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Should you replace your own power steering cooler, or should you have a professional mechanic perform the job? Power steering cooler replacement cost is often not very much, but the job to replace the cooler itself is not extremely difficult either. For the most part, if you have any mechanical knowledge at all, it should be a job you can handle.
There are a number of different signs you need to change the power steering fluid in your vehicle. Just like any fluid in your vehicle, the power steering fluid has a lifespan. With all vehicle fluid lifespans, you should always start by checking for OEM recommendations. These recommendations can often be found in the vehicle's owner's manual.
You’ve got questions on what causes a power steering fluid leak. Power steering fluid leaks can develop in a number of different places and be caused by many different factors in a traditional power steering system. When systems that contain hydro-boost assist or Magnasteer assist are added to the mix, you increase opportunities for developing a power steering fluid leak. Sometimes vehicles will develop strange or difficult to diagnose issues - one of them being a power steering fluid leak when the vehicle is shut off.
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Replacing power steering fluid starts by removing the return line from the power steering reservoir and allowing the fluid to drain into a pan from both the reservoir and the return line. Once the system is completely drained, you should cap off the return port on the reservoir and refill it with fluid. Once the reservoir is refilled, you will need to rotate the steering wheel all the way from one side to the other multiple times while the vehicle is off until the fluid comes out clean from the disconnected return line. You may need to refill the system prior to the fluid coming out clean, so keep an eye on the amount of fluid in the reservoir. Once the power steering fluid comes out clean, reattach the return line to the reservoir, start the vehicle, and allow any air in the system to purge itself. Sometimes turning the wheel lock to lock while the vehicle is running will help any stuck air to escape.
Utilizing the right power steering fluid for your vehicle is crucial. Most manufacturers offer a specific type of fluid that is designed for their specific power steering system. Mixing fluids can cause damage to seals and components, so always check the owner's manual for specific fluid type requirements. In addition to fluid type requirements, some OEM’s have specific air purging processes for their power steering system, so it is always recommended to review the manufactures’ process for bleeding air out of the power steering system. Most of this information can be found in your owner's manual.
We hope you now have a better understanding of how long it takes to perform a power steering fluid exchange. Whatever questions you have concerning power steering, we’re here to help. You can post a question in our Ask the Experts forum to hear from our technicians. We are your resource or the best information on power steering.
Power Steering Q & A > How Hard? > How Long Does It Take to Change Power Steering Fluid?
How Long Does it Take to Change Power Steering Fluid
How long does it take to change the power steering fluid in a vehicle? Power steering fluid exchange is a quick and very beneficial service. The process of replacing the power steering fluid can take just a couple of minutes and could extend the lifespan of your power steering components by years. Changing power steering fluid requires few tools, and can be performed by people with very little automotive knowledge.
