Ready to replace your 2012 Dodge Charger’s
power steering fluid? Drain the old fluid from the reservoir and then refill it with brand-new Mopar+4 fluid. In Chargers, the power steering reservoir should be located just under the washer fluid reservoir. Stiffness (or shrieking) are two key signs that you need to replace your Charger’s power steering fluid. It’s a pretty annoying task, frankly, but you shouldn’t have to replace the fluid unless it gets contaminated.
Here’s a quick guide from Jerry
, a super app
that helps people find car insurance
savings with minimal hassle. This article covers everything you need to know: how to change your 2012 Dodge Charger steering fluid, which brand is best, and key indicators that now is the right time to perform this maintenance. Let’s go!
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers How do I replace my 2012 Dodge Charger’s power steering fluid?
Thankfully, replacing the power steering fluid in a Dodge Charger is pretty simple. All you need to do is follow these steps:
Locate the power steering reservoir. It should be located beneath the washing fluid reservoir. You may have to remove the right front wheel as well as the fender liner to access the reservoir.
Remove the cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. A hand vacuum pump or pressure hose will work.
Get the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir. Use the vacuum or allow gravity to pull all the old fluid out. Use a container to catch the liquid. You may need to move the wheel back and forth a few times to get all the air out.
Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap. Move the steering back and forth from lock to lock at least 15 times.
Congrats, you’ve just replaced the steering fluid in your Dodge Charger! If you want to be extremely diligent, here’s an extra step:
Go for a long drive on some really winding roads.
Check the fluid and top up to the HOT line.
If you’d rather let someone else do the dirty work, you can always take your Dodge to a mechanic. Let’s take a look at a few of the pros and cons.
Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
The truth is that DIY jobs are easy to mess up. If you want to know for sure that the job has been done correctly, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic. The cost for a steering fluid flush is approximately $120 and it should take less than an hour.
If you have some experience working on cars and you don’t mind the elbow grease, feel free to attempt it yourself! You’ll still have to pay about $20 for power steering fluid, but you’ll save $100.
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2012 Dodge Charger?
There is a number one best choice for Dodge Charger power steering fluid: Mopar ATF+4
. However, there are several other brands that will work just as well. Valvoline and AMSOIL are two other good choices. The important designation is the +4. These are some of our favorite picks:
4.717k Ratings 5M+Drivers Joined
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Pro Tip Whichever power steering fluid you go for, make sure it’s compatible with your specific make and model!
When do I need to replace my 2012 Dodge Charger’s power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid is one of the liquids that does not require regular maintenance. However, some Dodge owners prefer to flush and replace the fluid every three to four years. This strategy keeps everything running smoothly.
If something unusual is happening, you may need to flush and replace the fluid ahead of schedule. Here are some symptoms that signify it might be time for a replacement:
Unpleasant noises
when you turn the wheel (shreiking, grinding, etc.)Bubbles in your power steering fluid
Color change from clear to yellow or black
Power steering is not just a nice feature—it’s a safety issue! Keep your power steering fluid topped up to prolong the life of your vehicle. Maintenance best practices
are a great strategy for keeping your Charger humming for years to come. How to save money on Dodge insurance
Whether you use your Charger to shop for groceries or cruise the back roads, you’d probably appreciate a bit more money in your pocket.
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