2003 CHEVROLET C/K power steering fluid

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-4 Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
6
-5 Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
6
-15 Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines)
6
-15 Filling Your Tank
6
-17 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-18 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-20 Noise Control System
6
-21 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engines)
6
-27 Engine Oil (Caterpillar
Diesel Engines)
6
-27 Engine Oil (DURAMAX Diesel)
6
-30 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-32 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-32 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-34 Rear Axle
6
-34 Rear Axle Shift Motor (Option)
6
-35 Engine Coolant
6
-38 Engine Coolant (Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)6
-38 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-39 Power Steering Fluid
6
-40 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-41 Brakes
6
-52 Battery
6
-54 Other Service Items
6
-58 Tires
6
-67 Appearance Care
6
-68 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-71 Cleaning the Outside Your Vehicle
6
-75 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-76 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-76 Service Statement
6
-77 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-77 Electrical System
6
-86 Capacities and Specifications
6
-90 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-39
Power Steering Fluid
See your Maintenance Schedule for when to check your
power steering fluid.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Check your power steering fluid only when the engine is
warm. If the engine isn't warm, you probably won't get
an accurate reading.
If the fluid level is
between the MIN and
MAX marks, you have
enough. If you need
fluid, add only enough
of the proper fluid to
bring it into view in
the sight glass.If your power steering fluid level is low, this can cause
the BRAKE or service brake soon warning lights to
come on. If either light remains on after you have added
power steering fluid to the proper level, then shut off the
engine for 10 seconds. This should reset the brake
warning lights. If one or both lights stay on though, see
ªHydraulic Brake Warning Lightsº in the Index.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.

6-92
Engine 7.2L 8.1L 7.8L 6.6L
Power Steering
Fluid FilterGM Part
No. 88892858GM Part
No. 88892858GM Part
No. 88892858GM Part
No. 88892858
Secondary
Fuel FilterCAT

1R0751GM Part
No. 25055052GM Part
No. 15098649
Pressure Caps
RC
-54GM Part
No. 15997145GM Part
No. 15075118GM Part
No. 15075118
*Optional Davco (K28) D350921 spin
-on type filter
located on driver's side frame rail.
**Optional Cold Weather (KUK) Racor B6484GM
spin
-on type filter located on driver's side frame rail.*** Optional air filter (GM Part No. 88937525)
for C6/C7/C8 Models. Fits inside standard size filter
(GM Part No. 88937548) listed previously.

7-14
90,000 Miles (144 000 km) (Continued)
Evaporative Control System service (if equipped) (or
every 24 months, whichever occurs first). (3)(26)

Air brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (39)
Air brake automatic slack adjuster service (or every
500 hours, whichever occurs first). (40)
Check air brake relay valve operation and check
for leaks (or every month, or every 300 hours,
whichever occurs first).
Clean air brake application valve (or every 3 months,
or every 300 hours, whichever occurs first); lubricate
linkage.
Air brake chamber service (or every 2 months,
whichever occurs first). (41)
Trailer brake hand control valve service (or every
3 months, or every 900 hours, whichever
occurs first). (42)
L18/LB7 Engines Only: Clutch pedal free
travel service. (10)
97,500 Miles (156 000 km)
Gasoline Engine Only: Check Oil Life System.
If engine oil and filter are changed, reset system.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index. (3)(9)Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(6)
Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)
Wheels and tires service. (15)
Parking brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (8)
L18/LB7 Engines Only: Clutch pedal free
travel service. (10)
100,000 Miles (160 000 km)
DURAMAX Diesel Only: Change engine
oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). (2)(3)
Diesel Only: Inspect engine drive belt; replace
as necessary.
Gasoline Engine Only (Vehicles with GVW of
16,000 lbs. or less): Spark plug service. (3)(28)
Change power steering fluid (or every 36 months,
whichever occurs first). (13)
Replace power steering reservoir filter element
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
Front axle service. (38)
Rear axle service
-- Eaton, Rockwell, Spicer Axles
(or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (37)

7-16
Footnotes

= The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
(1) = If your vehicle has an Allison automatic
transmission, your GM owner's manual is supplemented
by an Allison Transmission Operator's Manual. Always
refer to these manuals for related maintenance services.
(2) = Refer to the Caterpillar Diesel Engine Operation
and Maintenance Manual for oil recommendations and
change intervals.
(3) = An Emission Control Service.
(4) = A Noise Emission Control Device.
(5) = Applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.(6) = Check fluid level in brake master cylinder, power
steering pump, axle, transmission and hydraulic spring
parking brake pump (if equipped). A low fluid level in
the brake master cylinder can indicate worn brake
linings and should be checked accordingly.
(7) = Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook
-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
caliper assemblies. Check brake pedal for excessive free
play or travel (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first)
and have serviced if needed. Check brakes more often if
driving habits and conditions result in frequent braking.
(8) = Inspect parking brake drum and linings for wear or
cracks and check linkage and adjustment.
(9) = This vehicle has the GM Oil Life System. This
system will show you when to change the engine oil and
filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 000 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
Remember to reset the Oil Life System whenever the oil
is changed. For more information, see ªChange Oil
Lightº in the Index.

7-17
(10) = Check clutch pedal for free travel. Press pedal
by hand until resistance is felt. Free travel should be
maintained at 1.5 to 2 inches (38 to 51 mm) measured
at the clutch pedal pad. Make checks at 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) and then at every 7,500 mile (12 000 km)
interval thereafter.
(11) = Inspect rear axle air shift motor for fluid leaks.
Remove plug to check fluid level. Inspect air lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, etc. Inspect at
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 22,500 miles (36 000 km)
and then every 22,500 miles (36 000 km) thereafter.
(12) = Chassis Lubrication Service: Lubricate all grease
fittings in front suspension, front axle and steering
linkage. DO NOT lubricate kingpin bushings with air
pressure equipment; instead, use a hand grease gun to
ensure complete purge and eliminate sealer cap
distortion. Lubricate transmission and shift linkage,
hood latches and hood hinges, parking brake lever pivot,
clevis pins and linkage, disc brake caliper rails, clutch
linkage and release bearing (if equipped), bearing pads,
propshaft universal joints, brake camshaft bracket, slack
adjusters, pedal shaft, clutch cross shaft and clutch pedal
springs. Lubricate suspension, axle and steering linkage
more often when operating under dusty or muddy
conditions and in excessive off
-road use.(13) = Check steering system:

Look for damaged, loose or missing parts. Also look
for parts showing signs of wear or lack of lubrication.
Replace parts as needed. Also check steering gear
mounting bolts, pitman arm nut, gear housing upper
cover and side cover attaching bolts, steering column
mounting bolts and cardan joint clamp bolts; tighten
if necessary. (See service manual.)

Inspect power steering hoses, tubes and fittings for
leaks. Hoses and lines must not be twisted, kinked or
tightly bent. Make sure clips, clamps, supporting
tubes and hoses are in place and properly secured.

Check steering gear for leakage around pitman shaft
and housing. If leakage is evident (lubricant oozing
out, not just oily film), leak should be corrected
immediately.
(14) = Check front and rear suspension. Look for
damaged, loose or missing parts or parts showing signs
of wear or lack of lubrication. Replace parts as needed.

7-28
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Exhaust Brake
Ball Joint Cap
LubricantHigh-Temperature Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 1051344, in
Canada 903037, or equivalent) or
NLGI #3 consistency.
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Manual
Transmission
(Except ZF
6
-Speed)
Synthetic Manual
Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345724,
in Canada 10953510).
Manual
Transmission
(ZF 6
-Speed)
TranSynd Synthetic
Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12378515,
in Canada 88900701).
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Automatic
TransmissionSee the Allison Transmission
Operator's Manual for correct
transmission fluid.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242, or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC
-LB.
Front Wheel
Bearing Grease
(Except Oil
Filled Hubs)Wheel bearing lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category GC or GC
-LB
(GM Part No. U.S. 1051344, in
Canada 993037, or equivalent).