How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2011 Buick Enclave

You can replace your 2011 Buick Enclave power steering fluid by draining the old fluid from the reservoir and then refilling it with fresh fluid.
Written by Nick Kunze
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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You can replace your 2011 Buick Enclave power steering fluid by draining the old fluid from the reservoir and refilling it with fresh fluid. The power steering reservoir is under the hood on the passenger’s side beneath the alternator. 
If your steering wheel isn’t turning properly or squeaks when moving, you know it’s time to change your Buick Enclave’s power steering fluid. This less-publicized maintenance may seem intimidating, but you can do it at home without too much trouble. 
Jerry
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savings, has created this guide to teach you everything you need to know about replacing your power steering fluid—how to do it, how frequently you should, and what power steering fluid you should purchase. Plus, we've got some tips that could help lower your
Buick Enclave insurance costs
.
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How do I replace my 2011 Buick Enclave’s power steering fluid?

If you want to replace your Buick’s power steering fluid at home, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
  • Find the power steering reservoir. Your Enclave’s power steering reservoir is hard to find—it is under the hood on the passenger side, underneath the alternator. Using a flashlight might help you locate it. 
  • Remove the black cap and place a pump into the reservoir. If you don’t have a car maintenance pump, a turkey baster or hand soap pump will also do the job.
  • Pump the old fluid out of the reservoir and directly into a sealable container. Never dump it!
  • Refill the reservoir with your new power steering fluid. 
You can stop there and declare it a job well done. However, there is an additional task you can add to thoroughly push all the old fluid out of your car. 
Disconnect the fluid line and wiggle your steering wheel back and forth. This will force out the final droplets of power steering fluid. Once you’re finished, reconnect the fluid line.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

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

Whether you change your power steering fluid at home or at the repair shop is totally up to you. 
The benefit of going to the shop is you’re pretty much guaranteed to get the replacement done correctly. You also save time and hassle. However, with parts and labor combined, you’re likely to pay between $145 and $175
for a power steering fluid service
.
Doing it at home will save you some serious cash—all you’ll need to pay for is a bottle of power steering fluid. Which one should you pick? Read on to find out.  

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2011 Buick Enclave?

The power steering fluid recommended for the 2011 Buick Enclave in the owner’s manual is a fluid created by GM that is no longer available
Here are some great options for filling your power steering reservoir:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Prestone AS264
12 ounces
$12.99
Lubegard 23232 Full Synthetic
32 ounces
$16.99
ACDelco 19329450
16 ounces
$17.00
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When do I need to replace my 2011 Buick Enclave’s power steering fluid?

It’s recommended you replace the power steering fluid in your Buick Enclave every three years of 30,000 miles—whichever comes first. Doing so will keep your steering system healthy and your steering wheel moving smoothly. 
However, there are some symptoms to watch out for that indicate you need to change your power steering fluid earlier than anticipated. The following issues mean it’s probably time to replace your power steering fluid:
  • Strange noises when you turn the wheel (screeching, squeaking, etc.)
  • Difficulty steering
  • Bubbles in your power steering fluid
  • Fluid leakage
  • Color change from clear to yellow
Power steering fluid does more than make it easy to turn your steering wheel—it also expands the lifespan of your car!
Properly maintaining your car
is the best way to keep your Enclave on the road for as long as possible. 

How to save money on Buick insurance

Don’t stop at changing your Buick’s power steering fluid—change out your overpriced
car insurance
policy too!
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FAQs

Yes! Replacing the power steering fluid in your 2011 Buick Enclave can be done at home. You’ll just need to purchase a bottle of new power steering fluid.
You should replace your 2011 Buick Enclave’s power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or three years—whichever comes first.
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