Power steering fluid was born to make driving safer and more flexible, and the 2015 chevy equinox is no exception.
This fluid makes your Chevy Equinox power steering easier and smoother. You should check, refill, or change this fluid periodically.
The car running low on power steering fluid will easily affect the steering system.
Do you know where the 2015 Chevy Equinox power steering fluid location is? Let’s find out in this article.
What Is A Power Steering Fluid?
Power steering fluid is a lubricating oil that is pressurized to help users control the steering wheel conveniently and smoothly.
The power steering fluid Chevy Equinox is usually stored in a plastic or metal container beside the power steering pulley.
The effects of the power steering fluid are summarized as follows:
- It creates pushing pressure on the piston sides and forms a hydraulic link between the drive wheel and front wheel to make the wheel rotation easier.
- Lubricate moving parts in the steering system to prevent foaming and corrosion and help the vehicle operate smoothly.
- Reduce noise caused by friction of parts when the vehicle is operating. For example, a rubbing noise when turning the wheel at low speeds.
2015 Chevy Equinox Power Steering Fluid Location
The 2015 Chevy Equinox or 2015 Chevy Malibu power steering fluid location is in the between the coolant reservoir and the engine block (on the left side).
You can open the hood and look for the power steering reservoir next to the AC compressor and the alternator.
To determine the exact Chevy Equinox power steering fluid location of your vehicle, you should check the owner’s manual, applicable video, or technical documentation.
Typically, the owner’s manual will provide information about the vehicle’s components and their locations. Consult a professional technician or Chevrolet service if you are still unclear about it.
Checking 2015 Chevy Equinox Power Steering Fluid Tutorial
Many car manufacturers recommend changing the power steering fluid every 40,000 – 80,000 miles.
However, if the car has abnormal signs, it is necessary to check the power steering oil. There are 4 main steps to check as follows:
Locate The Power Steering Oil Tank
First, to check the power steering fluid, determine where the power steering pump oil tank is.
Typically, power steering fluid is stored in a tank with a power steering fluid symbol Chevy. The material of the bottle is plastic or metal.
Check The Amount Of Oil In The Tank
The residual oil level within the tank may be easily viewed if the power steering oil reservoir is constructed of a translucent plastic engine cover.
But if it is made of metal or opaque plastic, you can use a dipstick to check the oil. Most manufacturers have attached the oil dipstick to the power steering oil tank cap.
Before using the dipstick, clean it thoroughly. Then insert the rod into the tank and take it out to observe.
On the dipstick are the maximum and lowest marks. The vehicle runs low on power steering oil if the fluid level is close or below the minimum.
Check The Remaining Oil Quality
In addition to checking the amount of oil, you should also check the quality of the power steering fluid. The oil can still be used if it is yellow-orange or light pink in color.
But if the oil is brown or black, it is dirty and should not be used again; it must be replaced.
In some cases, the color of the power steering fluid on the dipstick can alter compared to reality.
To check it exactly, use a white paper towel or white cloth to wipe the dipstick. The oil color on white tissue or white cloth is the true one.
Add Power Steering Fluid To The Required Level
If your vehicle already has a scale on the reservoir cylinder, add oil until you reach the whole “hot” or “cold” level.
Remember to pour the oil slowly to avoid overfilling the reservoir because the oil expands when heated and takes a toll on other components.
If you insist on driving in this case, the increased pressure will cause problems and incur expensive repairs.
Be sure to use only a power steering fluid recommended for your vehicle, as it will have the correct viscosity (thickness) for your vehicle’s power steering pump.
How To Change 2015 Chevy Equinox Power Steering Fluid?
When checking that the quality of the power steering fluid is subpar, the entire fluid should be replaced. There are two ways to change this oil:
Method 1: Use a Turkey Baster Suction Bottle
How to change the Chevy Equinox power steering fluid?
Suck the old oil out using the Turkey Baster. Then replace the fluid, and you’re done.
However, sucking oil in this manner can soak up the fluid in the oil tank, not the entire system. As a result, a few extra actions are necessary.
Following the initial suction, introduce a small amount of fresh oil into the tank. Proceed by driving the car for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the new fluid to blend with the existing oil.
Next, utilize a Turkey Baster to extract all the oil from the tank. Afterward, repeat the process of adding new oil, running the car, and suctioning the oil out.
Doing it 3-4 times can remove the old oil. Each time this is done, the oil quality will be improved. For the last time, fill the tank with fresh oil and lock the cap tightly.
Method 2: Drain The Oil Manually
This method is more complicated:
- Lift the car using the car jack.
- Disconnect the oil hose and replace it with a plastic tube, elevating one end of the line to prevent oil from draining.
- Position a basin beneath the open plastic tube to catch the old oil as it drains out.
- Crank up the vehicle and turn the steering wheel clockwise (left-right), then vice versa. This action facilitates old oil flow from the steering wheel down the plastic tube.
- Simultaneously, gradually pour new oil into the tank. Continue doing until the old oil in the basin matches the color of the new oil, then cease pouring.
- Shut off the engine, reattach the original return hose, and securely tighten the nut.
- Restart the car, and maneuver the drive wheel clockwise, and then vice versa, to eliminate any air bubbles from the system.
- Check the tank’s oil level; if it is below the specified level, add more oil accordingly. Finally, seal the oil tank cap securely.
FAQs
Do You Check Power Steering Fluid With The Car Running?
No, checking the power steering fluid level when the car runs is hazardous because the engine is so hot, which can burn you.
So checking power steering fluid hot or cold – which is correct?
This fluid is best tested if the car has been running for a few minutes and has had time to warm up, but the temperature won’t burn you.
Turn the engine off to be safe when checking the fluid level. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir correctly by carefully looking at the cap’s label.
Does A 2016 Chevy Equinox Have Electronic Power Steering?
Yes, the 2016 Chevy Equinox is equipped with two electronic power steering systems: either an “EPS” (Electric Power Steering) or “EPAS” (Electric Power-Assisted Steering) system, depending on the specific vehicle.
These systems utilize an electronic power steering instead of a hydraulic power steering, eliminating the possibility of leaks.
With this electric motor’s presence, newer models like the 2016 Chevy Equinox are considered safer to avoid power-steering-fluid-related issues.
Does a 2015 Chevy Equinox Take Transmission Fluid?
Yes, a 2015 Chevy Equinox must take transmission fluid to keep the engine cool and help catalytic converters run smoothly.
Many experts recommend changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles to avoid breakdowns.
Conclusion
The power steering system is essential in controlling your car’s steering wheel. If an adequate amount of standard fluid is not supplied, the system may malfunction.
Therefore, car owners should know the 2015 chevy equinox power steering fluid location and regularly change the oil to ensure stable and safe operation.