How to Change Power Steering Fluid

It's a good idea to replace the power-steering fluid every time you change your engine's coolant.

Power-steering fluid, like any other fluid under your hood, breaks down over time and needs to be replaced. As a rule of thumb, it is a good idea to replace the power-steering fluid every time you change your engine's coolant. While most manufacturers don't specify how often power-steering fluid should be changed, it is a good idea to check the fluid every so often and replace it when you note a color change (darkening from a pinkish color).

Things You'll Need

• Fluid removal/transfer tool
• Power steering fluid
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Removing the cap under your hood marked "power steering fluid" and inspect the fluid on the attached dip stick. If the fluid is light brown, it is time to change it. If the fluid looks clean and is pinkish, there is no need to change it.

2. Insert the fluid removal/transfer tool into the open power-steering reservoir and suck out as much fluid as possible. Continue until the reservoir is empty.

3. Refill the reservoir with fresh power-steering fluid until it reaches the correct level according to the marks on the dip stick. Note that there may be a different optimum level when the engine is hot from when it is cold.

4. Replace the cap on the power-steering reservoir and close the hood.

5. Start the engine and turn the wheel to the right and the left. Make sure everything feels normal.

6. Drive the car for several miles, allowing the engine to reach its normal operating temperature.

7. Remove the cap from the power steering reservoir and look at the color of the liquid. If it is still brownish or appears dirty, repeat the process, removing all the fluid in the reservoir with the fluid removal/transfer tool and replacing it with fresh fluid.

8. Continue this process until the fluid appears pinkish and clean after the car has been driven for several miles and the engine has warmed to its normal operating temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the power steering fluid recommended for your make, model and year of vehicle.

• It is not necessary to remove all the old fluid when changing your power-steering fluid.

• Dispose of the old fluid properly, as you would used engine oil.

• Older cars may use automatic transmission fluid in their power-steering units, but more modern vehicles may require a fluid specially designed for your particular make and model. Check with your vehicle manufacturer regarding the correct fluid.

• If your power-steering fluid appears almost black or thick and excessively dirty, you may need to perform additional maintenance on your vehicle, because this may indicate that one or more seals in your system have gone bad.

• Do not use a kitchen turkey baster to change your power-steering fluid.