Changing the power steering fluid on a Chevrolet Lacetti with your own hands

Successful change of power steering oil WITH YOUR HANDS ON A Chevrolet Lacetti

Do not be alarmed if at first you hear noise in the area of ​​the power steering pump, this is normal; when the liquid fills the entire system, it will disappear.

How to change the oil in the power steering of a Chevrolet Lacetti. We substitute the same container for the “return” and produce...

Therefore, it is necessary to use a replacement fluid with the same characteristics. I decided to correct this misunderstanding.

And the fact is that this liquid, according to my subjective feelings, is an order of magnitude superior to the one I poured in earlier. And this, in turn, will cause a hum and noise when turning the steering wheel, so be careful.

Having reached the bottom, we find that the syringe no longer takes the liquid, but it remains in the tank: We place the container under the first pipe that goes to the pump and throw it off, thereby allowing the liquid to flow out.

After that, we put the pipe back on and remove the return line.

This is necessary to expel any remaining liquid in the system. That’s why we hung the wheels, to make it easier to turn the wheels, because the engine is turned off and if you start it, the pump can catch air, which is fraught. In general, we place a container under the hose and turn the steering wheel left and right until it stops and back.

Replacing fluid in the power steering of a Chevrolet Lacetti: video

The hydraulic power steering on the Chevrolet Lacetti is not much different from similar devices on other cars.

More information about power steering fluid on a Chevrolet Lacetti

While operating the vehicle, periodically check the level in the power steering reservoir. There is no sensor on the tank lid.

The manufacturer does not say anything about replacing the power steering fluid, but, as practice shows, replacement is sometimes necessary every 55–60 thousand mileage.

What, how and when?

For a partial replacement, 1 liter should be enough.

• The system is filled with either branded GM Dexron III fluid or any analogue from third-party manufacturers.
• System volume is about 1.1 liters.

When and how to change the oil in the power steering system, we will consider all the subtleties of the process and the operating procedure together today.

Signs for replacement

Has the liquid in the reservoir turned dark brown and lost its consistency? So it needs to be changed!

A sign of a faulty power steering is an increased noise level in the mechanism while driving, as well as increased force on the steering wheel.

The fluid does not last forever and the driver himself can accelerate its wear. If you hold the steering wheel in extreme positions for a long time and often, turn the wheels sharply and forcefully and do not monitor the oil level in the tank, over time it oxidizes, overheats, and a pronounced burning smell appears, then such oil requires prompt replacement.

Otherwise, the amplifier mechanism and pump parts may very soon die out.

As we said, the plant does not standardize the mileage between power steering fluid changes, so you only need to focus on the condition of the fluid and the steering mechanism. If the liquid has acquired a dark color, we buy a new one, change it and bleed the system.

We partially change the fluid

Replacing the fluid in the system can be done using two methods - you can replace the fluid 100%, or partially. Depending on the state of the system, one or the other method may be useful. But first, let’s perform an express diagnostic of the system:

1. We control the oil level and its condition in the tank.
2. Check the tension of the power steering pump drive belt.
3. We inspect the hoses for cracks and abrasions.
4. We look at the places where the hoses are fixed; there may be leaks there. We eliminate malfunctions if there are any.

To partially replace the fluid, we will need a syringe with a tube for sampling from the tank and about a liter of oil. The process goes like this:

1. Remove the lid from the tank.
2. We pump out the oil from there using a syringe and tube. The liquid was pumped out.
3. Fill with fresh liquid to the maximum level. Filled at the top line.
4. We start the engine and turn the steering wheel from one extreme position to the other, while monitoring the oil level. We turn off the engine. Everything is simple here. We turned the steering wheel and turned off the engine.
5. Pump out the oil again and add fresh oil.
6. We continue this cycle until the oil in the tank becomes lighter in color.

This method does not guarantee a complete replacement, nor does it guarantee complete bleeding of the system, so it is used in rare cases.

Complete independent oil change in the power steering on a Chevrolet Lacetti

Now let's get ready to completely replace the fluid in the system and pump it. For this you will need a lift or two jacks. The idea is to have the two front wheels hanging out at the same time. After this you can start replacing:

1. Open the reservoir cap and pump out all the oil. Power steering reservoir cap without cap.
2. Two hoses are connected to the tank - one in front, the second in back. The front hose connects the reservoir to the power steering pump, the rear hose connects the return line. Remove the front hose and lower it into a container; the liquid should drain completely. Using a syringe, pump out the liquid from the tank.
3. Remove the rear return hose and place a container under it. The hoses were removed.
4. We turn the steering wheel from one extreme position to another, pausing a little at the extreme points. We do this until the oil stops flowing. To remove oil more completely, you can blow into the front hose, creating a slight pressure in the system.
5. We connect the hoses to the tank and fill it with fresh fluid.
6. We turn the steering wheel from the far right to the far left until the liquid begins to leave the tank. We do not start the engine.
7. As soon as the level begins to drop, add oil to the maximum. New fluid in the power steering reservoir.
8. We start the engine, rock the steering wheel evenly, without stopping at the extreme points. With the engine running, check the oil level and, if necessary, add until the level stabilizes while the engine is running.

After replacement, after 100–200 km, we check the fluid level and the tightness of the hose connections. Good luck to everyone and enjoy your travels!

Video about completely replacing power steering fluid on a Chevrolet Lacetti

Replacement

1. We hang the front wheels of the car - later we will rotate the steering wheel from right to left to pump the power steering system
2. It is necessary to pump out all the fluid from the power steering reservoir using a syringe
3. We remove the return hose from the power steering reservoir (the hose that is closer to the car interior) and lower it into some container, since power steering fluid will still flow out from there

4. We sit in the cabin and turn the steering wheel left to right (from lock to lock) at least 10 times. We DO NOT start the engine!
5. Let's see how much fluid has flowed out of the return hose of the power steering system. After this, we rotate the steering wheel 5 more times from lock to lock and again check how much fluid has flowed out. If the level has increased significantly, then you can repeat the procedure by rotating the steering wheel; if the level has remained virtually unchanged, then this is enough.
6. It is advisable to remove the power steering system reservoir and the reservoir cap from the Lacetti and rinse it of old fluid
7. Reconnect the system return clamp to the tank and fill the tank with new oil to the MAX level.
8. We turn the steering wheel from side to side again, DO NOT start the engine and monitor the fluid level in the tank. Don't let it drop below the MIN mark

9. Add oil as needed
10. When the oil stops decreasing from the reservoir (the power steering system is almost full), you can start the engine and turn the steering wheel again from lock to lock until the fluid stops decreasing from the power steering system reservoir

The power steering is one of the main components of the steering mechanism. It reduces the force required to apply the steering wheel to make a turn.

This increases the comfort of driving the car, reduces driver fatigue and increases the safety of the car.

For normal operation of the power steering, it is necessary to timely change the oil and use a fluid that meets all the recommendations of the automaker.

Required Tools

In order to replace the working fluid of the Chevrolet Lacetti power steering circuit, you will need the tools listed in the table below.

Table - List of tools that will be needed when changing power steering oil on a Chevrolet Lacetti

Choosing oil for filling in power steering Chevrolet Lacetti

The original power steering fluid is GM Dexron VI. This oil is filled from the factory. General Motors products have article number 1940184. Its price starts from 650 rubles. By purchasing the original fluid, the car owner receives a number of advantages:

• temperature stability;
• low kinematic viscosity;
• freezing at -60° C, which prevents defrosting of the power steering circuit in winter;
• preservation of properties during long-term use;
• oxidation resistance;
• low foaming;
• presence of extreme pressure additives;
• good anti-corrosion properties;
• does not require flushing the system when filling;
• compatible with the materials from which power steering elements in contact with oil are made.

When switching to power steering fluid from a third-party manufacturer, simply adding and mixing oils is prohibited. Therefore, before filling in the newly acquired liquid, it is necessary to flush the circuit. The best options for alternative oils are shown in the table below.

Table - List of analogues of the original Chevrolet Lacetti power steering fluid

BrandApproximate cost ruble

Can the steering rack jam?

Can the steering rack jam?

We are often asked the question: “If the steering rack starts to jam, can it completely jam while driving? I’m afraid to drive a car if the steering wheel might jam while moving!” This question makes a lot of sense.

Yes, indeed, there were cases of the steering rack jamming, in which a person (especially a girl) could not turn the steering wheel. It is even known that accidents occurred due to the sudden weighting of the steering wheel.

What can happen to the steering rack for it to jam?

First, you need to decide what kind of steering rack we are talking about. Recently, many brands of cars have installed electric steering racks instead of hydraulic ones. Moreover, they have different designs depending on the brand. But in any case, the steering rack has a rack as such.

The term “rack” refers to a metal rod or strip of metal on which transverse teeth are applied. The teeth are not rounded like on a gear, but lie in one plane, just like on a regular comb. The rack should only make forward movement. A gear works in tandem with a rack.

The gear rotates and its teeth come into contact with the rack teeth without clearance.

It goes without saying that if something gets into the teeth, they will jam. This could be any scraps, fragments, foreign objects forgotten inside the steering rack, debris from the lubricant, and finally fragments of the teeth themselves. Splintered teeth are the most dangerous. If the teeth begin to break off, they will fall into adjacent teeth and the rack will jam.

The reason for teeth chipping may be poor quality manufacturing, improper fit, or corrosion. Corrosion of the teeth is the most likely factor.

Advice

Attention! Before the rack completely jams, it will knock for a long time, play, and the steering wheel may spontaneously change its central position (teeth skipping). Another option for jammed steering racks is associated with electric steering racks

Their design uses either small steel balls (paired with a screw-ball nut) or a worm gear with plastic gears

Another option for stuck steering racks is associated with electric steering racks. Their design uses either small steel balls (in a screw-ball nut pair) or a worm gear with plastic gears.

In both cases, parts may be damaged with jamming of the steering rack. Balls are especially dangerous if they are not assembled correctly and fall out of the cage.

In addition to the mechanical jamming of the steering rack described above, a hydraulic failure occurs much more often, in which jamming as such does not occur. On the other hand, the assistance from the power steering disappears and the car temporarily becomes as if without power steering.

As a summary, it should be noted that almost always jamming of the steering mechanism is associated either with extreme wear or with negligent handicraft repairs. By having your steering rack repaired by professionals, you do not risk it getting jammed.

If you have problems with the rack, then you need to immediately contact the specialists! This element of the car, just like the brakes, is a vital part in the truest sense of the word.

Troubleshooting common problems

If during operation of the Chevrolet Lacetti a problem is detected with the power steering, then repairs can be performed using the algorithm below.

1. The first step is to check the power steering fluid level. If it is below or close to the minimum, then add oil. In many cases this helps solve the problem.
2. After a certain period after adding fluid, its level should be checked. A significant decrease in it indicates depressurization of the circuit. Troubleshooting must begin with a visual inspection. Troubleshooting depends on the failed unit, but in most cases requires replacing parts.
3. If adding working fluid does not restore normal operation of the power steering, then it is necessary to check the pump. Troubleshooting is most conveniently done by ear. When the power plant is running, there should be no extraneous noise from the pump in the form of hum, whistle, squeak, or crackling. The pump has low maintainability, so in most cases it must be replaced with a new one.

Malfunctions of power steering pumps - causes, symptoms, prevention

The power steering pump is a component of the hydraulic steering system. Unit functions:

• creates and changes pressure in the system;
• redirects the fluid to the steering rack distributor spool, which, when the steering wheel is turned, distributes the mixture into the desired chamber of the hydraulic cylinder;
• makes driving easier.

The condition of the pump affects the operation of other units and components, so pump failure is a serious problem.

Let's take a closer look at what malfunctions occur, what signals each type of breakdown, and also give useful recommendations that will help increase the service life of the pump.

Causes of pump failures

The service life of the power steering pump depends on compliance with the operating rules of the unit. The following factors can shorten the life of the unit:

• oil characteristics and failure to change it on time. Oil that does not meet the tolerances and an old mixture with wear products of the working pair clogs the pump and destroys the elements of the unit;
• driving style. When driving aggressively, especially off-road, the pump elements get stuck and jam;
• degree of tension of the drive belt. An overtightened belt gradually wears out the bearing and bushing in bushing pumps;
• If you turn the steering wheel to the extreme position for more than 5 seconds, the pump becomes critically overloaded.

• These options can cause premature failure of the pump and failure of the hydraulic booster.
• Pump malfunctions and signs of breakdowns
• Malfunctions that occur with the power steering pump:

• the bearing is worn out, the shaft is loose, the pump howls and hums;
• oil seal leaked;
• the rotor blades are worn out, the inner wall of the stator and the seats of the rotor blades are unevenly worn out;
• scratches and burrs on the pressure relief valve;
• the pump housing burst;
• The drive belt tension has weakened and the element slides off the pulley.

Each breakdown has signs by which the driver understands that the pump is faulty.

Airing of highways. The problem is indicated by a strong hum of the pump, foam and air bubbles in the power steering reservoir, which can be seen if you open the lid and look into the reservoir. A large amount of air in the power steering system increases the fluid level in the reservoir above the permissible level and can squeeze the mixture through the reservoir cap.

There are two possible reasons for airing:

• crack in the pump casing, pipeline, connecting element;
• wear of a separate part - oil seal, o-ring, rubber hose. If the tank is attached directly to the pump, airing may be caused by wear of the rubber O-ring at the junction between the unit and the tank.

The pump hums constantly. An extraneous hum indicates that the pump is not able to create the required pressure. There are many reasons - the oil intake plates, shaft bearing or working pair are worn out, the inner part of the stator is unevenly worn out. If the bearing is worn out, the pump will hum all the time and the sound will increase as the engine speed increases.

The pump whistles when turning the steering wheel. Extraneous whistling and squealing appears when the drive belt is not tensioned enough on the pulleys and slips during moments of load. Another possible reason is that the belt has worn out and stretched.

The steering wheel became heavy. If, along with an increase in engine speed, the steering wheel becomes lighter, it means that the working pair of the unit has worn out. If the steering wheel does not turn at all, there may be several reasons:

• scuffing and serious damage to the pressure relief valve, due to which the element jams;
• complete failure of the pump;
• ring wear of the rack distributor housing.

IMPORTANT! If you suspect that the power steering pump has failed or is not working correctly, contact a car service center. Even if you managed to find the cause of the breakdown, most likely it will not be possible to eliminate it yourself and efficiently.

Even if you managed to find the cause of the breakdown, most likely it will not be possible to eliminate it yourself and efficiently.

In order for the pump to work reliably and for the required period, you need to:

• Check and change the power steering oil in a timely manner. You need to check the condition of the oil at least once every 15 thousand kilometers;
• use only high-quality liquid that meets the tolerances;
• monitor the oil level in the power steering reservoir;
• in winter, do not turn the steering wheel for 1-5 minutes until the system warms up;
• if a leak occurs, do not use sealants and additives, but contact a car service center;
• If you hear extraneous hums and noises, contact us for diagnostics.

Remember that the condition and service life of car components depend on your attitude towards the car, on the regularity of technical inspection, on the quality of spare parts, components, technical fluids and fuels and lubricants. Approach solving problems wisely and you will be happy!

Search

The power steering on the Chevrolet Lacetti is quite reliable, not demanding and attracts attention relatively periodically. Well, it doesn't need much attention - just watch the water level in the tank and see how the device works while driving. But from time to time you need to know what kind of oil to pour into the Lacetti power steering, whether you can combine fluids of different brands and classes. In principle, everything is very simple - General Motors Korea always keeps up with the times and updates its water class.

For example, by 2009, 1100 ml was poured into the power steering. GM Dexron II, following the introduction of the Dexron III, IV and Dexron IIE standard. But these are just names.

Here is the water specification for the various compliance standards:

As follows, the native fluid can be replaced with any appropriate standard, and GM specifically recommends Dexron.

We will not argue with them, say, pour premium oil, for example. Dexron VI, this makes no sense since it was created in 2005 specifically for the HydraMatic 6L80 automatic transmission.

The main difference between Dexron 6 and Dexron 3 is the change in kinematic viscosity. The least viscous Dexron 6 oil allows you to reduce the coefficient of friction in an automatic transmission, but in a hydraulic booster this indicator is not the most important. At least if the package says DEXRON power steering, it can be safely used to refill the power steering system on the Lacetti. An analogue of this oil is Mobil ATF320, or at least some oil that has the UGMS approval mark.

We will not theorize, but we will immediately put ourselves in the shoes of the Lacetti driver, who saw that the water level in the tank was lower than necessary. If there are no leaks or obvious problems with the amplifier, and the fluid is still more or less fresh, in other words, it makes sense to add it. At the top there is usually a brand Jiemovsky DEXRON power steering III. If we are sure that it is specially poured into the system. However, the composition of this oil differs from the industrial spindle, which at each machine-building plant was filled only with a set of additives, and the cost is not dictated by the proletarian origin of the oil.

The color of the water is reddish at first, but it can change greatly over time. This will tell you it's time to change the oil. However, the manufacturer says that the oil is filled for the entire life of the car, although experienced Lackett owners change the fluid every 50-60 thousand km.

Replacing power steering fluid. Gentra / Lacetti

Water discoloration of the steering wheel indicates that it is time to replace it.

The same DEXRON power steering. Regardless of the index, almost all Chevrolet, cheap Toyota and Opel are in power steering. If we decide to completely change the fluid, we will definitely wash the system before filling - You can mix water with various additives that can cause foaming or precipitation. This will certainly affect the stability of the power steering.

Reviews

Yaroslav, Ulyanovsk. The car was purchased in 2022 with a mileage of 93 thousand km. A solid and practical four-door sedan for every day, and even with a top-end 1.8 engine producing 122 hp. s., like the flagship Lada Vesta. Fuel consumption is around 12 liters of AI-92.

Igor, Krasnodar region. I have a Lacetti hatchback - a stylish and attractive car with a European design, as well as a well-thought-out interior and acceptable equipment, which does not contain unnecessary electronics. Noise insulation is decent for this class, as is the dynamics of a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine. The only problem is the four-speed automatic transmission, which does not allow the engine to open up during acceleration. The gearbox is delayed with shifts, but provides a good smooth ride compared to a manual transmission when driving slowly on bad roads.

Mix, add and change power steering oil for Lacetti

We will not theorize, but will immediately put ourselves in the place of the Lacetti driver, who noticed that the fluid level in the tank is lower than necessary. If there are no leaks or obvious problems with the amplifier, and the liquid is still more or less fresh, then it makes sense to just top it up. As a rule, they top up with Jimmy's proprietary DEXRON Power Steering Fluid III. If we are sure that it is he who is in the system. Frankly speaking, the composition of this oil differs from the industrial spindle that is piled up at every machine plant, only in a set of additives, and the price is not dictated by the proletarian origin of the oil.

The color of the liquid is initially red, but over time it can change greatly. This will indicate that it is time to change the oil. Nevertheless, the manufacturer insists that the oil is filled for the entire service life of the car, although experienced Lacetti owners change the fluid every 50–60 thousand km.

A change in the color of the power steering fluid indicates that it is time to change it.

The same DEXRON Power Steering Fluid, regardless of the index, is poured into the power steering of almost all Chevrolets, inexpensive Toyotas and Opels. If we decide to change the fluid completely, then we will definitely flush the system before filling - there is a possibility of mixing the fluids with different additives, which can cause foaming or sedimentation. This will definitely affect the stability of the power steering.

So what is better to pour?

Guys, you can’t experiment here, you need to follow the tolerances that the manufacturer shows you. After all, any incorrect oil or composition can turn your power steering into a jammed unit! This needs to be remembered; there are a few simple rules that will help you in your choice:

Car brand matching

We select it specifically for your car. Mixing only with similar compositions Withstand high temperatures, you need to pay attention to this, because oils can heat up to quite high levels, especially in summer. As some manufacturers recommend, they should be kept at approximately 100 degrees Celsius. Fluidity

For many machines, you need really liquid compounds, otherwise the pump simply won’t pump. Liquid resource. How long should it work at maximum?

As you can see, the requirements are really stringent, which is why ATF fluids from automatic transmissions are often used; they are durable, can withstand high temperatures, and are available for mixing.

What else would I like to say in conclusion, many people do not change the fluid for years until the rack starts leaking! Guys, this is not correct, because it also wears out, loses its properties, precisely because of its wear, and the anthers may tear, because lubrication will not occur as needed. Therefore, in order to extend the service life of the hydraulic booster, it is PREFERABLE to completely change the fluid every two to three years!

Power steering oil change intervals

General Motors does not standardize the mileage or time interval when you need to change your power steering fluid. Car owners are advised to check the oil level every 10-20 thousand km. Fluid replacement is necessary after 60-100 thousand km. When determining the need to fill in new fluid, it is more correct to focus on the following reasons:

• the appearance of extraneous sounds during turns;
• significant change in liquid color;
• burning smell that comes from opening the power steering reservoir;
• heterogeneity of the working fluid;
• jamming when turning the steering wheel;
• the appearance of deposits on the walls of the tank.

Sources

• https://GrandFart.ru/motor/zamena-zhidkosti-gura-lachetti.html
• https://minitraktor34.ru/tehservis/zamena-zhidkosti-gur-lachetti-2.html
• https://autogearspb.ru/zapchasti/kak-pomenyat-zhidkost-gidrousilitelya-rulya-shevrole-lachetti.html
• https://zapchasti.expert/chevrolet/lacetti/gur-maslo-v-gur.html

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