How To Change Power Steering Fluid

[EricTheCarGuy]

I’ve been asked about making a video on this topic for years. I’m glad I was finally able to make it. The process is pretty straightforward, just be sure to use the correct fluid for your application.

Topic

[Petr Miskerik]

Hi Eric, what about do this without running engine?
I was always doing this without engine starting.
I was scared about power steering pump. Everything, procedure – all is the same as in Your video but without running engine.
What do you mean ?

[Walt jr]

Thanks Eric, especially for stressing “use the recommended fluid” …I can’t stress what a big deal that is in a lot of vehicles, I have had to go back in and replace entire steering racks because a so called “pro” filled a system with dextron and called it good. If only they could see how seals react to different fluids.

[Rereonehundred]

I’ve never taken apart a power steering rack. So I don’t know if lock to lock is required to pump out the fluid, or perhaps the pump will empty the rack without any rack movement.

Please enlighten me. Thanks.

[EricTheCarGuy]

[quote=”Rereonehundred” post=117910]I’ve never taken apart a power steering rack. So I don’t know if lock to lock is required to pumps out the fluid, or perhaps the pumps will empty the rack without any rack movement.

Please enlighten me. Thanks.[/quote]

I didn’t need to turn it lock to lock an the system was empty. To be honest, I think that’s all that’s necessary. If you did turn it lock to lock, perhaps lift the front of the vehicle to take stress off the system. However, I think just running it till the fluid runs out is all that is needed.

[Ivan]

On my Subaru I replaced ps fluid with front wheels off the ground.
Engine running,
I turned slowly wheel lock to lock a couple of times
Let the air to dissipate for over 15-20 min and then repeated step 2
All procedure took over 1-2 hours. Tedious but fun 🙂

Especially when I had fought for hours with bubbles coming out of reservoir. but mostly it looked more like foam. Turned out o-ring shifted a bit and part of it was squeezed between metal parts letting air to be sucked in. Still was fun )))

By the way, Does anyone know whether subaru’s ps pumps have bearing or just seals?
Because when weather gets colder and in the morning sound of car…well, it’s not pleasant to hear until car warms up.

[BlackenZaib]

I was told by several Mechanics that you actually never HAVE to change PS Fluid. some said they have never done it in their entire career. I was also told you NEVER change automatic transmission fluid it’s only Manual transmissions you change fluid on. I was also told the same with Brake Fluid and Coolant. Hell the coolant in my 2001 car was NEVER changed ever. It was bought in October of 2000 and up until April of 2013 (When the thermostat blew) it was running on factory coolant and the coolant passed the coolant check test just days before the thermostat blew.

Mechanics have said unless doing brake work (Such as line/hose replacement) you never need to change the fluid nor should you ever have to add. With Cooling i was told you never have to replace that unless doing repairs ie. Thermostat replacement, water pump, radiator etc. The only fluids you have to monitor is Oil and Wiper fluid…

As I have made it clear before. I am not a car expert I know just enough to do basic things (such as oil changes, tire changes, battery swaps). I just made this post just to put in my 2c on what i was told by 4 different local mechanics over the past several years.

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