If your car is leaking power steering fluid, it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. In this article, we’ll show you how to bleed power steering fluid from your car so that you can get back on the road without any worries.
What is power steering fluid and what does it do?
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps to transmit the power from the steering wheel to the wheels of the car. This fluid also provides lubrication and protection for the components of the power steering system. Over time, power steering fluid can become dirty or low, which can cause problems with the steering system. To fix this, it is necessary to bleed the power steering system to remove any air bubbles and replenish the fluid.
How often should you bleed your power steering fluid?
If your power steering fluid is dark or murky, it’s probably time to bleed it. However, you should also bleed your power steering fluid if you notice any strange noises coming from your steering system, or if your steering feels less responsive than usual.
To bleed your power steering fluid, you’ll need a helper and a few supplies. First, make sure your vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is turned off. Then, locate the power steering reservoir (usually found near the engine bay) and remove the cap. Using a turkey baster or similar tool, suck out some of the old fluid and discard it.
Next, have your helper start the engine and turn the wheel back and forth while you slowly add new fluid to the reservoir. Continue until you see clean fluid coming out of the bleeder valve. Once that happens, put the cap back on the reservoir and top it off with fresh fluid.
What are the symptoms of low power steering fluid?
If your power steering fluid is low, you may notice a few different symptoms. The most common symptom is a whining noise when you turn the steering wheel. You may also notice that the steering wheel is harder to turn, or that the car feels less responsive to your steering input. If the fluid level gets too low, the power steering pump can overheat and fail.
How to bleed your power steering fluid
If your power steering fluid is dirty or has been sitting in your car for a while, it might be time to bleed it. This process will remove any air bubbles from the fluid and ensure that it is clean and fresh. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by finding the power steering reservoir. It is usually located near the engine bay, close to where the power steering pump is mounted.
2. Once you have found the reservoir, remove the cap and check the level of the fluid. If it is low, add more fluid until it reaches the “full” line on the reservoir.
3. Now, find the bleeder valve on the power steering system. This is usually located on the rack or near the power steering pump.
4. Once you have found the bleeder valve, open it up and place a catch container underneath it.
5. Have a helper start the engine and turn the steering wheel back and forth from lock to lock several times. As they do this, you should see dirty power steering fluid coming out of the bleeder valve into your catch container.
6. Keep an eye on the level of fluid in the reservoir as you are bleeding it
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble with your power steering, it’s likely that you need to bleed the fluid. This process is relatively simple, and can be done at home with a few tools. We hope that our guide has shown you how to bleed power steering fluid, and that you now feel confident doing it yourself. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!