How to Replace Power Steering Fluid in a 2002 Buick Regal
Replace the power steering fluid in your 2002 Buick Regal by pumping the old fluid from the reservoir and replacing it.
Written by Bee Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
You can replace the power steering fluid on your 2002 Buick Regal by pumping the old fluid from your power steering fluid reservoir and adding new fluid. Your Regal’s reservoir is to the left of your engine and has a black cap.
If the steering wheel of your Buick Regal starts putting up resistance or making strange noises, you probably need to change your power steering fluid. While that may sound like a daunting task, it’s about as easy as changing your windshield fluid or coolant.
In this guide from
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison app, we’ll go over how to change your power steering fluid, which fluids to use, and when to check the fluid levels in your 2002 Buick Regal—we'll even help you save on Buick Regal insurance costs
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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+ driversHow do I replace my 2002 Buick Regal’s power steering fluid?
- Locate your power steering fluid reservoir. The reservoir on a 2002 Buick Regal will be on the passenger side of the engine compartment towards the back. It’ll look like a black plastic jug with a black cap.
- Remove the cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. You can use anything for a pump. Try a hollow bamboo stick or the tube from an empty shampoo bottle!
- Pump the old fluid into an empty container.
- Add new fluid and replace the cap.
And that’s all it takes! If you’re a bit of a grease monkey, you can also take your steering fluid replacement to the next level. Here's how to completely drain the old fluid from your system.
- Disconnect the fluid line.
- Move the steering wheel to drain. Wiggling the steering wheel will drain the last few drops of old fluid from your fluid line.
If you’re not interested in getting your hands dirty, you can always
take your Buick to a mechanic
to get your steering fluid flushed. Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
By taking your car to an auto repairs shop to get your steering fluid flushed, you can be absolutely sure the job is done properly. The mechanic can perform a full flush of your power steering system in an hour or so, with labor usually costing around $120.
But if you want to save money, it’s pretty easy to do this yourself. Power steering fluid from an auto parts store or hardware store typically costs around $10 to $20 per bottle.
MORE:
Are Buicks good cars?
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2002 Buick Regal?
There are a lot of great options for power steering fluid that you can get right off the shelf. For our money, we like
Prestone’s power steering fluid
. It’s affordable and will work well with your Buick and other American-made cars.Power steering fluid | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Prestone PSF | 1 quart | $8.49 |
Idemitsu Lubricants | 12 ounces | $5.51 |
Pentosin ATF 44 | 5 liters (170 ounces) | $71.99 |
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Key Takeaway You can save money by changing your power steering fluid yourself. Make sure you only pour in power steering fluid specifically for American-made cars.
When do I need to replace my 2002 Buick Regal’s power steering fluid?
It’s a good idea to replace your Buick’s power steering fluid every 3-4 years or every 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Keeping your power steering system well-maintained will make steering easier and help your system last longer.
If you start having issues with your steering wheel, you may need to replace your fluid early. Common symptoms of needing new power steering fluid are:
- A groaning noise from the steering system
- Squeaking noises when you turn the steering wheel
- Difficulty turning the wheel
- Leaking fluid
- Fluid color change from red to brown or black
Even if you just start feeling a little more resistance in the wheel, it’s a good idea to check your fluid levels. Remember, proper steering system maintenance not only makes driving easier—but it also prolongs the lifespan of your car! Regular maintenance of the power steering system will save you a lot of money in repairs down the road.
How to save money on Buick insurance
Speaking of saving money, have you checked in on your car insurance policy lately? Many drivers end up overpaying for their coverage because they don’t compare quotes from multiple providers before making a decision.
Luckily,
Jerry
, the trusted insurance comparison tool
, makes it easier than ever to find, compare, and switch car insurance policies to save money.In two minutes or less, Jerry can get you customized quotes for your desired coverage level. Just download the app, answer a few questions, and Jerry’s end-to-end support can help you review coverage options, register for a new policy, and even help cancel your old policy.
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FAQs
Can I replace the power steering fluid in my 2002 Buick Regal myself?
Yes! You can always take your Buick to a mechanic, but you can easily replace the power steering fluid yourself. You’ll just need to buy the fluid for $10-20.
How often should I replace my 2002 Buick Regal’s power steering fluid?
It’s a good idea to check your fluid level once a year to be safe, but you really only need to change the fluid once every 3-4 years or every 50,000 miles. If you start having steering wheel issues, though, definitely check your fluid levels.
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