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The power steering system is a gift from the car engineers. It was invented decades ago. If you’ve never driven without power steering, you won’t know how valuable it is. The power steering fluid is what keeps your power steering pump running properly. When you turn your steering wheel, the pressurized fluid in the power steering pump helps make the wheels turn smoothly.
If your power steering pump makes a whining noise when you turn the wheel, you may want to check the fluid in it. If the fluid is too low, be sure to check around it and under it for any leaks. Driving with low power steering fluid could ruin your power steering pump. The power steering fluid replacement intervals varies from one manufacturer to another; however, 50,000 miles is a good average. Check the condition and color of your power steering fluid. If your fluid is dark brown or appears thick, it is time to replace it. The fluid should be pink, or just a little darker, and it should be in pure liquid form. The best way to flush every last drop of the old fluid is to disconnect the hose going from the power steering rack to the power steering reservoir. However, there is a much easier way that works effectively. The power steering reservoir is in the engine compartment; it should have a steering wheel sign on it. Read on to learn how to replace the power steering fluid.
Tools Required:
Turkey baster
Funnel
Power steering fluid
As we’ve mentioned above, you can drain the fluid in your reservoir by removing the lower hose, which is connected between the power steering rack and the power steering reservoir; however, if you want to avoid the headache, use a turkey baster and slowly siphon out the old fluid. Remove as much fluid as you can. Don’t dispose of the old fluid in your normal drain; instead, take it to an auto shop. Most auto shops will dispose of it for free.
Put the funnel in the power steering reservoir to avoid any mess, then refill the reservoir with fresh fluid. Fill the reservoir until you hit the maximum line.
Now that you’ve emptied the power steering reservoir, you introduce some air into it. Since the power steering system works with pressure, you need to bleed any air so it can operate properly.
Start your car and turn your steering wheel left and right, from one locked position to the opposite. Keep turning the steering wheel all the way right and all the way left for five minutes straight. This will get rid of any air bubbles in your system.
Check the reservoir and top it off with fluid if you need to.
