Power steering fluid is a vital element of any car – it helps to keep the steering system lubricated and functioning properly. Over time, though, the fluid can become dirty and less effective. That’s why it’s important to know how often to flush power steering fluid, so you can keep your car running smoothly.
What is power steering fluid and what does it do?
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps transfer power from the steering wheel to the wheels of a vehicle. The fluid helps to ease the steering effort required by the driver and provides resistance against high pressure and temperature changes within the system. Over time, power steering fluid can become dirty and deteriorate, which can lead to problems with the power steering system. For this reason, it’s important to flush power steering fluid on a regular basis.
How often should power steering fluid be flushed?
If your power steering fluid is dirty or smells burnt, it’s time to flush it out. How often you need to do this will vary depending on your driving habits and the conditions of the roads you typically drive on. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving in urban areas, you’ll probably need to flush your power steering fluid more often than someone who spends most of their time on the highway.
You should also keep an eye on the color of your power steering fluid. If it starts to look dark, it’s a good indication that it’s time for a change.
Most mechanics recommend flushing power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or so. However, if you notice any problems with your power steering system, don’t hesitate to take it in for service sooner.
What are the symptoms of low power steering fluid levels?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time to check your power steering fluid levels:
-Steering feels heavy or difficult to turn
-Squealing noise when turning the steering wheel
-Power steering warning light is illuminated on your dash
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s best to check your power steering fluid levels as soon as possible. Low fluid levels can cause damage to your power steering system, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
How to flush power steering fluid
If your car’s steering feels heavy or unresponsive, it may be time to flush the power steering fluid. Over time, power steering fluid can become dirty and degraded, affecting its performance. Flushing the fluid will remove any contaminants and restore proper functioning to your car’s steering.
Here’s how to flush power steering fluid:
1. Jack up the front of your car and support it on jack stands. This will give you access to the power steering pump.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shocks.
3. Locate the power steering pump and Remove the pressure hose from the pump using a wrench. Have a drain pan ready to catch the old fluid as it comes out.
4. Turn on the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will help loosen any debris that may be stuck in the system.
5. With the engine still running, slowly turn the steering wheel from side to side. This will help flush out any old fluid that may be left in the system.
6. Once all of the old fluid has been flushed out, turn off the engine and reconnect the pressure hose to the power steering pump.
7.
Conclusion
It’s important to keep your power steering fluid clean and topped off so that your power steering system can continue to operate smoothly. Depending on the type of power steering fluid you’re using, you may need to flush it as often as every 30,000 miles or as seldom as every 150,000 miles. Be sure to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic to find out how often you should flush your power steering fluid.