Flushing your power steering fluid is an important part of car maintenance, but it’s not something that most people know how to do. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of flushing your power steering fluid so that you can keep your car running smoothly.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps transfer power from the steering wheel to the wheels of a vehicle. When the steering wheel is turned, the fluid helps turn the wheels in the desired direction. Over time, power steering fluid can become dirty or low, which can cause problems with steering. If you notice that your steering feels heavy or sluggish, it may be time to flush your power steering fluid.
Most vehicles have a power steering reservoir located under the hood. To flush your power steering fluid, you’ll need to remove the reservoir cap and drain the old fluid into a catch basin. Once all of the old fluid has been drained, refill the reservoir with fresh power steering fluid. Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other a few times to bleed any air out of the system. Replace the reservoir cap and you’re done!
How Do You Flush Your Power Steering Fluid?
If your power steering fluid is dirty or has debris in it, you may need to flush the fluid to clean it out. Flushing the power steering fluid is a relatively simple process, and only takes a few minutes to do. You’ll need to have a few supplies on hand before you get started, including power steering fluid, a catch basin or container, and a funnel. Once you have everything, follow these steps:
1. Jack up your car and remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
2. Place the catch basin or container beneath the power steering pump so that it will catch the old fluid as it drains out.
3. Use the funnel to pour new power steering fluid into the reservoir until it is full.
4. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel all the way to one side and then back to the other side several times. This will help work the new fluid through the system.
5. Turn off the engine and check the level of fluid in the reservoir. Add more if necessary.
6. Replace the reservoir cap and lower your car back down to the ground.
Why Should You Flush Your Power Steering Fluid?
Over time, power steering fluid can become dirty and contaminated, which can cause problems with your car’s steering system. Flushing the power steering fluid is a simple maintenance task that can help keep your car’s steering system running smoothly.
Dirty power steering fluid can cause a variety of problems, including:
1. Steering Problems – Dirty power steering fluid can make it harder to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds.
2. Leaks – Power steering fluid leaks can occur when the seals and hoses deteriorate due to exposure to dirt and grime.
3. Noise – Contaminated power steering fluid can cause your car’s steering system to make noise.
4. Reduced Efficiency – Over time, dirty power steering fluid can reduce the efficiency of your car’s power steering system, making it work harder and putting additional strain on the engine.
Flushing the power steering fluid is a simple and effective way to avoid these problems. The process involves draining the old fluid from the system and replacing it with new fluid. Most mechanics recommend flushing the power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or so to keep your car’s steering system in good condition.
When Should You Flush Your Power Steering Fluid?
Most mechanics agree that you should flush your power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or so. However, some carmakers say that you can go as long as 100,000 miles between flushes. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or live in a hot climate, you may need to flush your power steering fluid more often.
If your power steering system starts making noise or feels less responsive, it may be time for a flush. You should also have your power steering system flushed if you’re having work done on it, such as replacing the power steering pump.
How Often Should You Flush Your Power Steering Fluid?
To keep your power steering system in good shape, you should flush the fluid every 30,000 miles or so. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may have gotten into the system, and will also help to keep the fluid from becoming too thick and sluggish.
Conclusion
If you notice that your power steering fluid is low or dirty, it’s important to flush it out and replace it with fresh fluid. This process is relatively easy to do at home, and only takes a few minutes. Simply remove the old fluid from the power steering reservoir and replace it with new fluid. You may need to bleed the system if air has entered it, but this is a relatively straightforward process as well. With fresh power steering fluid in your system, you’ll be able to enjoy smooth, responsive steering once again.