What kind of oil to fill in the power steering: advice and reviews. What kind of oil is better to fill in the power steering of a car? Symptoms of an early replacement

Steering with hydraulic booster greatly facilitates the process of driving. But power steering, like any other car system, requires maintenance. For example, power steering fluid does not always maintain a constant level. And in order to add fluid to the hydraulic booster, you need to know what kind of oil you can fill there.

First of all, you should find out what kind of oil the manufacturer of your car recommends to fill. Well, in case there is no such oil, it would be nice to have an idea of ​​how it can be replaced. Most car enthusiasts distinguish between power steering fluid by color. To assess how true the separation of oils is on this basis, I propose to look back. The first automatic boxes used the usual mineral engine oil, which was tinted red so that the source of the leak could be immediately identified by the color of the oil puddle.

Power steering oil composition

Power steering fluid is an oil that has certain properties that give it various additives. Despite the fact that more than 90% of its composition falls on the base, which, like other oils, is mineral or synthetic. Its qualities are so greatly altered by additives that without them it will not be able to ensure the normal operation of the hydraulic booster. Any power steering fluid contains the following additives:

• Anti-friction.
• Viscosity stabilizers. They are needed so that the oil does not become too thick at low temperatures or too liquid at high temperatures.
• Foam suppressor. Foam is formed when oil is mixed with air. And since air differs from liquid in that it can be compressed, the foamed oil transfers the pressure created by the pump to the piston of the hydraulic cylinder much worse. As soon as the oil foams, the power generated by the power steering will decrease so much that it will be tantamount to its partial failure. This additive impairs the ability of the substrate to hold air.
• Corrosion inhibitor.
• Essential antioxidant.
• Dyes.

During the operation of this unit, the hydraulic booster fluid performs the following functions: transfer of working pressure from the pump to the piston of the hydraulic cylinder, heat removal, as well as lubrication of rubbing parts. Protection of system parts from corrosion.

Interchangeability

Power steering oil (marked PSF oil) of Japanese and American production can be mixed with each other if they have the same type of base. Mineral with mineral, and synthetic with synthetic, etc. Contrary to the common misconception among motorists, mineral oils do not react with synthetic ones. But sometimes, when mixing them, there are cases of excessive foaming of the mixture. The main difference between synthetics and mineral water for power steering is their different effect on rubber parts. Synthetics behave more aggressively towards rubber. Therefore, if the power steering is intended for using synthetics in it, then mineral water can be poured into it.

What is the basis of the power steering fluid is better

Taking into account the above, one conclusion can be made - the car owner has no choice in which oil (synthetics or mineral water) to pour into the power steering. This choice was made for him by the car manufacturer.

Difference between PSF and ATF oils

Oils for power steering (PSF) and for automatic transmissions (ATF) differ only in the presence of anti-slip and friction wear additives in the latter. Therefore, if the level in the hydraulic booster reservoir is insufficient and there is no suitable for your car PSF fluids, the best option add oil for automatic box which has the same basis as recommended for your power steering.

DEXRON and its fields of application

The history of fluids with this name began in the 68th year of the last century, when the American concern General Motors mastered the production of an unprecedented product - transmission oil for automatic transmissions of cars produced by it. The company's marketers named it Dexron. Somewhat later, this name was registered as a specification trademark. transmission fluids for automatic transmissions. Under this brand, GM and other manufacturers of fluids for automatic transmissions to this day they release transmission oils for "automata", and now not only for them. And so that you do not think that any Dextron can be poured into the power steering, here is a list of fluids produced under this brand these days:

When it is necessary to change the oil in the hydraulic booster

Most car manufacturers assure their customers that the fluid is poured into the power steering for the entire service life of the car and there is no need to periodically replace it. Therefore, it must be changed only in two cases: after eliminating the consequences of a pump breakdown or after water gets into it, for example, when wading through water obstacles. An emulsion under the power steering reservoir lid will tell you about water entering the system. And in both cases, it is imperative to rinse the filter in the tank. It is better to do this with white spirit or a similar liquid.

In fact, it is better to change the power steering fluid every 90 thousand km. or 5 years of operation.

One of important points when servicing vehicle is an right choice lubricating fluids. It is on them that the working efficiency of individual components and assemblies depends, which means that it is better to give preference to reliable, time-tested manufacturers. This statement also applies to the oil in the power steering system, although many car owners have no idea how to change it correctly and how often to do it. You will find the answer to these questions in this article.

1. How often is it necessary to change the oil in the power steering system

Sensitive enough to quality working fluid, therefore, no matter how good the poured lubricant may seem, it still needs to be changed periodically. There are no specific recommendations regarding the regularity of this process, but it is still worth checking the lubricant level periodically.(usually at every inspection). If necessary, add oil.

Some domestic specialists in the repair of hydraulic boosters have a slightly different attitude to this issue. In their opinion, taking into account the operating conditions and mileage of the car, the replacement lubricating fluid Power steering should be carried out once every two years (if the vehicle mileage is 5000-8000 km per year). In addition, at each oil change, the filter element should also be changed (on those car models where it is installed).

If the vehicle is operated in a very intensive mode, then it is necessary to change the oil when the liquid darkens or a burning smell appears. On average, the oil in the power steering system is changed once a year or after the vehicle has traveled 30,000 kilometers. Of course, this is not the only correct indicator, because much in this matter depends on the quality of the oil you use.

How can a car owner know when it's time to drain the lubricant? There are several characteristic signs here, indicating that the day "X" has arrived. Firstly, the driver will surely notice changes in the operation of the steering wheel, since he will have to apply steering system a little more effort. The second and most common cause of an oil change is a change in the color of the mixture. Of course, in order to determine this fact, it is necessary to open the power steering tank, take a few drops of lubricant from there and apply them on a light surface (a white napkin or sheet of paper is well suited for this role), in extreme cases, you can just drop it on your finger. Pay attention to the composition of the liquid and the presence of impurities in it.

Most often these include small particles of other heavily worn parts and dirt deposits. If there are a lot of such foreign elements, then it is better not to add fresh oil, but to completely replace it. If the normal performance is met (the grease is completely transparent and does not have a burning smell), you can simply top up the fluid to the required level.

2. What kind of oil to fill in the hydraulic booster

Some car owners are used to choosing oil for power steering based on the color of this composition. However, of course, it is impossible to really assess the properties of a particular liquid taking into account only one criterion. The viscosity of the oil, the type of base and the types of additives of different formulations of the same color can be completely different. Therefore, it cannot be argued that if red oil was previously used, then only red liquid can be topped up, because even in this case, effective mixing may not occur.

There are three colors of lubricant used in power steering:

Red(the oil belongs to the Dexron family, which, in turn, belong to the ATF class - fluids for automatic transmissions, and in some cases, power steering). Red mineral and synthetic oils must not be mixed.

Yellow- is often used in Mercedes cars;

Green the color of oils for power steering is more typical for the systems of cars of the VAG concern, Peugeot, Citroen and some others. This type is not suitable for automatic transmissions. Also, you can not mix green "mineral water" and the same synthetics.

What is better to choose: mineral or synthetic lubricant? It should be noted that in relation to power steering, such disputes are absolutely inappropriate, because there are a lot of rubber parts in this system, and synthetics affect them much more aggressively, which is why the resource of the elements is significantly reduced. Therefore, before pouring into the system given view oil, you need to make sure that its rubber components interact well with it and have a special composition.

Only in rare cases are synthetic oils used for power steering. Much more often they are used in automatic transmissions, so it is most correct to use only mineral compounds, of course, if there are no other requirements in the instructions.

Moreover, if you do not want to harm your power steering system, then you will have to follow some rules for its maintenance. First, remember: you can mix yellow and red oils, but green compounds should never be added to the existing yellow or red ones. Secondly, it is forbidden to mix "mineral water" and "synthetics".

Oils for the power steering system differ from each other only in the presence of additional additives in the latter version. They are just intended for automatic clutches, which are absent in the steering. The presence of such "additions" does not in any way affect the performance of the power steering mechanisms, therefore, transmission oils for automatic transmissions can be safely used to lubricate them. For example, Japanese manufacturers have long been using only one type of oil for both power steering and automatic transmissions, while their European colleagues insist that only fluids recommended by them should be used for their cars.

Some car enthusiasts believe that this is a banal marketing ploy, and if you fill the power steering with high-quality, but not original oil, then this will not affect the performance and working resource of the system in any way. For example, identical ZF pumps will perform well on different cars and with different types oils approved by the manufacturer. In such a situation, it turns out that green and yellow lubricants are equally well suited for the operation of the hydraulic booster, and the only difference is in color.

However, in practice, everything turned out to be not so wonderful, and in some cases, when they interact, foam began to appear. True, it is not difficult to solve this problem, you just need to thoroughly flush the system before using oil of a different color.

Mixing of mineral oils such as Dexron and lubricating fluids for power steering showed that they are quite well combined with each other, and no side effects appear. In other words, the additives present in the compositions do not conflict with each other, but when combined in a new mixture, they continue to perform their functions.

If you are not sure which oil is exactly right for your car's power steering system, take a look at its technical manual. It should indicate what kind of lubricant and how to fill it in the power steering. In some cases, even the name of the manufacturing companies is indicated, and if you cannot find the desired product in the store, it should definitely be on the Internet.

You can also use the information on the power steering reservoir lid: the green sticker is "Pentosin", and if the inscription "Dextron" is present, then ATF. Finding the second option is not a problem, since it is produced by a fairly large number of different manufacturers, but with "Pentosin" some problems may arise. Firstly, its cost is higher, and secondly, it is very difficult to find it, and in most cases you have to buy MANNOL CHF. However, it must be said that universal formulations are significantly inferior to the quality of oils designed specifically for power steering, which may be the cause of system breakdown.

3. Changing the oil in the power steering

Suppose you have already chosen the required composition (in the amount of 2 liters) and are ready to proceed to the direct replacement of the power steering oil. However, in addition to the new lubricant, you will also need certain accessories for this event. These include:

- a syringe for pumping out used oil (at least 20 cubic meters in volume);

A small rubber tube that will fit snugly over the syringe tip;

Container for draining the old lubricant;

Pliers and screwdriver;

Jack;

Gloves and clean rags.

At the first stage, it is necessary to completely drain the used grease from the power steering tank, not forgetting to disconnect the return hose from it, with the help of which the remains of the old oil are drained, followed by flushing the system. To access the reservoir, remove its cap and prepare a container to remove used oil. After that, put the rubber tube on the syringe and lower its other end into the tank. In this way, the entire contents of the cistern are removed.

After pumping out the lubricant, disconnect the fluid supply pipe to the system and, substituting an empty container, drain the remaining oil. I must say that at this stage certain difficulties may arise. The fact is that it is sometimes very difficult to remove the branch pipe, and you have to dismantle the entire tank.

In principle, it is now possible to fill the system with a new, "fresh" lubricant composition, but it is best to do this after flushing all the mechanisms so that the remnants of the old oil do not get into the filled liquid. To complete the task, you will need another 2-5 liters of oil. Given the not too cheap cost of such a lubricant, some drivers prefer to do without flushing, but if contaminants do get into a clean composition, then they will have to change the lubricant again, and earlier than the expected time for re-replacement.

Before pouring new fluid for power steering, cover the hole in the tank to which the branch pipe was connected. For these purposes, you can use any materials at hand, the main thing is that they are relatively clean and fit well in size.

Also, remember to monitor the lubricant level in the system. As soon as the oil to be poured flows from the pipe, it means that there is already enough of it in the system. Having screwed the pipe to its original place, add the remaining liquid to the tank, close the lid and remove the car from the jack (of course, in order to carry out the procedure, it had to be lifted). This completes the process of changing the oil in the power steering.

To add or dilute oil in the power steering system, take a syringe and pump out a certain part of the lubricant from the tank, adding a new composition in its place. After that, you need to start the engine and turn the steering wheel several times in different directions. Then, after stopping the engine, pump out some oil again and top up with "fresh" oil. You need to do these steps until the color of the liquid brightens.

It should be noted that two people will be required to complete the task: one will control the lubricant level, and the second will start and stop the engine. If the tank is installed oil filter- it is also recommended to replace it, or at least rinse it thoroughly.

There are certain "tricks" to increase the power steering fluid resource. For example, at high revs it is impossible to hold steering wheel in the extreme position for more than five seconds. This will inevitably cause a sharp jump in oil pressure in the system and overheating of the lubricant. In addition, for the same reason, you should not put too much pressure on the steering wheel if the side surface of the wheel rests against an obstacle. To reduce the load, it will be enough to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction a couple of centimeters.

It is dangerous to drive a vehicle with a faulty power steering oil pump. Its prolonged stagnation and wear of the rack teeth lead to oil leakage, which means that the system can fail at any time.

Oil is one of the main components of power steering. It performs many functions, and therefore it is necessary to take seriously the choice of fluid for the hydraulic booster and to replace it in a timely manner.

Oil types

The price for this type of oil is quite high. The second type of power steering fluid is called mineral. In contrast to the first type, mineral oil is very popular with drivers. The main advantage of this type is that the substances included in the composition do not spoil the rubber and thus do not damage the parts. Another plus is the low cost.

Also, the oil can be distinguished by its color. There are three types: red, yellow and green. Each species has its own specific properties. For example, red oil is commonly used for automatic transmissions. Therefore, it has another name - transmission or hydraulic. Red oil belongs to the transmission family Dexron fluids... It is important to pay attention to the composition as there are mineral and synthetic red oils.

The main tasks of the oil

It also prevents them from heating up and thus prevents the parts from overheating. In general, we can conclude that the oil ensures the correct operation of all components, protecting them from various damage. In case of him insufficient level or its poor quality, it can harm the whole system.

Mixing oil

The most important rule about mixing oils is that you need to fill the car with either synthetic or mineral oil. They cannot be mixed in the way that each species differs in viscosity, composition, and when mixing, properties can be lost or, in the worst case, lead to a breakdown of the power steering system. Also, green oil cannot be mixed with other types, however, red and yellow are allowed to be mixed.

The need for replacement

The service life of each type of oil is different, but there are general criteria that make it clear that the power steering oil needs to be changed. First of all, we are talking about changes in the quality of the oil. A burning smell or a tarnished color will naturally indicate a poor condition of the oil.

Also, difficulties in turning the steering wheel can be triggered by poor quality. In all cases, the only correct solution is to replace it. In the absence of any signs of unsuitability, it is changed about once a year.

How to choose oil

This will make it harder to turn the steering wheel, and the system itself will have to be repaired. Hazardous substances can also be released that will threaten the health of the driver and passengers. In low-quality oils, various substances are mainly mixed, which are prohibited to use. Thus, by buying cheap products, you risk your health.

Oil cost

Depending on the manufacturer and the type of oil, the cost will differ. For example, the price of synthetic oil ranges from $ 10 to $ 40. The cost of the mineral oil will be around $ 10.

Video about changing the oil in the power steering:

The power steering system is now no surprise. Very convenient when driving a solid SUV or by truck, turn the steering wheel effortlessly. In order for the power steering system to work efficiently and for a long time, it is important to monitor all its constituent elements. This article will focus on such a power steering system component as hydraulic oil or power steering fluid.

Issues related to the types, capabilities and methods of replacing the power steering fluid, as well as the purpose and preservation of all its qualities will be considered. First, let's define the liquid itself. What it is and what it should do.

Definition of hydraulic oil

What is hydraulic fluid and what kind of oil to fill in the power steering? First of all, it is a technical fluid. Its properties are determined based on a set of functions that a hydraulic fluid should have:

• power transmission from the steering wheel to the power steering pump, and then from the pump to the steering mechanism;
• friction protection of all elements of the hydraulic booster system;
• heat removal or thermoregulation of power steering mechanisms.

Based on the properties, each car company its own version of the hydraulic fluid is selected. From here it becomes clear that there are many types of hydraulic oil.

How does the hydraulic booster system work?

For a better understanding of the concept of hydraulic fluid and what kind of oil to fill in the power steering, we will analyze how the entire system works. There are not so many elements included in the hydraulic power steering system:

• power steering pump;
• fluid reservoir;
• steering gear;
• connecting hoses and tubes.

The main working element of the system is, of course, the power steering, or simply power steering. It is he who creates pressure in the system, which is transmitted to the steering gear through the hydraulic fluid through the connecting pipes and pipes. Thanks to this, the main work on turning the wheels falls not on the driver's hands and the steering wheel, but on the amplification system.

It is important to remember that the hoses and pipes coming from the power steering are under high pressure and demand to themselves special attention... And they should not be confused with the "return", which flows back into the tank with the liquid.

Variety of fluids for the hydraulic booster system

Very often on the forums of car owners, topics appear with the question: "What kind of oil is better to pour into the power steering?" And this is quite natural, because there is a wide variety of hydraulic oils that differ in both properties and colors. The question is complicated by the fact that in the operating manuals of some cars for replacing the power steering fluid, only original oil is offered, which is simply not available.

Many companies producing technical fluids, always offer their counterpart to replace the original component. In addition, there are so-called universal fluids for power steering, which can be used for refilling and mixed with any other previously poured.

What kind of oil to fill in the Solaris power steering? Similar questions can be heard at any auto shop. In order to answer this and similar questions, consider the whole variety of power steering fluids.

The simplest division of hydraulic oil is by color. There are only three of them:

• Red;
• yellow;
• green.

Another division of oil for power steering implies the basis of the composition:

• mineral;
• synthetic.

And in that, and in another version, a variety of additives may be present, expanding the range of capabilities of technical fluids.

Terms of use of hydraulic fluids

Together with the question: "What kind of oil to fill in the power steering?" another is always asked: "How often should it be changed?" First of all, to find out the answers, you need to find out in the service book for the car. Very often, car manufacturers, especially foreign cars, recommend not changing the hydraulic oil at all. Bearing in mind that the resource of its use is comparable to the operating time of a car. But for the Russian realities, where the car can be operated longer than its useful life, and where it is possible to pour non-original fluid into the system, it is necessary to regularly change the oil in the power steering.

Each manufacturer of non-original hydraulic oil also indicates the replacement interval. And this is usually a period of 40-100 thousand km. IN mandatory the power steering fluid changes when problems arise with the operation of the system, as well as when its color becomes cloudy or a burnt odor appears. It is also worth remembering that synthetic fluids are known to have a longer service life.

Features of changing the oil in the hydraulic booster

So what kind of oil can you put in the power steering? Only what your vehicle manufacturer recommends. If an incident occurs, and there is no native fluid for power steering, you need to select it based on the available analogues.

At partial replacement or topping up, it is important to remember some rules:

• Green liquid does not interfere with other colors.
• Yellow oil can be added to red and vice versa.
• Mineral and synthetic hydraulic oils must not be mixed, even if they are the same color.
• Unless otherwise specified, it is best to use a mineral based hydraulic fluid. This will significantly increase the service life of the rubber products that make up the system.

How to change the fluid in the power steering

If the question: "What kind of oil should be poured into the power steering?" there is an answer, you can go directly to the replacement. Consider the normal full replacement hydraulic fluid.

To begin with, we hang out the wheels of the car for convenient rotation with the steering wheel without starting the engine. Unscrewing the lid of the power steering fluid reservoir, pump out with a syringe old liquid... After that, we dismantle the tank, and lower the thin hose ("return") into the container prepared in advance. Turn the steering wheel to squeeze out the remaining hydraulic oil. Now, through the thick hose, which was removed from the tank, we begin to fill in new fluid. This is done neatly and in a thin stream so that the air has time to escape. Smoothly turning the steering wheel, squeeze out the remaining air and wait until a new light liquid flows through the "return". After that, we mount the tank and hoses to it, and check the tightness.

It is even easier to change the oil, only at a service station with a special apparatus. The quality of such a replacement will be much higher.

Hydraulic fluid from German cars

For a better understanding of the issue with the choice of hydraulic fluid, consider examples on specific cars. And let's start with the German automakers. And here again the question: "What kind of oil should I fill in the power steering?" Power steering "Mercedes", especially new models, is a very technical device that can afford high-quality synthetic fluid. When clarifying the issue, be sure to check with the original catalogs. The original power steering oil for Mercedes and BMW has green color and your markings. Of the analogues, Pentosin CHF11S is usually available, which can cost half as much. For example, the original Mercedes oil per liter is about 2,000 rubles, while a similar "Pentosin" - 1,000 rubles per liter.

In order to understand exactly whether the selected analogue is suitable for your car, it is enough to know the approval of the automaker. For example, for Mercedes such approval can be MB 345.0 or MB 236.5. Moreover, the first one will correspond to the green hydraulic fluid, and the second one will correspond to the red one (Dexron 3).

Hydraulics for Japanese cars

Let us now answer the question by considering japanese cars: "What kind of oil should I fill in the power steering?" Power steering "Toyota" on different models has different designs. At the same time, for the most part, Dexron 3 and its numerous analogues are used here as a hydraulic fluid. It is clear that for more recent models it is better to use synthetic options, and for older "Japanese women" - ordinary mineral oil.

According to numerous reviews, is in good demand Motul oil... Of its undoubted advantages, they distinguish good fluidity in frost and preservation of all working properties at high temperatures.

Dexron 3 hydraulic oil is produced by almost every manufacturer. These are the well-known Mobil, Shell, Zic, Castrol and Eneos. They each use their own oil additives. Each company has good reviews, but in different sources the manufacturer's ratings may differ and there is no clear leader among them.

Hydraulic oil for Korean cars

Korean cars are very popular in our country. High quality, reliability combined with reasonable prices attract many motorists. Let's answer the question we love for Korean cars: "What kind of oil is poured into the power steering?" Power steering "Hyundai" or "Kia" has all the modern qualities inherent in foreign cars.

A wide variety of models has led to a variety of power steering fluids. Depending on the brand korean car, both green and red liquids can be used. Here the auto service book or the automaker's website will come to the rescue.

Conclusion

The wide variety of hydraulic oils for cars is causing some confusion for many car owners. All this is cleverly used by sellers of non-original liquids. To the question: "What kind of oil to fill in the power steering?" answer correctly, often it takes a few minutes at the computer. And in order to select an analogue that will be available, and fully match your power steering system, it will take more time. But now, with some knowledge, it will be much easier to make a choice.

Today, many modern models are equipped with power steering. For its full and uninterrupted operation, circulation in the system is required. special liquid... Exist different kinds oils for power steering, and inexperienced drivers often find it difficult to choose a high-quality fluid that is optimal for their vehicle.

The choice of oil for the power steering

When choosing an oil for power steering, the car owner, first of all, needs to refer to the manufacturer's instructions, which should indicate the type of fluid for the power steering. Also, the recommended type of substance is usually indicated on the power steering system reservoir lid. It will not be superfluous to consult in dealership car brand. A car owner who has accurate information about the recommended hydraulic fluid will avoid problems with the hydraulic booster and breakdowns of individual parts.

Before changing the oil in the hydraulic booster, you should understand the classification of the fluids intended for this. Typically, power steering oils are classified according to several main characteristics:
- Colour;
- Chemical properties;
— mechanical properties;
- hydraulic properties.

Most often, car owners distinguish power steering fluids by their color. On this basis, oils for power steering are divided into 3 groups - red, yellow and green.

Red power steering fluid is usually intended for automatic transmissions, yellow is universal, which can be used both in automatic transmissions and in a manual transmission. Green oil is only intended for vehicles equipped with manual box gear. The characteristics of oils of the same color almost do not differ from each other, therefore, when buying a fluid for a power steering, first of all, you need to look at the color of the oil in the reservoir of the power steering system.

It is believed that you can mix oils depending on their color, that is, red can be mixed with yellow, but none of them can be mixed with a green substance. In fact, oils differ greatly from each other in viscosity, types of additives and types of bases, so before mixing liquids, you should carefully study their composition and properties. Red oils with a mineral and synthetic base cannot be mixed.

Another factor that matters when choosing a power steering oil is the type of base. According to this indicator, power steering fluids can be divided into 2 main groups - mineral and synthetic oils.

The design of the hydraulic booster includes many rubber parts that have low resistance to the effects of synthetic fluids, therefore, in most cars, the instruction provides for the use of mineral oils. Mineral oil does not corrode metal parts and prevents rubber parts from drying out.

Synthetic power steering fluids are chemically more aggressive. They can cause accelerated wear rubber parts and provoke cracks on them. Therefore, when choosing a fluid for power steering, you should buy mineral oil. Synthetic oils are used only in the case of a specific indication in the manufacturer's instructions that this type of fluid is required for the mechanism. Usually synthetic oil used in vehicles for technical purposes.

When buying power steering oil, you should also pay attention to whether the product has a quality certificate. The presence of a quality certificate will protect the car owner from purchasing a dangerous product, the vapors of which can be harmful and cause damage to the health of the driver and passengers of the car.

Another sign of a quality product is the ability of the liquid to resist high temperature during the operation of mechanisms. Poor-quality oil can curdle in the power steering system at a certain temperature or change its original consistency. Such manifestations reduce vehicle controllability and can provoke an emergency situation when the vehicle is moving.

If you need to change the oil in the power steering, it is better to choose products from well-known manufacturers. Quality red fluids are manufactured by General Motors or other manufacturers under license. If the owner of the car needs to buy yellow oil, you should look for products from Daimler or other manufacturers that produce oil for power steering under license from Daimler. High-quality green oils are produced by the German concern Pentosin.

How often do you change the power steering oil?

Some car owners are of the opinion that the oil in the hydraulic booster does not need to be changed at all. In reality, this is not the case. Of course, the oil in the power steering system needs to be refilled or changed quite rarely, but experts recommend changing it on a planned basis when the car runs from 60,000 to 150,000 km, depending on the car model, and topping it up as the level evaporates and decreases. Usually, the procedure for updating the oil in the hydraulic booster should be carried out at regular intervals once every 1-2 years.

Sometimes changing the fluid in the power steering is required even earlier, with the appearance of such characteristic specific signs as dirt and turbidity in the oil, as well as the smell of burning.

Is it difficult to change the power steering oil?

It is not difficult to independently replace the fluid in the power steering system, it is carried out in 5 simple steps. First, you should stock up on the necessary amount for replacement, a jack, a medical syringe with a tube and a clean rag.

1. At the first stage, with the help of a jack, it is raised in front of the car in order to hang up the front wheels. This is necessary for free rotation of the steering wheel when the engine is not running.

2. The next step is to unscrew the power steering reservoir lid, followed by pumping out the used oil using a medical syringe with a tube. For this purpose, it will be convenient to take a larger syringe, with a volume of 20 cubes. The remaining fluid is drained from the tank by alternately disconnecting the main and return hoses while simultaneously turning the steering wheel to bleed the system.

3. After installing the hoses in place, the prepared is poured into the tank. In this case, you should monitor the level of the liquid to be poured, it will be optimal to stop filling when the oil reaches the level between the Min and Max icons.

4. The next stage is the rotation of the steering wheel in order to pump the power steering system and distribute the poured liquid over it. In the process, the oil level may drop, in which case it will be necessary to top up the required amount. These manipulations should be performed until the oil reaches a stable optimal level.

5. Remove the car from the jacks and make a test drive with the subsequent measurement of the fluid level in the tank. If it remains at the same level, close the tank cap and consider the oil change process complete. If the oil level has exceeded the maximum mark when heated, you need to pour a little to protect the mechanism from splashing hot oil. Liquid contact with nearby parts and assemblies can lead to breakdowns and costly car repairs.

If the owner of the vehicle is not sure that he will be able to correctly perform all the stages of changing the oil in the hydraulic booster, he can always take his car to a service station and entrust the care of it to professionals.