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On the other hand, the reservoir is found on the top of this pump. The power steering pump typically sits on one side of the engine, and is driven by a belt. Locate the Reservoir & Pumpīefore you can check the power steering fluid, you must know where to look.

#STARTING FLUID SUBSTITUTE HOW TO#

RELATED: Hydraulic vs Electric Power Steering – Differences, Pros & Cons How to Check Power Steering Fluid Level 1. Old power steering fluid can cause the pump to make noise and fail. If it begins to take on debris and moisture, it won’t be as effective. Just like any other automotive fluid, the power steering fluid is meant for lubrication. However, if the fluid appears dirty or dark, you should change it no matter how long it has been.

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You can check your owner’s manual to see if the automaker specifies a changing interval or follow the recommended guidelines listed above. Combined with the high temperatures underneath the hood, it’s possible for the fluid to start oxidizing. Additionally, the corrosion inhibitors become depleted. With that said, it’s a general rule of thumb to replace the power steering fluid every 50,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.Īfter this long, the fluid begins to break down and you might notice contamination, which could affect the steering gear and pump. In fact, the majority of manufacturers don’t list a recommended service interval for their power steering fluid. RELATED: Power Steering Fluid Colors – What Do They Mean? When Should I Change Power Steering Fluid?īecause power steering fluid is used in a clean environment, it will last longer than many other automotive fluids. The information should also be listed in the car owner’s manual. To find the appropriate power steering fluid for a vehicle, you want to look at the power steering reservoir cap. However, a few manufacturers recommend putting special additives in this fluid to add pump and seal lubricity or to provide corrosion protection.

There is also a universal power steering fluid option that can be used in many modern vehicles. The synthetic fluid is built to flow well, even at lower temperatures, thereby improving pump lubrication and extending the system’s life. Volkswagen, Volvo, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi all hold to a different standard, based on the year, make, and model of the vehicle.Īdditionally, Subaru, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Honda have unique power steering fluid specifications.

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Japanese and European vehicles maintain a different standards with the power steering fluid, requiring a high-performance synthetic-based fluid to meet ISO 7308 and DIN 51 524T3 standards. Additionally, any United States-built Volkswagen models from 1984 until 1989 also use automatic transmission fluid.

These include Ford, GM and Chrysler vehicles. Most domestic vehicles from the 1970s until the mid-1990s used automatic transmission fluid. In these vehicles, you can use Dexron, Mercon, ATF+4, Type F and other varieties of transmission fluid for your power steering. Some vehicles are compatible with automatic transmission fluid. Here is a more detailed list of the different power steering fluid types: 1. All of these power steering fluid types have their own properties, and it’s important to choose the right type for your car. The most common power steering fluid types are the ATF transmission fluid, synthetic-based and universal power steering fluid. How do I know which power steering fluid to use? Power Steering Fluid Types

Starting fluid substitute