Your car is no longer safe to drive once you can’t properly handle the steering wheel. There is a hydraulic system within the mechanics of your car that is controlled by circulating fluids and pressure. This gives drivers the ability to turn without resistance. Use this simple, step-by-step guide to change your power steering fluid when needed.
How To Change Your Power Steering Fluid
First, it’s very important that you possess the DIY skills necessary for this maintenance task. Changing this fluid may only take a maximum of one hour. Make sure to have the following materials/equipment on hand:
- Pliers.
- Drain pan.
- Gloves.
- Safety goggles.
- Shop towels.
- Car jack.
- Jack stand.
- Funnel.
- Power steering fluid.
- Fluid transfer pump.
Step 1. Lift Your Vehicle
- Utilize a car jack and jack stand to raise your vehicle.
- Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are no longer touching the ground.
- Find the reservoir located under the hood and near the passenger’s side.
- Remove the cap that reads “steering fluid” or shows a steering wheel symbol.
Step 2. Unleash The Reservoir
- Use a fluid pump or turkey baster to collect as much fluid as possible from the reservoir.
- Using your pliers, disconnect the low-pressure line from the clip clamps.
- Remove the hose and use your drip pan to collect the flowing fluid.
- Grab a funnel to direct the fluid into your pan, if needed.
- Make sure your eye protection and gloves are on at this time.
- Move the steering wheel from lock to unlock a few times as the fluid levels lower.
- This helps to release any remaining fluid.
- Make sure the engine is OFF during this step.
Step 3. Flush
- Drain the reservoir using the return hose and cycle the steering wheel with the engine remaining off.
- Now reassemble the return line by clamping it securely.
- Refill the fluid until it hits the halfway point.
- Start your engine at this time.
- Cycle the steering wheel once more before shutting off the engine.
- Reconnect the return line and fill the fluid halfway.
- Start your engine once again and cycle the wheel.
Step 4. Turn On And Run Car Engine
- Top off the reservoir, add the cap, and run your engine for a bit.
- Double check to see if there are any visible leaks beneath the car.
- Take all safety precautions before taking the car for a test drive.
DIY Vs Professional Care For Changing Power Steering Fluid
Drivers will know it’s time for a power steering fluid change when feeling resistance in the steering wheel or when hearing shrill noises while turning. Refer to your owner’s manual for an accurate maintenance plan and timeline.
It’s always best to have this task handled by the professionals. Contact the team at Heath’s Auto Service Prescott for more information!
Heath’s Auto Service In Prescott, AZ
At Heath’s Auto Service, we take pride in being your one-stop destination for full-service auto and truck repair in Prescott, AZ. Our team of skilled technicians possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge, allowing us to confidently handle domestic, Asian, and European vehicles with precision and expertise. Contact our team today!