How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2015 Subaru Outback

To replace your 2015 Subaru Outback’s power steering fluid, remove the yellow reservoir cap, drain the old fluid and replace it with regular ATF transmission fluid.
Written by Elaine Yang
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
To replace your 2015
Subaru Outback’s
power steering fluid, remove the yellow reservoir cap, drain the old fluid and replace it with regular ATF transmission fluid. You can find the power steering reservoir under your Outback’s hood to the far left side. 
You’ll know it’s time to change your Outback’s power steering fluid when it gets harder to turn your steering wheel—or if your car starts making a screeching noise when you turn. 
Trying to fix anything in your car might seem daunting at first—especially since it’s so complicated under that hood—but
Jerry
, the
car insurance
app has created this guide that will get you changing power steering fluid like a pro in no time! 
Read on to learn how to change your Outback’s power steering fluid, what brand you should be using, when you should be replacing the fluid, and how to
save money
on your insurance.
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How do I replace my 2015 Subaru Outback’s power steering fluid?

Luckily, changing out power steering fluid in your Subaru Outback isn’t complicated. Follow these steps:
  • Find the power steering reservoir. It should be to the far left once you’ve opened up the hood with a yellow cap 
  • To remove the yellow cap, clean off the cap and turn it to the left. Once the cap is off, insert a pump into the reservoir. You don’t need to purchase a pump for this—anything that’ll remove the liquid from the reservoir (like a turkey baster or shampoo pump) will do just fine
  • Remove the old fluid from the reservoir. To avoid a mess, use something to catch any liquid that might fall into your hood 
  • Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap 
If you’re worried about damaging your Outback’s engine, you could always choose to take your
car to a mechanic
—it should be an easy fix for them! 
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

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

When in doubt, you should always take your car to the mechanic. They’ll make sure that the job is done properly, and that your vehicle is in tip-top shape. The job shouldn’t take longer than an hour or so, and it’ll cost you about $120
However, if you’re confident that you can replace your power steering fluid yourself, and you’d like to save a little money, you should go ahead and do it yourself! While the replacement power fluid will cost about $10 to $20, you won’t have to pay for any labor expenses.

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2015 Subaru Outback?

There are a couple of power steering fluid options that work well for Subarus. A universally-liked brand is
Prestone’s power steering fluid
. This option is great for many brands, like
Honda
,
Toyota
,
Lexus
, and
Infiniti
Here are a couple of the best picks:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Valvoline Maxlife
32 ounces
$14.79
Mobil 1 ATF
1 litre (34 ounces)
$14.49
MotoMaster Dexron III
5 liters (170 ounces)
$30.99
Prestone PSF
12 ounces
$12.99

When do I need to replace my 2015 Subaru Outback’s power steering fluid?

Mechanics recommend that you change out your Outback’s power steering fluid every three to four years. By regularly replacing your power steering fluid, your steering system should be running smoothly without any issues. 
However, sometimes you might have to change out your fluid ahead of time. Look out for the following symptoms to know when you should be replacing the fluid: 
  • Weird noises when you turn the wheel (screeching, squeaking, etc.)
  • It’s hard to turn your wheel
  • Bubbles in your reservoir 
  • Noticeable leaks
  • Color change (red to gray/black)
While it might seem tedious, regularly replacing your power steering fluid counts as car maintenance—and can extend your vehicle’s lifespan. Follow
maintenance best practices
to ensure that your Outback keeps driving smoothly for years to come. 

How to save money on Subaru insurance

If you’re looking to save money on more than just power steering fluid replacements, you’ll want to consider switching to
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to save money on your
car insurance
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FAQs

Yes! Replacing your Subaru’s power steering fluid can save you money on labor costs. To replace your 2015 Subaru Outback’s power steering fluid, remove the yellow reservoir cap, drain the old fluid and replace it with regular ATF transmission fluid.
You should be replacing your Subaru’s power steering fluid every three to four years. If you have trouble steering your wheel, you might need to replace it sooner.
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