Power Steering Fluid: What It Is and How to Change It

Power Steering Fluid.
Have you ever wondered how your car can steer easily and smoothly with just a slight turn of the wheel? The secret is the power steering system, which uses hydraulic pressure to assist your steering effort. The power steering system consists of a pump, a reservoir, a rack and pinion, and hoses that connect them. The pump generates hydraulic pressure from the engine’s rotation and sends it to the rack and pinion, which moves the wheels left or right. The reservoir holds the fluid that carries the pressure and lubricates the components.

But what kind of fluid is used in the power steering system? And why does it matter? Car power steering fluid is a special type of hydraulic fluid that is designed to work under high pressure and temperature conditions. It also has additives that prevent corrosion, oxidation, foaming, and leakage. Car power steering fluid is essential for the proper functioning and longevity of your power steering system. If you neglect it, you may experience steering problems such as noise, stiffness, vibration, or even failure.

In this article, we will explain what car power steering fluid is, what types are available, how often it should be changed, and how to change it yourself. By following these tips, you can maintain your power steering system and enjoy a smooth and safe driving experience.

What Is Car Power Steering Fluid?

Car power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers pressure and lubricates the power steering system. It is usually a clear or amber-colored liquid with a distinctive smell. Car power steering fluid has several properties that make it suitable for its purpose:

• It has a high viscosity index, which means it maintains its thickness over a wide range of temperatures.
• It has anti-wear agents, which protect the metal parts from friction and wear.
• It has anti-corrosion inhibitors, which prevent rust and corrosion of the components.
• It has anti-oxidation additives, which prevent the fluid from degrading and forming sludge.
• It has anti-foaming agents, which prevent air bubbles from forming and reducing the pressure.
• It has seal conditioners, which keep the rubber seals soft and pliable.
• It has leak stoppers, which seal minor leaks and prevent fluid loss.

Car power steering fluid is not the same as other types of fluids used in your car, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or coolant. You should never mix them or use them interchangeably. Doing so could damage your power steering system and void your warranty.

What Types of Car Power Steering Fluid Are There?

There are different types of car power steering fluid available on the market, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations. You should always use the type of fluid that matches your vehicle’s requirements. Here are some of the common types of car power steering fluid:

• ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid): This is a type of transmission fluid that can also be used as power steering fluid in some vehicles. It has a red or pink color and a sweet smell. It usually meets the Dexron or Mercon standards set by General Motors and Ford respectively.
• Synthetic Power Steering Fluid: This is a type of synthetic oil that can be used as power steering fluid in some vehicles. It has a clear or amber color and a mild smell. It usually meets the CHF (Central Hydraulic Fluid) standards set by European manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, etc.
• Universal Power Steering Fluid: This is a type of power steering fluid that claims to be compatible with most vehicles. It has a clear or amber color and a mild smell. It usually meets various standards such as Dexron, Mercon, CHF, etc.

You should always check your owner’s manual or consult a professional before choosing a type of car power steering fluid for your vehicle. Using the wrong type of fluid could cause compatibility issues, performance problems, or damage to your power steering system.

How Often Should Car Power Steering Fluid Be Changed?

The frequency of changing car power steering fluid depends on your vehicle’s make, model, mileage, and usage. As a general rule, you should change your car power steering fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, you should always follow your owner’s manual recommendations or consult a professional for the exact interval.

It’s important to change your car power steering fluid regularly because it can lose its effectiveness over time due to contamination, oxidation, and shear. Contamination can occur from dirt, water, metal particles, or other fluids that enter the power steering system through leaks or seals. Oxidation can occur from exposure to air or heat, which can cause the fluid to thicken and lose its lubricating properties. Shear can occur from the constant movement of the pump and the rack and pinion, which can break down the fluid molecules and reduce their viscosity.

If you don’t change your car power steering fluid on time, you risk damaging your power steering system and compromising your vehicle’s performance and safety. Some signs of bad car power steering fluid are:

• Noisy or whining sound from the pump
• Hard or stiff steering wheel
• Erratic or jerky steering response
• Leaking or low fluid level
• Burning smell or smoke from the pump
• Poor fuel economy or acceleration

How to Change Car Power Steering Fluid?

Changing car power steering fluid is not a very difficult task, but it can be messy and time-consuming. You will need some tools and materials, such as:

• A jack and jack stands
• A wrench or socket set
• A turkey baster or a siphon pump
• A drain pan and a funnel
• A rag and a brake cleaner
• The right amount and type of car power steering fluid

Here are the basic steps to change your car power steering fluid:

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Lift the front end of your vehicle with a jack and secure it with jack stands.
2. Locate the power steering reservoir on the engine bay. It is usually a plastic or metal container with a cap that says “Power Steering” or has a steering wheel icon. Place a drain pan under the reservoir to catch the old fluid.
3. Remove the cap from the reservoir and use a turkey baster or a siphon pump to suck out as much old fluid as possible. Dispose of the old fluid properly according to local regulations.
4. Fill the reservoir with new fluid until it reaches the full mark. Replace the cap and start the engine. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to circulate the new fluid through the system.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the fluid coming out of the reservoir is clean and clear. You may need to do this several times depending on how dirty your old fluid was.
6. Check the fluid level again and adjust it if necessary. Lower your vehicle and remove the jack and jack stands.

Congratulations, you have successfully changed your car power steering fluid!

Conclusion

Car power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers pressure and lubricates the power steering system. It is vital for the proper functioning and longevity of your power steering system. If you neglect it, you may experience steering problems such as noise, stiffness, vibration, or even failure.

In this article, we have explained what car power steering fluid is, what types are available, how often it should be changed, and how to change it yourself. By following these tips, you can maintain your power steering system and enjoy a smooth and safe driving experience.