How to change the oil in the power steering
Content
In the power steering system, oil is constantly moving between the power steering pump, expansion tank, and pressure cylinder in the steering gear. Manufacturers recommend checking its condition, but do not mention replacement.
If the power steering system runs out of oil, add oil of the same quality class. Quality classes can be determined according to GM-Dexron standards (eg DexronII, Dexron III). In general, they talk about changing the oil in the power steering system only when dismantling and repairing the system.
Oil changes color
Over the years, it turns out that the oil in the power steering changes color and is no longer red, yellow or green. The clear liquid turns into a cloudy mixture of oil and dirt from the working system. Should I change the oil then? According to the motto “prevention is better than cure”, you can say yes. However, such an operation can be performed less frequently than once every few years. Often, after replacement, we will not feel any difference in the operation of the system, but we can get satisfaction from the fact that by our actions we manage to extend the trouble-free operation of the power steering pump.
When to change power steering oil?
If the power steering pump makes noise when turning the wheels, it may be faulty and needs to be replaced. It turns out, however, that sometimes it is worth risking about 20-30 zł per liter of fluid (plus any labor) and changing the oil in the system. There are cases when, after changing the oil, the pump again worked quietly and smoothly, i.e. his work was affected by the dirt accumulated in him over the years.
Oil change is not difficult
This is not a main service event, but with the help of an attendant it can be replaced in the parking lot or in the garage. The most important thing at each stage of fluid replacement is to ensure that there is no air in the system.
To get rid of the oil from the system, we need to disconnect the hose leading the fluid from the pump back to the expansion tank. We should prepare a jar or bottle into which the old liquid will be poured.
Remember that used oil should not be thrown away. It should be disposed of.
It will be possible to drain the oil from the power steering system by "pushing out". The engine must be turned off, and the second person must turn the steering wheel from one extreme position to another. This operation can be performed with the front wheels raised, which will reduce the resistance when turning the steering wheel. The person supervising the draining process in the engine compartment must control the amount of fluid in the tank. If it falls below the minimum, in order not to air the system, you have to add new oil. We repeat these steps until a clean liquid begins to flow into our container.
Then close the system by re-tightening the hose on the fitting in the reservoir, add oil and turn the steering wheel to the right and left several times. The oil level will drop. We need to bring it to the "max" level. We start the engine, turn the steering wheel. We turn off the engine when we notice a decrease in the oil level and need to add it again. Start the engine again and turn the steering wheel. If the level does not decrease, we can complete the replacement procedure.
Instructions for a complete oil change in gur.
A complete oil change in the hydraulic booster should be carried out with the maximum removal of used oil. In "garage" conditions without special equipment, this is done on a car with "Hung" wheels (for free wheeling) in several stages:
1. Remove the lid or plug from the power steering reservoir and use a large syringe to remove the bulk of the oil from the reservoir.
2. Dismantle the tank by disconnecting all clamps and hoses (proceed carefully, a significant amount of oil remains in them) and rinse the container.
3. Direct the free steering rack hose ("return", not to be confused with the pump hose) into a bottle with a neck of a suitable diameter and, vigorously rotating the steering wheel at a large amplitude, drain off the remaining oil.
Filling with oil is done through the hose leading to the power steering pump, if necessary using a funnel. After the first filling of the container, the system must "Pump" by moving the steering wheel to distribute part of the oil along the hoses, and top up.
Partial oil change in gur.
Partial oil change in the power steering is done in a similar way, but here selection of oil is especially important "To top up". Ideally, use one similar to the previously uploaded one, if you have information about it. Otherwise, mixing of different types of oils is inevitable, which in some cases can have consequences that are critical for the hydraulic booster.
As a rule, a partial (and, ideally, short-term, before the visit to the service) oil change in the gur with transmission... You can also partly focus on base oil color. Recently, manufacturers have begun to stick to "their" colors when producing power steering oils and, in the absence of another option, the color can be used as a guide. If possible, it is advisable to add liquid of a color similar to that filled in. But, in especially difficult situations, it is permissible to mix yellow oil (as a rule, this is the Mersedes concern) with red (Dexron), but not with green (Volkswagen).
When choosing between mixing two different power steering oils and a combination "power steering oil with transmission", it makes sense to choose second option.
