Jeep JK Power Steering Fluid

If you drive a Jeep JK, you’ll need to know what kind of power steering fluid it requires. Here’s how you can find out.
Written by Melanie Krieps Mergen
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Jeep Wrangler JKs need power steering fluid to smoothly navigate turns, which you’ll periodically need to change it. If you have your power steering replaced at an auto shop, you might spend $100 or more—instead, do it yourself for under $20!
Hydraulic power steering systems require power steering fluid in order to work properly. Over time, dirt and other debris can contaminate the fluid, or the fluid level could lower, impacting your power steering’s performance.
When it comes to safely handling your Jeep Wrangler Jk, a functioning power steering system is pretty important. That’s why
Jerry
, the licensed insurance broker app that makes it easy to find
cheap car insurance
, is here to give you the rundown on power steering fluid replacements—and how you can find the best
Jeep JK insurance cost
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

What type of power steering fluid does a Jeep JK use?

The Jeep Wrangler (JK) is Jeep’s third generation of Wranglers, spanning the 2007 to 2017 model years. As a result, the required power steering fluid can vary somewhat by model year, making it essential to check your owner’s manual for the necessary specifications. Generally speaking, you can expect to be able to use Mopar Power Steering Fluid+4 or Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Here’s how Jeep’s recommendations have varied for the Wrangler JKs by model year:
  • 2007-2008: Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • 2009: Power Steering Fluid+4, Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • 2010-2013: Power Steering Fluid+4, Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid, or “equivalent licensed ATF + 4 product”
  • 2014-2017: MOPAR Power Steering Fluid+4, Mopar ATF + 4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Depending on your model year, here are some other power steering fluids you could consider for your Jeep Wrangler JK:
MORE: Why does my steering wheel shake, and how do I fix it?

How to change Jeep JK power steering fluid

Changing a vehicle’s power steering fluid might sound complicated, but it’s actually a pretty beginner-friendly car maintenance task by many people’s standards. Here are some materials you need for the job:
  • A syringe, pipette, or another tool to pump the old steering fluid out of the reservoir
  • A brand new bottle of power steering fluid compatible with your Jeep JK
  • Pliers
  • Gloves
  • Towel(s) for cleanup
  • Drain pan
  • Jack and jack stands (optional—just make sure you’re aware of best safety practices if you use them)
Once you have everything you need, these are the general steps to change your power steering fluid.
Step 1: Prop open your Jeep JK’s hood. Once you’ve located the power steering reservoir, remove the cap and start pumping out the old power steering fluid.
Step 2: Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the proper level and replace the cap.
In many cases, you could call your work done after this step, but to do an even more thorough job, you can take a few extra steps.
Step 3: Locate and disconnect your power steering fluid return line and cap off the reservoir’s base. Allow the rest of the old power steering fluid to flow out of the return line and into your drain pan.
Step 4: To help get the fresh power steering fluid circulating through the system, you can start your vehicle and turn your Jeep’s steering wheel as far as it will go in both directions (“lock to lock”) several times. (Using jack stands can make this step easier, but it’s not required.)
If an assistant is helping you take care of your power steering fluid change, it’s a good idea to make sure fluid is continuously added to the power steering system to keep air from getting into the system (watch out for bubbles in the return line). Otherwise, you can run your engine a few seconds at a time and turn it off again as you add more power steering fluid to the reservoir.
Once you see bright, fresh fluid coming out of the line, you can stop and proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Reconnect the return hose to the power steering reservoir. You can let the engine run for a few seconds again and check around for any leaks. Then, turn the vehicle off and check the fluid level one last time, topping it off to the proper level as necessary.
Finally, you can take your Jeep JK for a test drive around the block and pay attention to how it turns. If everything went as it should, you should notice smoother steering.

What is the power steering fluid change interval for a Jeep JK?

Power steering fluid service recommendations
for vehicles have some considerable room for variation, but it’s generally a good idea to change your Jeep JK’s power steering fluid every 50,000 miles or every two to four years.
If your Jeep JK needs a power steering fluid change, here are some signs you might notice: 
  • Difficulty turning your steering wheel
  • Groaning or grinding noises when turning your steering wheel 
  • Steering that feels too loose
  • Power steering reservoir fluid is dark brown or black in color
The power steering fluid color can vary somewhat, but it’s usually a bright pink, red or translucent brown color
Keep in mind that these symptoms could also be indicative of other issues, so don’t hesitate to get a mechanic’s opinion if you suspect something isn’t right.

How to save on Jeep JK insurance

Are you looking for a better car insurance policy? Allow
Jerry
to steer you in the right direction.
With the Jerry app, it’s easier than ever to ensure you’re not overpaying for your
Jeep’s car insurance costs
. It only takes 45 seconds to answer a few quick questions and compare customized quotes from top
car insurance
providers.
Once you’ve found the policy that’s right for you, our friendly and experienced agents help make the process of switching a breeze.
The best part? Drivers who switch with Jerry save an average of over $800 per year on their car insurance!
“It never occurred to me to look for more insurance quotes, but I’m so happy I saw
Jerry
. After using the app, I am saving $2000+ a year through my new Progressive plan. It blew my mind!” —Jarod M.
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
Try GarageGuard™

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings