How to Put Power Steering Fluid in Car: A Funnel Guide
Find the reservoir, check the level against the marks, and pour slowly through a funnel until the fluid reaches the mark the manual calls for.
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How to put power steering fluid in car: find the reservoir under the hood, check the level against the marks, and pour slowly through a funnel until the fluid reaches the mark the manual calls for. The job needs the right fluid and a funnel that reaches the filler without spilling, and the four funnels below cover that part of the job. Check the manual first for the fluid type and the level marks, since both vary by car.
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Below: the steps, the funnels, and how to pick the right one.
25.6" Steel Bendable Spout Funnel with Filter
A 25.6 in steel bendable spout funnel with a filter, a threaded leak-proof connection and a hook for hanging storage.
Pros
- 25.6 in steel spout bends to any angle for narrow spaces
- Filter and tight threaded connection for leak-proof sealing
- Hook steadies the funnel and hangs it on the wall
- Steel spout resists oil and is not easy to wear
Cons
- Part number reads 630 mm while the title and bullets state 650 mm
- No warranty term is stated
- Mouth diameter is not stated
- Filter mesh size is not stated
TEC Products FlexAll Short Neck Oil Funnel
A large flexible nitrile rubber funnel, 11 by 5.73 in, with a hose and handle grip for oil changes and fluid transfers.
Pros
- Nitrile rubber flexes without kinking for smooth fluid flow
- Withstands temperatures from -21°F to +221°F
- Ergonomic handle grip for control and fewer spills
- Made in USA
Cons
- Spec table lists length as 10.071 in against the stated 11 in
- No warranty term is stated
- Hose length is not stated
- No filter is stated
Terbold Automotive Flex Funnel with Hose
A polyethylene flex funnel with a 5.7 in wide mouth, a .6 in threaded spout and a 9.8 in flexible hose.
Pros
- 5.7 in wide mouth takes pours from large-mouth containers
- 9.8 in flexible hose reaches the filler without spills
- Polyethylene resists corrosion from oil, diesel, gasoline and kerosene
- Side handle keeps hands away from slippery fluids
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No filter is stated
- Single funnel, no set of sizes
- No stated temperature range
HKAJNT 3Pcs Long Neck Funnels Set Gas Oil Change
A 3-piece set of long-neck polyethylene funnels, 11.3 in long with a 3.3 in top and a 0.5 in narrow bottom, in red, blue and black.
Pros
- 3-piece set in red, blue and black for separate fluids
- 11.3 in long neck with a 0.5 in narrow bottom for tight fillers
- Raised edges keep dust and dirt out while pouring
- Compact set stores in a toolbox, glove box or trunk
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No filter is stated
- No handle is stated
- Narrow 0.5 in tip suits small openings only
How to put power steering fluid in car: the steps
- Check the manual. The manual names the fluid type and where the level marks sit. Match the manual, not the bottle on the shelf.
- Park on level ground and open the hood. Find the power steering reservoir by the cap marked for steering fluid, and wipe the cap clean before opening.
- Check the level. Look at the marks on the reservoir or the dipstick on the cap, and follow the manual on reading it hot or cold.
- Set the funnel in the filler. Pick a funnel that reaches the opening, and seat it firmly so it cannot fall over while pouring.
- Pour slowly. Add a little at a time and watch the level rise toward the mark. Stop at the mark; extra fluid can spill out of the reservoir as it warms and expands.
- Close up and check for leaks. Refit the cap, wipe any spills off hoses and paint, and look under the car for drips.
- Recheck the level. If the level drops again soon after topping off, a mechanic should look at it.
Do this job with the garage door open. Never run a car engine in a closed garage.
Funnels for topping off power steering fluid
The pour is the messy part of this job, and a funnel sized to the filler keeps fluid off the engine and the hoses.
How to choose a funnel for power steering fluid
Length decides whether the funnel reaches the filler. The Yuesstloo steel spout runs 25.6 in and bends to any angle, the HKAJNT set runs 11.3 in, and the Terbold hose runs 9.8 in. A long spout suits a buried reservoir; a short funnel suits one out in the open.
Mouth size decides how cleanly the pour goes in from the container. The Terbold lists a 5.7 in mouth, wide enough to pour from a large-mouth container, and the TEC lists a 5.73 in mouth. The HKAJNT set lists a 3.3 in top, and its 0.5 in narrow bottom is what meters the pour into a narrow opening.
Material decides how the funnel holds up to fluids. The Yuesstloo is steel, the Terbold and HKAJNT sets are polyethylene, and the TEC is nitrile rubber that withstands temperatures from -21°F to +221°F. A filter, like the one in the Yuesstloo spout, keeps grit out of the reservoir.
| Funnel | Length | Mouth | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yuesstloo steel | 25.6 in | Not stated | Steel |
| TEC FlexAll | 11 in | 5.73 in | Nitrile rubber |
| Terbold flex | 9.8 in hose | 5.7 in | Polyethylene |
| HKAJNT set | 11.3 in | 3.3 in | Polyethylene |
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
FAQ: garage tools
Where is the power steering fluid reservoir?
Under the hood, by the cap marked for steering fluid. The exact spot varies by car, so check the manual if the cap is not obvious.
Can I use transmission fluid for power steering fluid?
Only if the manual calls for it. Some cars specify automatic transmission fluid for the steering system and others specify power steering fluid. See can you use transmission fluid for power steering for the full answer.
How do I know when the power steering fluid is low?
Check the reservoir level against the marks. Stiff steering and noise when turning are common signs, but the level at the marks is the check that counts.
Do I need a funnel to add power steering fluid?
Not strictly, but a funnel keeps fluid off the engine and hoses. The 25.6 in Yuesstloo spout reaches a buried filler, and the 0.5 in HKAJNT tip fits a narrow opening.
Can I mix power steering fluid types?
Use only the type the manual specifies. If the wrong fluid went in, see how to flush power steering fluid.
Related: can you use transmission fluid for power steering, how to flush power steering fluid, our best oil funnel under 15 and the best fluid transfer pump under 30.
