What are the hazards of not changing power steering fluid?
4 Answers
Failing to replace the power steering fluid (PSF) in a timely manner can lead to damage to the steering gear and power steering pump. Here is more information about power steering fluid: 1. Power steering fluid is a special liquid used in the car's power steering pump, which, through hydraulic action, makes the steering wheel lighter. It is similar to automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, and shock absorber fluid. 2. To prevent the power steering fluid from becoming too dirty or deteriorating, it is generally recommended to replace the power steering fluid every 2 years or 30,000 kilometers. If the power steering fluid is found to be below the scale, becomes thin, or the color turns black, it indicates that it is time to replace the power steering fluid.
I learned this lesson the hard way with my old car. The most immediate effect of not changing the power steering fluid for a long time is that the steering wheel becomes noticeably heavier. I drove over 60,000 kilometers without changing it, and in winter, the steering would creak, while in summer, turning became significantly more strenuous. When I took it to the repair shop and they opened it up, the fluid had turned into a black, paste-like substance full of metal shavings. The mechanic said that once the fluid deteriorates, its lubricating properties vanish, causing double the wear on the steering gear's components. The scariest moment was when I was taking a high-speed curve, and the steering wheel suddenly stuck for half a second—it gave me a cold sweat. The hydraulic power steering system relies entirely on this fluid to transmit pressure, and when it ages, it can also corrode the seals. Fixing a leak caused by this can cost over 2,000 yuan. It's recommended to change it at least every two years or 40,000 kilometers.
After driving for twenty years, I've witnessed too many cases of accidents caused by power steering fluid issues. Over time, that fluid oxidizes and produces acidic substances, gradually corroding the precision components inside the steering pump. My neighbor's car had its steering pump completely destroyed after three years without a fluid change, nearly causing a rear-end collision on the highway. When sludge builds up in the hydraulic lines beyond a certain point, the power steering assistance becomes erratic. The most troublesome issue is when degraded fluid absorbs moisture—excessive water content causes metal parts to rust and seize up, with repair costs high enough to cover ten fluid changes. Remember, power steering fluid often exceeds 100 degrees Celsius; neglecting regular changes is like making your engine drink spoiled oil—saving small amounts now will inevitably lead to major losses later.
Not changing expired power steering fluid is the most damaging to the steering system. The fluid emulsifies and deteriorates after two or three years of use, and insufficient oil film strength leads to abnormal wear of the steering pump blades. I've seen the tragic sight of deep grooves worn into the pump body, with operating noise like a tractor. This fluid also bears the task of heat dissipation; dirty fluid causes overheating in metal friction areas, and in severe cases, you can smell a burnt odor. Even more troublesome is clogging the hydraulic valve body, resulting in poor steering wheel return or uneven heaviness on one side. Repair shop mechanics always say, changing the fluid costs just a few hundred, but replacing the steering pump runs into thousands—doing the math, frequent changes are more economical.
