How Often To Change Power Steering Fluid? Timeline for Changing Power Steering Fluid

The power steering system on modern vehicles runs on hydraulics operated by power steering fluid.

Always confirm with the owner's manual how often the power steering fluid needs to be changed for your particular vehicle. The general guideline is to change that steering fluid every 80,000 miles or five years, whichever comes first. However, you may need to flush the system and replace it with new fluid if there are contaminants.

Keep reading to learn more about changing the fluid in your power steering system.

How Often Should I Change My Power Steering Fluid?

The vehicle's owner's manual will always have the manufacturer-recommended service intervals for changing a vehicle's power steering fluid. Usually, manufacturers recommend the power steering fluid be changed after at least 80,000 miles; however, always confirm with the owner's manual.

Signs You Need To Change Power Steering Fluid?

You will likely notice any serious problems with the power steering system quickly.

Signs that a steering fluid change is required often include:

• Burning smell.
• Difficulty turning the steering wheel.
• Power steering fluid is a dark color.
• Grinding noise when you turn the steering wheel.

If you experience one or more of these symptoms in your vehicle, check the power steering fluid level or take your car to a mechanic for inspection.

What Color Should Power Steering Fluid Be?

Power steering fluid should be a fairly bright red or pink color. The fluid should also be slightly clear, with no particles in it.

If you check the fluid in your power steering system and find it darker than usual, it could mean that you have contaminated fluid, and it may be necessary to get your power steering fluid flushed.

How Long Is Power Steering Fluid Good For?

Since the power steering system on your vehicle is sealed, it should be good for at least five years and 80,000 miles worth of driving. But, of course, the answer differs from car to car, so it's important to check the owner's manual to see when the car manufacturer recommends a power steering fluid flush.

You should frequently check the power steering fluid for contaminants such as dirt or oil. If the fluid is a dark color, it's a sign that it needs to be changed.

What Happens If You Don't Change Steering Fluid?

If the power steering fluid in your vehicle runs low or becomes dirty, it can cause severe damage to your car, leading to costly repair jobs.

If the problem is not addressed, you could sustain damage to the internal power steering components, such as the power steering pump, O rings, valves, and seals.

How Much To Change Power Steering Fluid?

Typically, a power steering fluid change can cost anywhere between $100 and $250. Therefore, it's usually recommended to let a mechanic handle the job as it's relatively inexpensive and can be messy. Not to mention used oil can be a pain to dispose of properly.

If a mechanic is replacing your power steering fluid, make sure they do a thorough inspection for a potential leak, as this can be a problem with power steering systems on modern vehicles.

Is Power Steering Fluid Flush Necessary?

A power steering fluid flush is necessary if the fluid is contaminated or dirty. However, it's not something that needs to be done frequently.

A mechanic should always check the power steering fluid reservoir to ensure that the quality and quantity of the power steering fluid in your vehicle are up to standard.

Power Steering Flush Kit

You can do your power steering fluid flush by buying a simple power steering flush kit. Doing so will be cheaper than a trip to the mechanic, but it takes time and effort.

Power steering flush kits often come with power steering fluid, fluid change syringes, and manual vacuum pumps. This kit is unnecessary, but it can help flush the system faster.

Can I Change Power Steering Fluid Myself?

Here are the steps to changing the power steering fluid in your car:

1. Jack up the front of the car
2. Locate and drain the power steering reservoir. Check your owner's manual if you're unsure where to find it.
3. Disconnect the return line and start draining the system.
4. If you have a power steering flush kit, you can use it to flush the old fluid out of the system.
5. Flush the system with fresh fluid (can be done with new fluid or power steering flush kit).
6. Reconnect the return line.
7. Top up the power steering reservoir with new fluid.
8. Check underneath the car for any leaks.
9. Double-check that everything is connected correctly and closed, then lower the vehicle.

Can I Just Add Power Steering Fluid?

If your car has low-power steering fluid, you can add new fluid into the reservoir. Make sure not to exceed the maximum line in the reservoir, and always fill the fluid past the minimum line.

Conclusion

Your vehicle's owner's manual will confirm how often the power steering fluid needs to be changed for the make and model of your car. It's essential to flush the system if the fluid is contaminated, which you'll notice if it is dark brown or black. You can change the power steering fluid in your car yourself, but it is better to save the hassle and get it done at a mechanic.