How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 1999 Jeep TJ

All you need to change your 1999 Jeep TJ power steering fluid is a bottle of synthetic steering fluid, a transfer pump, and these easy-to-follow steps!
Written by Annette Maxon
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
Your 1999 Jeep TJ power steering fluid is easy to replace yourself. All you need is a bottle of fresh synthetic-blend power steering fluid, a transfer pump, and an empty container. Not only will doing this task at home save you money, but it also makes it easy to stay on top of regular maintenance. 
Maybe you started noticing your car screeching every time you turn the wheel—or perhaps you’ve been counting down the days until maintenance is due. No matter the reason, changing the power steering fluid in your 1999 Jeep TJ is a simple process that even maintenance beginners can do with ease. 
Plus, changing the power steering fluid yourself can save you money, which
Jerry
is all about. A licensed broker and #1 super app for affordable
car insurance
, Jerry created this guide with everything there is to know about your Jeep TJ’s power fluid. We've also included a tip for how to reduce your Jeep TJ insurance costs! 
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How do I replace my 1999 Jeep TJ’s power steering fluid?

Your 1999 Jeep TJ power steering fluid is one of the easiest things to replace yourself! All you’ll need is the right power steering fluid, a transfer pump, an empty container, and these easy steps:
  • Pop the hood and locate the power steering reservoir. You’re looking for a cap with a steering wheel image, the words “steering fluid,” or both! 
  • Unscrew the reservoir cap and wipe some of the excess fluid on a paper towel to check the
    color of the power steering fluid
    .
  • Attach the transfer pump to the reservoir and put the pump’s receiving end into the empty container.
  • Pump out the dirty steering fluid until the pump stops.
  • Remove the transfer pump and refill the power steering reservoir with new steering fluid.
  • Check the fluid level using the dipstick attached to the reservoir’s cap.
  • Once you’ve filled the fluid to the correct level, return the cap and turn the engine on.
  • After letting the engine run, shut it off and repeat the process as many times as needed until the steering fluid comes out clean when tested.
And there you have it! This process doesn’t drain your vehicle’s power steering fluid reservoir completely, so it’s a fool-proof task for beginners to tackle. 
If you don’t want to deal with the mess yourself, simply visit a mechanic when your 1999 Jeep TJ power steering fluid needs to be replaced.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?

If you’re wondering whether you should try changing your 1999 Jeep TJ steering fluid, know that there’s no wrong answer! For maintenance beginners or anyone worried about something going wrong in the DIY process, visiting the mechanic is a way to be certain that your replacement is done correctly. 
The biggest drawback to taking your vehicle to the mechanic is simply the bill—expect to pay around $120 for a
power steering fluid service
. Another factor is the time since the process will require your car to be in the shop for an hour or less.
Doing the process at home is a great way to save money! If you’re okay with getting your hands dirty, then trying the process yourself is the most budget-friendly option. Keep in mind that you will need to pay $10 to $20 for the power steering fluid (more if you need to buy a transfer pump or container). 

Which power steering fluid is best for a 1999 Jeep TJ?

The optimal 1999 Jeep TJ power steering fluid is a fully synthetic blend that meets the specifications outlined in the owner’s manual. Fortunately, there are many good options available that are compatible with your vehicle. 
To help with your shopping, here are some of our favorite ones:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Valvoline - ATF+4® Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
1 quart
$12.99
Prestone - American Vehicle Power Steering Fluid
12 ounces
$9.99
Peak - Original Equipment Technology Full Synthetic North American Power Steering Fluid
12 ounces
$13.29
Prestone - PSF MAXAmerican
12 ounces
$12.99
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Pro Tip Before buying your power steering fluid, make sure it’s compatible with cars like
Jeep
,
Chrysler
, and
Chevrolet
!

When do I need to replace my 1999 Jeep TJ’s power steering fluid?

Power steering fluid needs to be changed every 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Staying on top of this regular maintenance schedule is important for minimizing the
wear and tear
on other components in the steering system and allowing you to safely maneuver on the road.
Depending on your vehicle, the power steering fluid may need to be replaced before the 5-year or 50,000-mile marker. Keep an eye out for these signs that your steering fluid needs to be replaced:
  • Screeching, squealing, grinding, or other strange noises when you turn the wheel
  • Difficulty steering
  • Bubbles are in the power steering fluid when you test it
  • Leaky fluid in the engine
  • Fluid is dark in color (compared to clear, which indicates clean fluid)
It’s important to remember that power steering fluid doesn’t just help you to steer; it also keeps your vehicle in working condition. Staying on top of a regular
maintenance schedule
is one of the best ways to keep your Jeep TJ smoothly running for years to come. 
MORE: How to check and add brake fluid

How to save money on Jeep insurance

Whether or not you decide to tackle the power steering fluid replacement yourself, there are other easy ways to cut down on car expenses without sacrificing the quality of your Jeep TJ! The fastest and most hassle-free way to save on your
Jeep car insurance costs
is to download the
Jerry
app. 
A
trustworthy licensed broker app
, Jerry is the best way to get customized car insurance quotes in less than a minute. The app partners with 55+ name-brand insurance companies to find you coverage that fits your budget and needs. 
Once you’ve made your pick of Jerry’s suggestions, the app’s team of insurance experts handles the phone calls and paperwork involved to sign you up for your new policy. 
Additionally, every time your policy comes up for renewal, Jerry will do another search to make sure you’re still getting the best coverage for your 1999 Jeep TJ. 
“I honestly didn’t think I could be so satisfied with a car insurance service, but
Jerry
easily saved me $125/month. I was looking for Progressive and Jerry found a great plan for me!” —Brianna L.
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FAQs

Yes! Replacing your 1999 Jeep TJ power steering fluid is one of the easiest car maintenance tasks to do yourself. All you need is a bottle of new fluid, a transfer pump, an empty container, and some simple steps.
Generally, plan on replacing your 1999 Jeep TJ’s power steering fluid every 5 years or 50,000 miles. If you hear screeching or squealing noises when you turn the wheel, have difficulty steering, or see bubbles or dark color when you check your fluid, it’s time to replace it early.
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