How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2005 Hyundai Elantra
To replace your Hyundai Elantra’s PSF, find the black reservoir cap under the hood, then drain and replace it with Prestone fluid.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The power steering fluid in your 2005 Hyundai Elantra can be replaced by emptying the reservoir of the old fluid and then refilling it with fresh Prestone fluid. In Elantras, the power steering reservoir has a black cap.
If there is shrieking in your vehicle when you turn—and it’s not coming from a passenger!—then you may need to replace the power steering fluid in your 2005 Hyundai Elantra. You can take it to a mechanic or do it yourself to save some cash. Either way,
car insurance
super app Jerry
has put together a quick guide for you.This article explains all the essentials: how to find the power steering fluid reservoir, how to drain it, how to top it up, and what brand is the best. As a bonus, we also explain how to save money on your
Hyundai Elantra insurance costs
by using our trustworthy licensed broker app
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How do I replace my 2005 Hyundai Elantra’s power steering fluid?
To replace the power steering fluid in a 2005 Hyundai Elantra, make sure your car is cold and the engine is off. Here are the steps to follow:
- Pop the hood and find the power steering reservoir. Look for a black cap on a reservoir on the passenger side of the hood.
- Take off the cap and put a pump into the reservoir. A pump can be made from a variety of materials, including the clean tube from a shampoo bottle or a syringe. Cover the surrounding area with rags to soak up spills.
- Drain the reservoir of the old power steering fluid. Have an old container on hand to deposit the used fluid.
- Add new fluid with a funnel. Stop at the MAX fill line. Then, replace the reservoir cap.
That’s it! You can use a fancier system whereby you unplug the return hose. However, the process above will work beautifully to remove most of the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.
If you want to take your fluid replacement to the next level, you can completely flush and drain the system:
- Disconnect the fluid line. Move the tension clamp away and disconnect the top suction line and the bottom return line, while a container waits below to catch the fluid.
- Reconnect suction line. Then, plug the return line with putty or a rubber cap. Top up with new fluid.
- Drain the system completely. Turn to ON but don’t start the car. Ask a friend to move the steering wheel back and forth from lock to lock position, which will squeeze out the last few drops of your Elantra’s old power steering fluid.
- Slowly pour fluid and flush. Keep pouring liquid in slowly—don’t let it go dry. Do this until the liquid is clean and then ask your friend to stop moving the wheel.
- Reconnect the hoses. Wipe up any messes, drive to test your work, and top up to the MAX fill line.
Want someone else to do your dirty work? No problem! Take your Hyundai to a mechanic. Let’s take a look at a few 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?
If you want to be certain that the
power steering fluid service
was done correctly, you should visit a repair shop for professional assistance. The whole process of flushing the power steering fluid will take less than an hour and cost about $120. If you’d like to save some money and you’re comfortable working on cars, then do it yourself. You’ll pay about $20 for the power steering fluid, but you’ll pay nothing for labor.
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2005 Hyundai Elantra?
The original power steering fluid used in a 2005 Hyundai Elantra is PSF-3—but this product is no longer manufactured. Don’t worry! There are tons of great options like
Prestone’s PSF
. What’s most important is that you choose a product intended for a Hyundai. Here are a few of our top picks:
Power steering fluid | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Prestone PSF | 12 ounces | $12.99 |
Valvoline MaxLife | 32 ounces | $9.99 |
Idemitsu Lubricants | 12 ounces | $7.99 |
Pentosin ATF 44 | 1 liter | $16.07 |
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Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhen do I need to replace my 2005 Hyundai Elantra’s power steering fluid?
In general, Hyundai recommends that you change your Elantra’s power steering fluid every two to three years. You can perform this service annually for peak performance, but it’s not necessary so long as your wheel is turning easily.
Sometimes, you’ll need to replace a 2005 Hyundai Elantra’s power steering fluid ahead of schedule. Here are some symptoms that indicate you may need to replace the fluid:
- Bad noises when you turn the wheel (shrieking, grinding, etc.)
- Stiff steering wheel
- Bubbles in your power steering fluid
- Leakage
- Color change from clear to yellow
Gas and
engine oil
are the two most important fluids in your car, but power steering fluid is a close third! This fluid doesn’t just make it easy to drive, but it prolongs the life of your vehicle. To keep your Elantra healthy for years to come, follow a car maintenance schedule
.How to save money on Hyundai insurance
You don’t have to work hard to find discounts if you use the
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, if it’s super easy? Jerry can help put some breathing room back in your budget. It’s a comparison shopping app that can help you find the best possible price for the insurance coverage you need. One car, two cars, multiple drivers—whatever your family needs, Jerry can help you cover it.
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FAQs
Can I replace the power steering fluid in my 2005 Hyundai Elantra myself?
Yes! You can save money on labor by draining and refilling your 2005 Hyundai Elantra power steering fluid yourself. Expect to pay about $20 for the new fluid.
How often should I replace my 2005 Hyundai Elantra’s power steering fluid?
Every three years or 30,000 miles is a good guideline for replacing your power steering fluid. You can change it sooner if you’re experiencing symptoms like a stiff steering wheel or shrieking noises when turning.
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