Power Steering Noise or a Fluid Leak from Reservoir Fill Cap

This PI has been revised to update the part number. Please discard PIC4139A.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

A power steering noise or fluid leak around the power steering fill cap. Power steering noise concerns may be misdiagnosed as power steering gear and/or power steering pump failures. Verify the correct reservoir is installed prior to replacing the steering gear or steering pump.

Caution should be used if opening the reservoir while the engine is running. Place a rag over the cap and open slowly. After the fill cap is removed, place a rag over opening. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock with the engine running and inspect the rag for any oil transfer. If the rag is soaked, the reservoir should be replaced. It is not necessary to replace the steering gear or pump. Further confirmation the reservoir is the cause can be obtained through inspecting the power steering reservoir build date. If the Julian date codes are 6143, 6150 and 6158, the wrong size filter media may have been installed and the reservoir will need to be replaced. The codes are stamped in white ink and can be found on the reservoir immediately above the inlet and outlet ports. Part number for the reservoir is 19133714.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.