The circulating discharge of hydraulic steering fluid within the steering system of an automobile is a process that serves to ensure proper operation. At slow speeds, power steering lets you turn the car's big, heavy wheels with ease, as long as you have enough fluid. The procedure is not difficult and, with a little knowledge, even someone with minimal mechanical experience can carry out this task on their own.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Know When to Run Power Steering
Step 1. Consult your owner's manual to verify the recommended power steering flow schedule
The power steering system is truly exceptional at keeping clean. Over time, however, natural wear and tear will cause pieces of rubber, plastic, and dirt to enter the fluid, which can cause system-wide problems if the fluid doesn't circulate. Each car has its own suggested interval after which you should change the fluid, so look for the specific time frame for your model.
For luxury cars, you should consider replacing the fluid every 56,300 or 64,300 km (35,000 or 40,000 miles)
Step 2. Check the power steering fluid reservoir once a month for leaks
The power steering fluid level should hardly change from month to month. If it changes, you probably have a leak and you should take the car to a mechanic shop as soon as possible.
Typically, the tank has a labeled cap or a picture of a steering wheel. If you're having trouble locating this semi-transparent plastic tank, you can consult your owner's manual
Step 3. Examine the color and consistency of the power steering fluid
Open the reservoir and use a flashlight to look closely at the liquid. The consistency, color and smell will tell you whether or not it is necessary to change the liquid:
- You should circulate the liquid if it smells burnt, looks dark brown or black, or has shiny metallic chips.
- You should refresh the liquid if it's dark in color, if your owner's manual recommends it, or if you frequently tow or drive with heavy weight.
- The liquid will be fine if it is light or dark in color with no metal chips, or has been replaced in the last two to three years.
Step 4. Take the car to the mechanic if you detect a screech when turning
This could be an indication of more serious and costly power steering problems. The sooner you deal with the problem, the easier and cheaper the repair will be.
Method 2 of 3: Circulate the Liquid
Step 1. Raise the vehicle with a jack
Make sure the front wheels are suspended at a height that allows you to easily slide under the car. Since you are going to turn the steering wheel, it is advisable to use jack stands to allow free movement of the tires.
Step 2. Locate and remove the catch tray underneath the power steering system
Some cars do not have a drip tray. If you feel confused, you can consult your owner's manual. If you detect the presence of liquid in the tray, it probably means that you have a leak and you should take the car to a mechanic.
- Place a disposable tray just below the drip tray location to catch the liquid as you circulate it.
- If you are an auto expert, be sure to disconnect the line that runs from the power steering rack to the reservoir. Although it is not strictly necessary, you are going to remove more fluid and achieve better circulation this way.
Step 3. Drain the power steering fluid by disconnecting the low pressure hose from the steering pump at its lowest point
You will find multiple thin hoses, 1 to 2 cm (½ to 1 inch) thick, from the power steering. With the tray ready at the bottom, you should unhook this hose and drain the old fluid.
You must prepare for the liquid to flow as soon as you unhook it. The use of gloves, safety glasses and long-sleeved shirts is recommended
Step 4. Unscrew the cap on the power steering reservoir and add approximately half the manufacturer's recommended amount of fluid
To fully circulate the system, you must remove air bubbles and expel the rest of the liquid in the hoses. Fill it about half full before continuing.
Step 5. Start the car and add more fluid, keeping the reservoir half full
It's often easier for a friend to start the car while you pour it. You should keep an eye on the drain fluid, as well as the current level in the reservoir. If the drain fluid is clearly a new fluid, you should turn off the car.
- Have a friend spin the wheel back and forth as you pour the liquid. This will help remove air from the lines.
- The liquid is likely to bubble as you fill it, which is a good thing, as it is air coming out of the system.
Step 6. Reconnect the power steering line after turning off the car
Power steering fluid isn't thick, so it shouldn't be difficult to close the line once you're done working. As soon as the liquid has circulated, you should turn off the car and put everything back as you found it.
Step 7. Fill the reservoir to the recommended level and close it
Once you have removed the air and closed the line, you should fill the reservoir to the recommended level.
Step 8. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from one locked position to the other for five minutes
You should detect a hum that indicates the presence of trapped air in the system. Continue turning the flywheel until the fluid circulates properly throughout the system, releasing the remaining air.
Step 9. Turn off the car and cover the tank with more fluid
Most likely, the fluid level appears to drop after testing the steering wheel. This is because the liquid is drawn from the reservoir into the lines. Fill the reservoir to the top with more power steering fluid to finish the job.
Step 10. Verify that the steering wheel works properly when the weight of the vehicle is on the tires
Start the car and turn the steering wheel back and forth. Make sure the wheels can turn as usual. If not, re-purge the system and refill it.
Method 3 of 3: Refresh the Liquid
Step 1. Recognize that power steering is not necessarily essential
Many owner's manuals don't even mention steering fluid, and despite the need for some mechanics, there is growing disagreement as to whether full circulation is really necessary for most cars. If the liquid does not smell burnt and does not have metallic pieces, you can survive with a simpler "circulation".
If the fluid looks dark or you are overly concerned about your car, this simple procedure will refresh the fluid in the near future
Step 2. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir on the engine
Usually this will be labeled with the steering wheel icon on the lid.
Step 3. Check the current level and condition of the power steering fluid
You must take into account the color and consistency of the liquid. If it smells of burning or has metal pieces, you should carry out a full circulation of the system. Take into account the current level of the liquid.
Step 4. Use a suction bulb to suck the old liquid out of the reservoir
This procedure will take some time and you will not be able to remove everything, but it is a simple and easy way to remove old fluid without complicated circulation.
Step 5. Fill the reservoir to its previous level with new fluid
This simple procedure serves to protect the car economically. In addition, it is as effective a method as a full circulation if you do not have other problems. The hydraulic steering system is relatively clean and simple. Unlike other fluids (like oil), the power steering system doesn't even need a filter. This quick "brush up" is likely all you need to do to keep your wheels turning easily.
Many cars do not even recommend changing this fluid. Doing so will lead to the procedure
Step 6. Repeat the process a few weeks later to completely refresh the liquid
Drive the car to recirculate the fluid and repeat the process a few weeks later if you want full "circulation". With this process, you will not be able to extract everything, but it is more than enough to keep the car running without any problems.
Advice
- During the air purging process, it is imperative that you do not overfill the reservoir. Ideally, you should fill it halfway between the minimum and maximum levels.
- Typically, six separate cycles are required to complete one power steering fluid flow.
- For safety reasons, be sure to wear suitable clothing and safety glasses when carrying out this operation.
- Since vehicles vary by year, make, and model, it is always recommended that you consult your owner's manual for the specific details of any maintenance procedures.
- An integral component to preserving the functionality of a vehicle is to circulate the power steering fluid on a predetermined schedule.
- If, after you've circulated two quarts of the fluid through the system, you still detect a hum when turning the steering wheel, you may need to remove the reservoir to expel all the air.
- You should always dispose of any purged liquid in an environmentally responsible manner.