How to Change Power Steering Oil - Smoother Driving with Fresh Power Steering Fluid!

As a car user, you probably know all about oil changes, although this usually refers to changing engine oil. There are other fluids in the vehicle, and their replacement should not be neglected. Aside from gearbox oil and differential oil, power steering oil doesn't last forever. We will show you how to change the oil in the brake system and power steering.

Power steering components and function

Power steering is a module that makes it much easier to turn the steering wheel. . This was originally developed exclusively for trucks, but is now standard on compact cars as well. The power steering contains
– hydraulic cylinder
- hydro pump
– hoses
- expansion tank

As a rule, the hydraulic pump is driven by a belt. The rotary motion creates pressure that activates the power steering system. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted directly on the steering rack. As soon as the steering wheel is turned in a certain direction, the cylinder keeps the steering moving in that direction.

The pressure is enough to make steering easier, but not enough to cause independent movement. The transmission of pressure is via power steering fluid. As long as it's fresh and clean, it works fine.

When power steering oil needs to be replaced

Fresh power steering oil has a raspberry color . The old oil becomes hazy brown due to abrasion, effects caused by engine overheating or particle intrusion. However, almost no car manufacturer sets a fixed power steering fluid change interval. Typically, the mileage is 80 000–100 000 km . When this mileage is reached, the power steering oil should at least be checked.

Too old power steering oil causes the noise to get louder. The steering wheel may have little play or become heavier to handle.

Fresh power steering oil stores all power steering components and extend their service life.
Changing the power steering oil is not specifically prescribed or required, so no standard components or procedures have been developed by car manufacturers. Unlike the easily accessible oil drain plug and oil filter for changing the engine oil, changing the power steering oil is somewhat more difficult.

Good point - timing belt replacement . Its service intervals have become much longer. The standard mileage of these wear parts in conventional vehicles is more than 100 km of run. Replacing the timing belt can be combined with checking or changing the power steering oil . You can also check the operation of the power steering pump. As long as it runs smoothly and silently, it is still in good condition.

Phased power steering oil change

The following tools and fixtures are required to change the power steering oil:
- car lift
– wheel wedge
- axle stand
- Vacuum pump
– a cup
- new expansion tank
– fresh and suitable power steering oil
– assistant

Important: When changing the oil, the power steering pump should never run dry to prevent damage.

1. Jack up the car

The vehicle must be raised so that the front wheels can turn freely. . This is very important for the ventilation of the power steering system. The vehicle is first lifted with a vehicle lift and then placed on suitable axle supports.

Important: Use only professional car axle stands. All other solutions such as wood or stone blocks or a simple hydraulic jack are very dangerous.

The vehicle must always rest on the supports provided. An incorrectly installed jack stand can deform the bodywork.

After lifting the car forward, the rear wheels are fixed with wedges.

2. Removing old power steering oil

To gain access to the expansion tank, it may be necessary to remove some components. In any case, the bowl must be placed in close proximity to the expansion tank to avoid unnecessary long flow and contamination of the engine compartment. Suitable bowls are glass cleaner bottles cut in half or old kitchen bowls.

The power steering oil is sucked directly from the expansion tank by a vacuum pump and pumped into the bowl. The right pump costs about xnumx euro  and should be suitable for oil and gasoline.

3. Removal of residues

Vacuum pump does not remove all power steering oil . Therefore, it is necessary to “sacrifice” a small amount of fresh oil in order to completely rid the system of old oil. Now we need the help of a second person.
First remove the expansion tank to gain access to the hoses. The supply hose is pulled out of the expansion tank and placed in the bowl. The hose can be recognized by its larger diameter.
Then plug the inlet with tape or other material.
NowPour some fresh hydraulic oil into the tank. Your assistant should start the engine and alternately turn the steering wheel fully left and right. It is necessary to constantly top up with fresh hydraulic oil to keep up with the power steering pump so that it does not run dry. As soon as fresh raspberry-colored oil begins to drain into the combustion chamber, the engine should be turned off.

The power steering system is now flushed or "bled" .

4. Replacing the expansion tank

The built-in filter of a broad tank is not removed. Servicing the power steering always includes replacing the expansion tank.

TIP: Cut the inlet and drain hoses of the expansion tank at their attachment points and use new clamps.

Hoses tend to lose tension in the recesses and begin to leak. Connect the new expansion tank with short hoses. Hoses and mounting feet have individual diameters to eliminate the risk of unintentional rearrangement. Depending on the car model, a new expansion tank costs from 5 to 15 euros ; these additional oil change costs are not excessive.
If the hoses are porous, they must also be replaced. Porous or cracked hoses tend to leak, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions.

TIP: check the hoses for teeth marks from rodents such as pine martens or weasels. They can be identified by opposite bite marks. If a rodent has settled in the engine, immediate action is required: a major cleaning of the engine and installation of ultrasound are effective for a long time.

5. Adding power steering oil

Finally, fresh power steering oil is added . The assistant starts the engine again and, during refueling, turns the steering wheel left and right several times, thereby blowing out the hydraulic system. As soon as the oil remains in the expansion tank, stop topping up. Now the unscrewed cap is put on the expansion tank and rises again. The oil level is displayed on the built-in oil dipstick. It should indicate the most "full" state. However, the hydraulic system must not be overfilled. If the maximum mark is exceeded, some oil must be removed with a vacuum pump until the ideal level is reached.

TIP: Try to use the correct oil for the vehicle. The data sheet or owner's manual of the car has information about this. The wrong power steering oil can damage the inside of the hose and cause serious damage. Always buy the required amount for one refill. A large and cheap bulk purchase does not make sense due to the long oil change intervals.

Power steering oil costs 10-50 euros per litre.

Consequences of old power steering oil

Contaminated oil in the hydraulic power steering system causes damage to all components . Particles in the oil stream have a particularly strong effect on the power steering pump. Microparticles often settle in bearings and cause galling. Faulty power steering pump causes a loud rattle. Replacing it is not difficult, although expensive. New power steering pump 150-500 euros depending on the manufacturer. Fresh power steering oil and a new expansion tank extend the life of the power steering pump by only a fraction of that amount.

How to dispose of old oil

Like all lubricants, old motor oil is a chemical waste and should not be disposed of with normal household waste or disposed of down the drain. We recommend pouring old grease into an empty new oil bottle and taking it to a new oil purchase point. Retailers are obliged to accept it, as they have partners in the professional processing of chemical waste.