One day while you’re driving, you may notice that your power steering fluid is brown. You may be wondering why this is and what you should do about it. Read on to find out!
What Causes Power Steering Fluid to Turn Brown?
One of the most common questions we get here at Car Talk is “Why is my power steering fluid brown?” There are a few different reasons why your power steering fluid may turn brown, and we’ll go over them all below.
1. Overheating: Power steering fluid can start to break down and turn brown if it gets too hot. This is usually caused by a failing power steering pump or a blockage in the system.
2. Leaking: If your power steering system is leaking, the fluid will start to mix with dirt and debris, which can turn it brown. Make sure to check for leaks and get them fixed as soon as possible.
3. contaminated fluid: If you’ve never changed your power steering fluid before, it’s likely that it’s become contaminated over time. This can cause it to turn brown and become less effective. We recommend changing your power steering fluid every 50,000 miles or so to prevent this from happening.
If you’re noticing that your power steering fluid is brown, make sure to check for these potential causes so you can get it fixed as soon as possible!
What Are the Symptoms of Brown Power Steering Fluid?
One of the most common symptoms of brown power steering fluid is a reduced level of steering responsiveness. This can make driving your vehicle more difficult, and can even be dangerous in some situations. Another symptom of this problem is unusual noises coming from the power steering system, which can range from a slight whining sound to a grinding noise. If you notice either of these symptoms, it’s important to have your power steering system checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
How to Fix Brown Power Steering Fluid
If your power steering fluid is brown, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. First, check the level of fluid in the reservoir. If it is low, add more fluid and see if that solves the problem. If the level is fine, then the next step is to flush the system and replace the fluid. This should be done by a professional, as it can be tricky to do on your own. Finally, if neither of these solutions works, you may need to replace the power steering pump.
Conclusion
If your power steering fluid is brown, it’s most likely because there is dirt or debris in the system. This can happen if you haven’t had your power steering system serviced in a while, or if you’ve been driving on rough roads. If the brown color is accompanied by strange noises or smells, then it’s time to take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.