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There are a number of different signs that your power steering system is developing issues. Most people have heard a key sound that becomes present when your power steering system has developed an issue, and that is a moaning sound under coming from under the hood when the steering wheel is turned side to side. That noise is the most telling sign of a power steering system that is failing. The reason for the noise is normally due to air being in the system and the hydraulic power steering pump cavitating, causing a mixture of both air and fluid to be pushed through the power steering system.
Many ask how often a power steering system has to be replaced. First, we think you should know more about your power steering system. There are traditionally around 4 or 5 total components to a power steering system. Some systems may have more components if they have a hydro-boost system. The components are the power steering pump, the steering gear or rack and pinion, the high-pressure power steering line, and the power steering fluid return line. Some vehicles will also include a power steering cooler, especially if they have things like a tow package, or performance package. With all of these parts, it’s important to know more about when you'll need to replace your power steering system.
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.
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For one reason or another the OEM often leaves the time to replace power steering fluid off of the maintenance guide. This is mostly to keep cost of ownership down. One way to know when it’s time to replace your power steering fluid is by mileage. No power steering fluid is lifetime, and should at a minimum be changed every 50,000 miles. Changing the fluid out based on mileage is considered preventive maintenance.
In addition to mileage-based maintenance, power steering fluid should also be changed out any time a component in the power steering system fails or gets replaced. The number one cause of pre-mature failure in power steering components is contaminated fluid. The fluid becomes contaminated either by a leak in the system allowing particles in, or by an internal failure of a hard part resulting in debris in the power steering fluid.
Whenever changing out a failed power steering hard part - whether it's the power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering gear box, or power steering cooler - change the power steering fluid.
Power Steering Q & A > Signs That... > Signs you Need to Change Power Steering Fluid.
Signs you Need to Change Power Steering Fluid
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.
