What is Power Steering Fluid?

What is Power Steering Fluid?

Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers energy in your steering system allowing a vehicle to steer more easily.  A  hydraulic fluid is simply a fluid that transfers power.

Servicing it involves draining and flushing out your car's old power-steering fluid and then adding fresh power steering fluid.  You may not be familiar with the process because the power steering system doesn't require regular attention.  It may not even be on your car's service schedule.  

Power steering fluid is the cheapest component of your power-steering system. Changing it can help prolong the life of other more expensive components such as the power-steering Pump and the highly expensive power-steering Rack.

Over time, the seals, O-rings and internal power-steering components will wear out. As they deteriorate they break apart and contaminate the power-steering fluid, which in turn, forces the power-steering pump to work harder (having to pump little chunks instead of just fluid) and eventually break down. 


If the fluid is not changed, in time it will damage the power-steering pump.  Once the pump is damaged it will have to be replaced and it’s going to cost – a lot.
Bear in mind that without power steering it will be very difficult to drive a car that is equipped with a failed power steering system.  Worse still, you could also damage the Rack.  You do not want this to happen.  This is a serious problem and very costly.  

So, bottom line – change your Power Steering Fluid and keep your steering system well maintained and operating smoothly.  You will save yourself the headache of other more serious and very expensive problems.


Happy motoring.