Power Steering Fluid

Power Steering Fluid

What is Power Steering Fluid?

Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid used to transfer energy from the steering wheel to help turn the wheels. Power steering fluid reduces the physical effort required to turn the steering wheel and ensures responsive, controlled handling.

Power steering fluid is often neglected by motorists until a problem arises. But power steering fluid accumulates wear material and other debris over time and wears out due to oxidation. For these reasons, power steering fluid should be changed at prescribed intervals.

What Type of Power Steering Fluid Do I Need?

There are a few types of power steering fluid:

• Synthetic Power Steering Fluid: Made using synthetic base oils that provide inherently better protection and extreme-temperature performance compared to conventional fluids.
• Conventional Power Steering Fluid: These are non-synthetic fluids made using conventional base oils.
• Automatic Transmission Fluid: Some vehicles specify use of automatic transmission fluid in the power steering system.

For best protection against pump wear and best performance in temperature extremes, use synthetic power steering fluid.

How Do I Check Power Steering Fluid?

Checking your power steering fluid is a quick and easy process. Begin by locating the power steering reservoir under the hood, which is typically labeled. Remove the cap and inspect the fluid level against the marked indicators and top it off as needed.

Check your owner’s manual for recommendations on how often to change power steering fluid. It’s also a good idea to examine the fluid’s color and consistency. Healthy fluid is usually clear or slightly amber. If the fluid appears dark and dirty, go ahead and change it.

For a more detailed guide, check out this blog post: “How to Check Power Steering Fluid (and When to Change it).”

How Do I Change Power Steering Fluid?

The process of changing power steering fluid differs depending on your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or a service manual for instructions specific to your vehicle.

Completely flushing the power steering system requires some technical know-how and a helper. Here are the steps:

1. Disconnect the low-pressure return hose and direct it into a bucket or drain pan.
2. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel as far as it goes in both directions. This will pump old fluid into the drain pan.
3. To prevent air from entering the system, have a helper near the reservoir with a couple bottles of new power steering fluid. Add fluid as needed to prevent the reservoir from running dry.
4. Once your helper sees new fluid draining into the pan, shut off the engine and reconnect the hose.

A simpler method does exist. It won’t remove all the old fluid, but it will remove most of it and be much easier. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the old fluid from the reservoir using a fluid extraction pump. Leave enough fluid in the reservoir to cover the hose inlets to prevent air from entering the system.
2. Refill the reservoir with fresh, high-quality power steering fluid.
3. Cycle the steering wheel fully in both directions to circulate the new fluid through the system.
4. Check the fluid level again and adjust as needed.

By keeping your power steering system in top shape, you’ll enjoy smoother handling and greater peace of mind on the road. AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Power Steering Fluid delivers a durable synthetic formulation designed to provide long, trouble-free service in most domestic and foreign passenger cars and light trucks.