehicle is new, you can probably change the fluid every 3 to 4 years or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

What happens if you drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee with low power steering fluid?

The bearings will be deprived of lubrication if they are low on power steering fluid. Even, the pump can be seized because of it, which can lead to your power steering system suddenly failing.

Final Words

So, what’s your thought about our guide on how to replace power steering fluid on Jeep Grand Cherokee? Hopefully, there’s no confusion yet in your mind.

It’s somewhat quite beneficial for you to do those things yourself instead of spending a lot of money on a certified technician to do it. From now on, you might be able to change the power steering fluid of your Jeep every time it needs to.

However, if your idea of a relaxing weekend doesn’t include the frustration of getting hands dirty on the repair work, you shouldn’t hesitate to take your Jeep to a professional.

How To Replace Power Steering Fluid On Jeep Grand Cherokee – A Complete Guide