How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2008 Hyundai Sonata

You can change the power steering fluid in your 2008 Hyundai Sonata by removing the reservoir cap, letting the old fluid drain out, and filling it with new Prestone fluid.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Replace the power steering fluid in your 2008 Hyundai Sonata by removing the old fluid from the reservoir and adding new Prestone fluid. In Sonatas, the power steering reservoir is found on the passenger side of the engine compartment.
If your steering wheel suddenly stiffens or screeches as you turn, it's time to replace your Sonata's power steering fluid! If you’ve never done it yourself before, this may seem like a tough job—but
Jerry
, the super app for
car insurance
, has put together this guide to walk you through the whole thing.
We'll go over all you need to know, such as how to change your Sonata's power steering fluid, which type is best for your Hyundai, and even how to save extra cash on your
Hyundai Sonata insurance costs
!
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How do I replace my 2008 Hyundai Sonata’s power steering fluid?

Luckily, it's pretty easy to
service the power steering fluid
in a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. Just follow these steps:
  • Find the reservoir for the power steering fluid. The reservoir is a black cap on the passenger's side of the engine. Make sure to wipe the cap and the area around it to get rid of any dirt or dust.
  • Take off the top of the reservoir and place a pump inside. The pump can be made using anything from the tube of a shampoo bottle to a turkey baster. Anything that can siphon the old fluid out will work.
  • Drain the old fluid from the reservoir. Catch any extra fluid for the power steering in a container.
  • Fill the reservoir with the new fluid, and then replace the cap.
And that's all! After you change the power steering fluid, your Hyundai Sonata is ready to go. If you're a bit of a grease monkey and wish to go the extra mile, you can perform these extra steps:
  • Take out the fluid line.
  • Drain your system completely. By wiggling the steering wheel back and forth, you can pull the remainder of the old fluid out of your Sonata.
If you're not sure how to fix your Hyundai at home, don't worry—you can just as easily
take your car to a repair shop
! There are some advantages and disadvantages to having your power steering fluid replaced professionally. 
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

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

If you want your power steering fluid replaced correctly, you can't go wrong with a mechanic. They should be able to finish the task in an hour or less, but it will cost you roughly $120.
However, if you want to save money and don't mind getting your hands dirty, give it a try! The power steering fluid will cost between $10 and $20, but there will be no further charge for the mechanic's time.

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2008 Hyundai Sonata?

When it's time to choose a new power steering fluid, there are a lot of good options to choose from. It's important to use the right type because not doing so can cause more leaks and damage your car's components. 
For vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata,
Prestone
is well-liked and works with other popular brands like
Honda
,
Toyota
, and
Infiniti
.
Here are a few that we recommend:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Prestone PSF + Stop Leak
32 ounces
$6.97
Peak Full Synthetic Asian PSF
12 ounces
$16.49
Idemitsu Lubricants PSF
12 ounces
$5.51
Pentosin ATF 44
5 liters (170 ounces)
$71.99
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Pro Tip No matter the brand you choose, make sure that the power steering fluid you select is compatible with Hyundais!

When do I need to replace my 2008 Hyundai Sonata’s power steering fluid?

Your Hyundai Sonata's power steering fluid should be changed every three years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first!). This ensures your steering system is functioning smoothly and your wheel turns freely.
In some cases, you may need to replace your fluid sooner than intended. If you notice any of these signs, it's time for a replacement:
  • Strange noises coming from the steering wheel (screeching, whining, etc.)
  • It's difficult to steer
  • There are bubbles in the power steering fluid
  • Leakage of fluid
  • Color shift from clear to yellow
Remember that the right power steering fluid not only makes it easier to drive, but it also makes your car last longer. If you do
basic car maintenance
on your Sonata, it will run well for many years.
MORE:
 

How to save money on Hyundai insurance

Taking your Hyundai to the mechanic for a power steering fluid replacement or any other type of service can be costly. If you’re looking to save money on other aspects of your vehicle, then check out the
Jerry
app.
A
trustworthy insurance shopping super app
, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.
And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price! 
“The savings are real!
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saved me almost $1000 a year for my car insurance. Was I surprised? Yes. Was I happy? Yes!” —Sonia Z.

FAQs

Yes! It's a pretty simple process that just involves removing the reservoir cap, emptying the old fluid, and replenishing your Hyundai Sonata with a new power steering fluid.
As a general rule, you should replace your Sonata's power steering fluid every three years or 30,000 miles. If you're having steering troubles, you may need to fix it earlier.
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