Most car fluids are easy to dispose of – you can either take them to a recycling center or pour them down the drain. But power steering fluid is actually classified as a hazardous waste, so it requires special disposal. Here’s everything you need to know about getting rid of your power steering fluid so that you can do it safely and correctly.
Draining the Fluid
If your power steering fluid is old or dirty, it’s time to change it out. Here’s how to do it:
1. Find the power steering fluid reservoir. It’s usually located near the power steering pump.
2. Using a clean funnel, add fresh power steering fluid to the reservoir until it reaches the “full” line.
3. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. This will allow the new fluid to circulate through the system.
4. Turn the steering wheel from one side to the other several times. This will help work the new fluid through the system.
5. With the engine still running, use a turkey baster or syringe to suck out the old fluid from the reservoir. (Be careful not to get any dirt or debris in there.)
6. Once all of the old fluid has been removed, replace the reservoir cap and take your car for a spin to make sure everything is working properly.
Changing the Fluid
Over time, power steering fluid can become dirty and may need to be changed. Here’s how to change the power steering fluid in your car.
First, you’ll need to find the power steering reservoir. This is usually located near the engine bay. Once you’ve found it, remove the cap and set it aside.
Next, use a turkey baster or syringe to remove some of the old fluid from the reservoir. Be sure to dispose of the old fluid properly – check with your local automotive parts store for the best way to do this.
Once you’ve removed some of the old fluid, add new fluid to the reservoir. Be sure to use the type of fluid specified by your car’s manufacturer. You can usually find this information in your car’s owner’s manual.
Finally, replace the cap on the reservoir and start your car’s engine. Let it run for a few minutes so that the new fluid can circulate through the system.
Bleeding the System
If your power steering fluid is dirty or has been contaminated, it needs to be bled from the system. This will help to remove any air bubbles and ensure that fresh, clean fluid is running through the system.
1. Start by finding the power steering bleeder valve. This is usually located on the power steering pump or reservoir.
2. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder valve and run it into a drain pan.
3. Have someone else help you by turning the steering wheel back and forth while you open and close the bleeder valve. Be sure to keep an eye on the fluid level in the reservoir so it doesn’t run dry.
4. Once you see that only clean fluid is coming out of the hose, close the bleeder valve and reattach it to the power steering system.
Adding Fluid
If your car’s power steering fluid level is low, you’ll need to add some. This is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.
First, make sure that you’re using the correct fluid for your car. There are a variety of different fluids on the market, and not all of them are compatible with all vehicles. Check your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic to be sure you’re using the right one.
Once you’ve got the correct fluid, simply open the power steering reservoir (usually located near the engine) and pour it in. Again, consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic if you’re unsure of the exact location or procedure.
Adding power steering fluid is a pretty straightforward task, but it’s important to make sure you do it correctly. Use the wrong fluid and you could damage your car’s power steering system.
Symptoms of Low Power Steering Fluid
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to check your power steering fluid level and top off if necessary:
1. Steering feels heavy or sluggish
If it feels like your steering wheel is heavier than usual or you have to put in more effort to turn, low power steering fluid is likely the culprit.
2. Squealing noise when turning the wheel
If you hear a squealing noise coming from your steering wheel, chances are your power steering pump is running low on fluid.
3. Steering wheel shakes when driving at high speeds
If your steering wheel starts shaking or vibrating when you’re driving at high speeds, it could be a sign that your power steering system is running low on fluid.
What to Do If You Run Out of Power Steering Fluid
If you run out of power steering fluid, your car will still be able to steer, but it will be much harder to turn the wheel. This is because the power steering pump relies on fluid to assist in turning the wheels. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you can do.
First, try to add more fluid to the system. If you don’t have any power steering fluid, you can use some other type of hydraulic fluid, such as transmission fluid or brake fluid. Just be sure not to mix different types of fluid, as this could damage your car’s power steering system.
Once you’ve added more fluid, see if the problem persists. If it does, then you may need to have your power steering pump replaced. Running out of power steering fluid is not generally harmful to your car, but it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible so that you can avoid any potential issues down the road.