The power steering fluid in your 2002 Pontiac Sunfire can be replaced by removing the old fluid from the reservoir and putting in new Prestone fluid. The power steering reservoir is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment in a Sunfire.
If your wheel suddenly stiffens up or shrieks as you turn, it's time to replace the power steering fluid in your Sunfire! Though it may appear to be a difficult task, don't worry—Jerry
, the trustworthy comparison shopping super app
for car insurance
, has put together this guide to lead you through the entire process. We'll go over everything you need to know, including how to change your Sunfire’s power steering fluid, what type is ideal for a Pontiac, how to tell when you need a replacement, and how to save on your Pontiac Sunfire insurance costs
. 
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How do I replace my 2002 Pontiac Sunfire’s power steering fluid?
Fortunately, replacing the power steering fluid in a Pontiac Sunfire is a straightforward task. Just follow the steps below:
Find the power steering reservoir. The reservoir has a black cap towards the rear of the engine compartment on the passenger’s side. Be sure to wipe the cap and surrounding area to clear any debris before opening it
Remove the cap from the reservoir and insert a pump. The pump be anything from a shampoo container tube to a turkey baster! Anything that can siphon the old fluid out should work
Empty the reservoir of old power steering fluid. Catch any surplus power steering fluid in a container
Fill the reservoir with your new fluid and screw the cap back on
And that's it! Your Pontiac Sunfire will be ready to go once you've changed the power steering fluid. If you want to go the extra mile—and consider yourself a bit of a grease monkey—you can add in these extra steps:
Completely drain your system. You can get the last bits of the old fluid out of your Sunfire by moving the steering wheel back and forth
If you’re not the most confident of at-home mechanics, no worries—you can easily take your Pontiac to a car repair
shop. Let's look at some of the pros and cons. MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
You can’t go wrong with a mechanic if you want your power steering fluid service
done correctly. They should be able to get the job done in an hour or less, but it’ll cost you around $120 to do so. But if you want to save some money and don't mind doing some work, give it a shot! It’ll be around $10 to $20 for the power steering fluid, but there won’t be any extra fees that would come along with the mechanic’s labor.
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?
There are plenty of excellent options when the time comes to select a new power steering fluid. It’s important to use the right type since using a fluid that isn’t optimized for your vehicle can lead to further leaks and damage to hoses and seals.
Here are a few of our favorites:
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Prestone American Vehicle PSF | | |
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Valvoline MaxLife Synthetic ATF | | |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Pro Tip Whatever power steering fluid you choose, make sure it is compatible with your car!
When do I need to replace my 2002 Pontiac Sunfire’s power steering fluid?
The power steering fluid in your Pontiac Sunfire should be replaced every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever happens first. This keeps your steering system running smoothly and turning your wheel easily.
You may have to change your fluid before expected in some instances. If you see any of the following signs, it's time for a replacement:
Strange noises when turning the steering wheel (screeching, squeaking, etc.)
Power steering fluid has bubbles
Clear to yellow color change
Remember that the correct power steering fluid not only makes driving easier but also extends the life of your vehicle! Follow the maintenance schedule
in your owner's manual to have your Sunfire running efficiently for years to come. How to save money on Pontiac insurance
Whether it’s for a power steering fluid replacement or any other kind of service, taking your Pontiac to the mechanic can cost a pretty penny. If you’re looking to cut Pontiac insurance costs
for your car, look no further than Jerry
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With Jerry, you can find savings without losing coverage—up to $800 in savings a year, on average!
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