Anyone who has ever driven a car knows that power steering is an important part of the driving experience. Without it, even the most experienced driver would quickly become frustrated trying to steer a car in a straight line. Power steering fluid helps to provide the appropriate level of resistance when turning, making driving much easier and more manageable. However, like any other mechanical system in a vehicle, power steering can eventually wear down and need to be replaced. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of flushing power steering fluid and help you make an informed decision about when or if it is necessary to do so.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
Power steering fluid is a fluid used in cars to help turn the wheels. It helps to distribute the power from the engine to the wheels, and keeps them turning. Power steering fluid gets dirty over time, and needs to be cleaned regularly.
Why Should I Flush My Power Steering Fluid?
If you are having trouble steering, there is a good chance that your power steering fluid is not working properly. To test this, you can turn the car off and while it is off, try to move the wheel in any direction. If you are unable to move the wheel, then your power steering fluid is probably not working properly and should be flushed.
There are a few things that can cause power steering fluid to fail. One common issue is clogged oil filters. If the filters become clogged, the power steering fluid cannot flow through them and becomes ineffective. Additionally, age can also cause power steering fluid to lose its effectiveness. Over time, the compound within the fluid becomes less elastic and less able to resist friction. As a result, the fluid will leak and become ineffective. In some cases, this leakage can even cause complete loss of power steering functionality.
If you are experiencing problems with your car’s power steering, it is recommended that you flush the system and replace any affected components. By doing so, you will likely resolve any underlying issues and enjoy improved steering performance for years to come.
How to Flush Power Steering Fluid
If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t flush your power steering fluid (PSF) very often. But it’s important to do it at least once a year, and maybe even more often in colder climates.
Why?
Because if you don’t flush the PSF, your power steering system can become clogged up with debris and sediment. This can cause your power steering to feel slow or weak, and it could even lead to a complete breakdown.
So here’s how to flush your PSF:
First, make sure your engine is off. Next, drain the fluid reservoir into a container. Be sure to catch any spilled fluid! Next, remove the cap on the power steering pump assembly. Turn the pump slowly by hand while depressing the plunger until all of the fluid comes out. Finally, replace the cap on the pump assembly and turn the pump back on by hand.
When Should I Flush Power Steering Fluid?
One of the most common repairs people make on their vehicles is flushing power steering fluid. Many people believe that it is necessary to flush the fluid every time they have a tune-up or when their car develops a leak. However, there are some situations when you may not need to flush the power steering fluid.
If your car has recently been serviced, including an oil change and/or a flush of the power steering system, you do not need toflush the fluid.
If your car has never been serviced or if there is no evidence of a prior service, then you should flush the power steering fluid every three years or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Conclusion
Yes, power steering fluid should be flushed every 5,000 miles. Power steering fluid is a synthetic blend that helps prevent sticking and assists in providing power to the wheels. Over time, power steering fluid can become contaminated with mineral deposits and other debris which can cause erratic operation of the power steering system. Flushing the system clean will restore smoothness and improved performance.