Changing power steering fluid

[Rednel]

I have an 03 Liberty and would like to replace the power steering fluid and because I cannot determine whether it has the original power steering fluid or ATF+4 (ATF was recommended soon after 03 as I can tell from posts) there right now I need to flush the system out and start fresh.

I don't see any clear instructions anywhere. Can I suction the reservoir frequently and assume that most of what's in the system gets replaced over a few goes or must I find the low pressure hose and disconnect it. What's currently int system is just a dark color so I'd like to improve things and certainly not make matters worse by the potential to inadvertently cross contaminate power steering fluid and ATF.

Any advice appreciated, thanks

 

[adamkrz]

I just suctioned out the reservoir, put fluid in and worked the steering full left and right and repeated with fluid removal and refilling a few times, I believe I used mopar power steering but not sure.

 

[LibertyTC]

Sometime late in 03 and definitely by 04 they used Atf+4. Is there any red in your current power steering fluid? Or is it just black?

 

[Rednel]

Sometime late in 03 and definitely by 04 they used Atf+4. Is there any red in your current power steering fluid? Or is it just black?

Thanks,
I'll have to take a closer look but I am not sure I will be able to tell for sure.

 

[LibertyTC]

Suction some out & place it in a glass jar. Should make it easier to see if there is a reddish coloration.
Illuminate it with the sun or bright light.
I think either way you could upgrade to atf+4, it is a synthetic.
Gosh in my GM pump which is really picky in cold weather, my best performance came from a Mix of GM PS fluid & Atf+4.
I think without pulling any hoses or worrying about seals, simply suction out the PS reservoir & fill it with ATF+4
Then every few days suction it out again, and repeat a few times, and you will be good to go.

 

[Billwill]

You should upgrade to ATF +4 if you are not certain about what you have at the moment.

My 2002 Export CRD still has the Mopar Steering Fluid in it...it starts out as a light yellow color and turns to an amber color as it ages.
I have been sucking out the fluid from the reservoir with a large syringe every 12 months or so and then re-fill with the Mopar fluid.

Chrysler stated mid 2003 that all early KJs should have their steering fluid completely drained during a Service and replaced with ATF +4.....they warned that the two fluids cannot be mixed!

I have mistrusted my local Jeep Dealers from day 1 so I did not trust them to do the job properly!