The Oldsmobile Alero ran from 1999 to 2004 with a few changes over the years, but at home maintenance on any Alero vehicle is easy to perform. Checking your fluid levels is one of the simplest basic maintenance procedures to perform and checking power steering fluid is an especially good check to do since leaks detected in time can save you a lot of money and repair time through prevention.
Check the power steering fluid in your Oldsmobile Alero every 7,500 miles, when you check the other fluids, including coolant, transmission fluid and brake fluid.
Park your vehicle on a level surface and allow the engine to cool completely before you get under the hood. Warm power steering fluid or fluid that is on an incline will result in an inaccurate reading of the fluid level.
Locate the power steering reservoir in the engine department. The reservoir should be clearly labeled.
Remove the cap and check that the fluid is above the low level mark. If necessary, add fluid slowly until it is between the low level and maximum level marks. If you over fill the reservoir, drain excess fluid by detaching the hose from the bottom of the reservoir.
Inspect the reservoir itself and the connected hoses and clamps for any broken or worn spots that might result in a leak. If you see any cracks or wet spots, replace faulty components immediately to avoid expensive damage to your engine from hot fluid leaking out.
