If you’re experiencing any difficulty controlling your car, it might be time to take a look at your power steering fluid. If it looks cloudy or milky, it might be time to replace the fluid. Here’s why and how to do it.
What Causes a Power Steering Fluid to Look Milky?
Power steering fluid (PSF) is a type of fluid used to lubricate and provide power to a steering wheel or steering column. It is made up of water, ethylene glycol, and mineral oil. Over time, PSF can become cloudy and milky due to the accumulation of impurities. This can cause reduced power and difficulty turning the wheel.
How to Clear a Power Steering Fluid from Your System
If you have a car with power steering, chances are you’ve had to clear the fluid at some point. The white and yellow fluid can become cloudy and milky over time, which can cause your car to feel sluggish and difficult to control. Here’s how to clear it:
1. Park your car on a level surface with the wheels straight ahead. Make sure there isn’t any debris or obstructions in the wheel wells.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open the hood and locate the power steering reservoir. It should be located near the back of the engine compartment on a raised platform. If it’s not there, you may need to remove more of the chassis under the hood.
4. Use a wrench to unscrew the cap on top of the reservoir. Be careful not to spill any fluid while doing this.
5. Pour out all of the old power steering fluid into a nearby cup or container. Don’t pour it down the drain; you’ll need it for step 7.
6. Remove any obstructions from inside the reservoir by using a plunger.
What to Do if the Power Steering Fluid is Not Cleared from Your System
If you have been noticing an increase in your steering wheeling problems and the power steering fluid is not clearing from your system, it is important to take action. Here are a few things you can do to try and clear the system:
– Drain and refill the power steering fluid reservoir every three months or 6,000 miles whichever comes first. This will help to keep the system clean and free of debris.
– Make sure all hoses connecting to the reservoir are properly connected and that there is no blockage in any of them. This can be done by using a shop vacuum cleaner to clear any debris that may be blocking the connection.
– Clean the power steering pump itself using a mixture of hot water and dish soap. Be sure to let it sit for several hours before reassembling so that the soap can fully penetrate into the parts.
Conclusion
If you are noticing a milky appearance to your power steering fluid, there is likely a cause. Milky power steering fluid can be caused by a number of things, but the most common culprit is an clogged or blocked oil filter. If this obstruction is not cleared quickly, it will lead to a build-up of oil in the system and eventually results in a milky appearance. In order to prevent this from happening, it is important to have your vehicle serviced regularly and replace your power steering fluid as needed.