How to Check Power Steering Fluid (+ 5 Steps to Change It)

Without enough power steering fluid, your car will be hard to steer, transforming your ride into a battle of strength and desperation.

But how can you tell you’re running on low fluid?

Let’s discover how to check the power steering fluid and top it up if it’s low. We’ll also explore the process of changing the fluid when it’s filthy and the right type to replace it with.

This Article Contains:

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
How to Top Up Power Steering Fluid
When Should You Change the Power Steering Fluid?
How Do You Change the Power Steering Fluid?
Which Type of Power Steering Fluid Should You Use?
3 FAQs on Power Steering Fluid

How to Check Power Steering Fluid

Checking the power steering fluid (a type of hydraulic fluid) is simple but requires experience with the engine bay parts. You’ll also have to handle hot power steering fluid, which can burn or irritate your skin if it spills. So, it’s best to call an automotive mechanic to check the fluid.

Here’s a step-by-step rundown on how the mechanic will do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Power Steering Fluid for Check

The mechanic will turn on your engine and let it idle for 3-4 minutes to heat the power steering fluid.

They’ll then turn your car’s steering wheel in both directions to circulate the steering fluid. Based on the direction you turn the wheel, the hydraulic system helps the pinion rotate, shifting the steering rack from left to right.

Step 2: Locate the Fluid Reservoir

After heating the fluid, they’ll turn off the engine and pop the hood open to look for the power steering fluid reservoir.

The power steering reservoir is a metal or clear plastic container in the engine bay with a black or yellow reservoir cap. But, the placement of the reservoir varies depending on the vehicle manufacturer. So, if needed, they’ll refer to the owner’s manual to get the precise location.

Step 3: Check the Power Steering Fluid Level

Most steering fluid reservoirs have level indicators marked “MIN” and “MAX” or “Hot” or “Cold” on the side to help you check fluid levels.

The level is easier to see if the fluid reservoir is made of clear plastic. But, if it’s a metal reservoir, the mechanic will use a dipstick to check the power steering fluid level.

To do so, they’ll remove the reservoir cap and wipe off the excess fluid on the dipstick attached to it. Then, they’ll fully reinsert the dipstick into the reservoir for a few seconds and pull it out.

The mechanic will inspect the indicator lines on the dipstick to check the fluid level.

Step 4: Examine the Power Steering Fluid Color

During the inspection, the mechanic will use a paper towel to check if the power steering fluid is discolored.

Typically, the fluid is clear, amber, or pinkish. However, it may get contaminated with rubber bits from damaged connecting hoses, seals, or O-rings (rubber seals used to prevent leaks between joined parts). These particles can turn the fluid brown or black.

If there is fluid contamination, the mechanic will perform a power steering fluid flush. In case the fluid isn’t discolored, they’ll simply top up if the fluid level is low.

Want to know how a professional mechanic does a top-up?
Let’s take a look.

How to Top Up Power Steering Fluid

When your mechanic notices your hydraulic system running on low fluid, they’ll top it off.

Here’s how:

The mechanic will remove the cap of the power steering fluid reservoir.

Using a funnel, they’ll slowly add the fluid to the power steering reservoir to avoid overfilling it.

Once the fluid reaches the “MAX” mark, they’ll stop and wipe any excess fluid around the reservoir.

Lastly, they’ll tightly close the reservoir with the cap.

But how often do you need to get this service?
Check out the perfect time for power steering fluid replacement.

When Should You Change the Power Steering Fluid?

Your car requires a power steering fluid change between 40,000 and 80,000 miles or every 2 years.

If it’s contaminated, you’ll have to flush it earlier to prevent damage to your vehicle’s hydraulic power steering system (HPS system). Flushing replaces filthy old fluid with a fresh batch, ensuring the longevity and protection of your system.

You may also need to refill or change the fluid if you notice symptoms of low power steering fluid levels, such as:

Active power steering fluid light: When your car runs on low steering fluid, it’ll illuminate a dashboard sign that looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation point. The sign may vary depending on your vehicle, but it usually lights up when there’s less fluid.

Weird noises: If you hear a steering whine while turning the wheel, it could be a sign of low power steering fluid. This whining noise is due to air bubbles in the connecting hose or a lack of lubrication in the steering components.

Difficulty steering: Insufficient steering fluid can make it difficult to turn the steering wheel, particularly at a low speed or when the vehicle is stationary.

Power steering fluid leak: If you notice puddles or drops of fluid that smell like burning marshmallows and have an oily texture, it could be a sign of a steering fluid leak. It may leak from the power steering pump, steering gear, or pressure lines.

Next, let’s explore how to perform a power steering fluid change.

How Do You Change the Power Steering Fluid?

Here’s how a professional mechanic will change the power steering fluid in your car:

Step 1: Prep Your Vehicle

The mechanic will wear safety goggles and gloves. Then, they’ll park your car in a ventilated area and raise it using a jack or jack stand. They’ll also keep a drain pan ready to collect the old fluid.

Step 2: Locate the Reservoir

Next, they’ll open your car’s hood to locate the reservoir. They’ll remove its cap, which has a “steering wheel” symbol or “steering fluid” written on it.

Step 3: Flush the Reservoir

The mechanic will use pliers to disconnect and remove the low-pressure line (the hose that returns the fluid to the reservoir).

They’ll use a fluid transfer pump or turkey baster to flush the old fluid into the drain pan. The mechanic will repeatedly turn the steering wheel from one end to the other to release and drain the remaining fluid.

Step 4: Refill the Reservoir Halfway and Test

They’ll add new fluid halfway and then start the engine. The mechanic will turn the steering wheel to circulate the fluid in the hydraulic power steering system.

Step 5: Complete the Refill and Reassemble

Once the fluid reaches the required “hot” or “cold” mark on the reservoir with the engine running, they’ll stop and secure the reservoir cap.

Finally, they’ll run the engine for a while to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, they’ll remove the jack or jack stands and lower the vehicle.

There are different types of power steering fluids available on the market. Keep reading to find out which is ideal for your car.

Which Type of Power Steering Fluid Should You Use?

You should use the steering fluid as per the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s specifications. Here are the different types of power steering fluids commonly used:

Conventional power steering fluid: This fluid is produced using traditional base oils. It isn’t commonly used in modern vehicles, as it doesn’t offer protection like synthetic fluid.

Synthetic power steering fluid: Synthetic fluid is made with synthetic base oils and provides improved performance and longevity compared to conventional fluids.

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF): This automotive fluid is sometimes used as a power steering fluid. It’s generally added in an older vehicle in specific conditions.

Want to know more about power steering fluid?
We’ve got you covered.

3 FAQs on Power Steering Fluid

Here are answers to some common questions you may have about power steering fluid:

1. How Does Power Steering Fluid Work?

The fluid reduces manual steering effort by acting as a hydraulic link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. It also lubricates the system parts to reduce friction and improve the steering performance.

When you turn your car’s steering wheel, the power steering pump activates to pressurize the fluid. This pressurized hydraulic fluid allows the piston in the steering gear to oscillate, decreasing your effort to turn the wheel.

Once its job is done, the fluid flows back to the reservoir through the low-pressure hose.

2. What’s the Difference Between Power Steering Fluid and Automatic Transmission Fluid?

Despite their similarities as hydraulic fluids and lubricants, power steering and automatic transmission fluid serve different purposes.

Power steering fluid is designed specifically for the HPS system, providing lubrication and hydraulic pressure. Meanwhile, the ATF is primarily used to lubricate automatic transmission components in the engine compartment.

However, some mechanics may recommend you add ATF to a power steering system if you live in a cold weather region. ATF protects the pressure hoses when the temperature drops below -40°F, keeping your steering system in good condition.

3. Do All New Cars Need Power Steering Fluid?

No, only a specialized or an older vehicle with a Hydraulic and Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering system (HPS & EHPS) requires the power steering fluid.

Most newer vehicles have an Electric Power Steering system (EPS) with an electric motor that helps with steering. These EPS systems are also found in electric vehicles (EVs) like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Chevrolet (Chevy) Bolt EV.

Get Power Steering Fluid Refills with AutoNation Mobile Service

Checking your power steering fluid is a simple yet essential task that ensures your steering components are functioning correctly. But accessing the engine compartment and dealing with hot steering fluid isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

If you need help checking your power steering fluid, our seasoned mechanics at the AutoNation Mobile Service can assist you.
We tackle all car maintenance and power steering fluid leak issues right from your driveway.

We’re a mobile car repair and maintenance solution offering upfront pricing and stellar customer service. We also provide a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty on all services, including coolant and brake fluid refills.