Replacing the power steering fluid: how to do this?

Owning your own car is very convenient, you can get to any place at any time of the day. In addition, if it is not just a car, but a chic model from a well-known manufacturer, riding an "iron horse" will bring great pleasure. And the proper maintenance of the car will increase the time of its operation, and it is necessary to pay attention to even small problems. After all, timely elimination of problems will help to prevent damage to large parts of the machine. For example, preventive replacement of the power steering fluid will prevent costly repairs of this device in the service center. Let's consider this issue in more detail.

What is the power steering

The power steering is designed to provide a comfortable ride on the road when cornering, as well as protecting the car from breakage during shocks, impacts when driving over protrusions and pits, and even when the tire is punctured at a significant speed. This device consists of a pump, a distributor, a hydraulic cylinder, a fluid reservoir (tank) and connecting hoses. At the same time, a timely replacement of the power steering fluid will increase the service life of all elements of the system.

As a rule, the hydraulic booster is installed in the steering mechanism or between the steering gear and the body. The work of this device is based on the principle of fluid circulation through the power-assisted system, eliminating friction in the elements of the steering gear. The movement of the special fluid is carried out under the pressure of the pump, which is attached to the car assembly and driven by a belt drive from the knee shaft. On high-pressure hoses, the liquid from the tank goes to the distributor and thence to the hydraulic cylinder, and back to the reservoir it hits the hoses in which the pressure is lower.

Preventative inspection

To prevent more serious damage, it is necessary to carry out a diagnostic inspection in specialized centers, as well as checking the elements of the system yourself. In this case, the replacement of the power steering fluid is necessary when the following signs of malfunction occur:

• The appearance of characteristic sounds during the turn of the rudder (for example, a sound reminiscent of rubber rubbing against a damp metal surface).
• Small dips when turning the rudder of a standing car.
• Plaque on the walls of the tank, with heavy soiling, you may need to replace the tank itself.
• The color of the liquid has changed - it has become darker, in addition, the smell of burning can appear.

Order of work

Replacing the power steering fluid is not very difficult, and you can do it yourself without turning to a technical center. To do this, you may need the following tools and materials:

• A large syringe;
• Rubber tubes;
• pliers;
• screwdriver;
• Small capacity for used liquid;
• jack;
• Gloves and cloth for blotting;
• Power steering fluid.

The order of work consists of the following stages:

1. With the engine off, lift the bonnet and remove the tank. It must be inspected for damage.
2. Disconnect the return hose and drain the liquid from the reservoir into the container by placing the cloth so that the oil does not get on the car part.
3. Connect the rubber tube to the connector of the return hose and remove the old oil.
4. Raise the front wheels with a jack for convenient turning, start the engine and after a while (5-6 minutes), you need to make several turns of the rudder to the extreme position, until the remaining old liquid is discharged to the end
   

5. Connect the return hose to its original position and replace the reservoir. Then pour new liquid up to max. It is important to use the recommended brand of the product in the instructions for the car.
6. Turn the engine on and continue turning the wheels to allow air to escape from the tank.

In this way, the hydraulic fluid is replaced. This process is not difficult, you can do it yourself, while saving on inspection in the technical center. Proper care of your car will increase its service life, and the knowledge of such simple operations will help keep the car parts in good condition.