If your Chevy Impala’s power steering feels spongy or doesn’t seem to be providing the desired level of control, it might be time to check the fluid level. Chevy recommends checking the power steering fluid level every 3 months, but if you’re not sure when your last fluid change was, here’s how to check it.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
Power steering fluid is a fluid that helps to move the steering of a car. It lubricates the gears that turn the wheels and makes it easier for the driver to steer. Power steering fluid is also used to help keep the car from locking up while driving. If your power steering fluid is low, you may experience difficulty controlling the car’s movement or even loss of control.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid in a Chevy Impala
If you’re ever having trouble with your Chevy Impala’s power steering, you’ll want to check the fluid level first. Here’s how:
1. Park your car in a safe location and turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and locate the power steering hose. It should be connected to a pump on the left side of the engine.
3. Remove the pump by unscrewing it and pulling it out of the car.
4. Look at the bottom of the hose for a fill cap or plug. If there is none, then you will need to replace the entire power steering system. To do this, you will need to remove two screws located on either side of the pump. Once these screws are removed, lift up on the pump and remove it from the car.
5. Replace the fill cap or plug if needed and reattach the hose to the pump by screwing it in place.
6. Reconnect the hoses to their respective locations on the engine and reattach all of the components to their mounts.
7. Turn on your engine and check for leaks – if there are any, then you will need to replace the power steering
What to do if Power Steering Fluid is Leaking
If you notice fluid leaking from the power steering pump on your Chevy Impala, there are a few things you can do to determine the source of the problem and fix it.
First, check to see if the power steering pump is leaking. If it is, replace the pump as soon as possible. If the leak is coming from elsewhere in the car, such as a hose or seal, you’ll need to repair that first before replacing the power steering pump.
Second, inspect all of the hoses and connections between components for signs of wear or damage. If there’s significant damage, replace those components as well. If only a few connections seem to be at risk, replace them all and check again in a week or so.
Finally, use a scanner to test the power steering system for leaks. This can help you pinpoint where the leak is coming from before you start replacing parts.
Conclusion
If you’re having problems with your Chevy Impala’s power steering, it might be time to check the fluid level. Checking and refilling the power steering fluid is an easy task that can help solve many common car problems. Follow these steps to check the power steering fluid in your Chevy Impala: 1) Park your car on a level surface. 2) Turn off your car and remove the key from the ignition. 3) Remove the Phillips head screw that holds your front wheel well cover in place (it looks like a small star). 4) Carefully pull up on the front wheel well cover to access the reservoir beneath it. 5) Look for a dipstick or other type of gauge that indicates how much power steering fluid is present. 6) If necessary, pour new power steering fluid into the reservoir using an open spout container or syringe. 7) Replace the front wheel well cover and screw, and reinstall your key onto the ignition. 8) Drive your car as usual to ensure that all system are working properly before returning to regular maintenance appointments such as oil changes or tire rotations