Your car’s power steering fluid helps to distribute the power from the engine to the wheels, and as such, it is an important part of your car’s overall function. If your car starts to feel sluggish or if you notice fluid leaking from your power steering pump, it is time to change your fluid. Here are instructions on how to do this.
What is Power Steering Fluid and What Does It Do?
Power steering fluid helps to provide a smooth and consistent flow of power to the steering wheel. It helps to keep the car in its desired path and prevents it from becoming difficult to move. Power steering fluid should be changed every 7,500 miles or when it shows signs of being contaminated.
How to Change Power Steering Fluid Yourself
In order to change power steering fluid yourself, you’ll need the following:
-Power steering fluid
-Radiator hoses
-An assistant
-Jack and lug wrench
-Wheel Removal/Installation Tool
-Container to store fluid in
-Spay can or pressure washer
1. Park your car on a level surface. Remove the screws that hold the power steering reservoir cover in place. Lift off the cover.
2. Pour out all of the old power steering fluid. Save any used fluid for later. Replace the power steering reservoir with a new one, filling it with fresh fluid. Replace the cover and screws.
4. Locate the hoses that connect the power steering pump to the reservoir. The hoses are usually red and black. Disconnect both hoses by gently prying them away from the pump connection.
5. Connect one end of each hose to a clean container (a large bucket is perfect). Tie a knot in each end of the hose so that it will stay in place while you’re working on it.
6. Raise and lower the front of the car until each hose is filled with fluid (it
What to Do If Your Power Steering Fluid Is Leaking
If you’re experiencing power steering issues, it’s important to take action and determine the source of the leak. Check for worn or damaged parts, inspect for fluid seeping from any apparent cracks or seams in the system, and look for fluid Everywhere.
If you see fluid leaking from any part of the power steering system, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Here are a few steps you can take:
1. Change the Power Steering Fluid: If your vehicle is still under warranty, have your Mechanic change the power steering fluid immediately. If your vehicle is not under warranty, change the power steering fluid as soon as possible based on your specific vehicle specifications.
2. Repair or Replace Damaged Parts: If you notice any worn or damaged parts in your power steering system, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. This will help to reduce the chance of further leaks and ensure proper function of the power steering system.
3. Check for Leaks Everywhere: Always check for signs of leaks everywhere in the system- under the car, around bolts and brackets, etc- before taking any further action. This will help you to identify where the most serious leaks are occurring and
How to Check the Level of Power Steering Fluid in Your Vehicle
If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t check the level of power steering fluid in your car very often. But it’s important to do so at least once a year, especially if your car has been sitting for a while. Checking the level of power steering fluid is also a good way to ensure that your car is operating at its best.
To check the level of power steering fluid in your car, first make sure that the key is turned off. Then open the hood and look for the power steering reservoir. If it’s not easily visible, you can usually find it behind the radiator.
To check the level of power steering fluid, use a syringe or a squirt bottle to fill the reservoir until it’s full. Don’t overfill it, or you’ll risk overflowing onto the engine and causing damage.
Finally, close the hood and turn on the ignition. The level of power steering fluid should rise in the reservoir as soon as the engine starts up. If it doesn’t, there may be something wrong with either the system or the pump. In either case, you’ll need to replace both components.