What happens if power steering fluid is never changed?

[LeIker]

Not changing the power steering fluid for a long time can lead to heavier steering wheel operation, and in severe cases, may cause damage to the steering gear. The method for replacing power steering fluid is as follows: 1. Prepare a bottle of original power steering fluid; 2. Open the cap of the power steering fluid reservoir; 3. Lift the vehicle and remove the underbody guard; 4. Use pliers to loosen the oil pipe clamp and move it aside; 5. Disconnect the oil pipe to drain the fluid; 6. Turn the steering wheel left and right to expel the old power steering fluid; 7. After draining the fluid, reinstall the power steering pipe to its original position and secure the clamp back in place; 8. Lower the vehicle, add new power steering fluid while turning the steering wheel; 9. Use an oil extractor to remove surface foam, start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel left and right 4 to 5 times to expel air; 10. After expelling air, turn off the engine and check if the fluid level is normal; 11. Start the vehicle, lift it to check for any oil leaks or seepage from the power steering pipe, clean any oil stains, and reinstall the underbody guard.

[VonMichael]

After driving for over twenty years, I've seen plenty of problems caused by not changing the power steering fluid. This stuff is like blood – it thickens and turns black over time, full of metal shavings and sludge. If left too long, the gears in the power steering pump start grinding loudly, and in severe cases, they can seize up completely. The steering gear seals also get damaged by contaminants, and once they leak, the entire steering system fails. The scariest part is when the power steering suddenly gives out at highway speeds, making the steering wheel as heavy as a rock, making lane changes nearly impossible. My cousin's pickup truck learned this the hard way – the towing and repairs cost him over ten grand. Remember to change it every 40,000 kilometers or two years, and if the fluid looks dirty during inspection, replace it immediately. Safety first.

[LondynFitz]

Being frugal means knowing how to do the math. I've calculated that changing the power steering fluid costs just over 200 yuan, but if you delay until the fluid deteriorates, replacing the steering pump could set you back 1,500 yuan, and a damaged steering gear might cost over 4,000 yuan. Long-unchanged fluid acts like sandpaper, wearing grooves into the pump's vanes. When that happens, the steering wheel feels like it's filled with lead—reversing requires full-body strength, making it impossible for female drivers to turn. During repair days, you'd need to take taxis to work, losing even more money. My habit is to have the mechanic check the fluid during annual maintenance—if it's black, change it immediately. It's peace of mind and saves money in the long run.

[McAlexandra]

The most annoying thing is when the steering feels off, and the wheel becomes as heavy as gym equipment. That's exactly how it was with the old Camry I rented from a car rental company—the power steering fluid hadn't been changed in ten years, and the degraded fluid clogged the valves. It made clunking noises during low-speed turns, and the wheel was slow to return to center. Even the tire wear was abnormal. The mechanic said the fluid's lubricity deteriorates under high temperatures, causing metal parts to grind dry, which leads to the noise. Now, I make sure to change the fluid in my own car every 50,000 km. As soon as fresh fluid goes in, the steering instantly feels lighter, making one-handed parking a breeze. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you hear noises to address it—by then, internal damage may already be done.

[SanIris]

After seeing enough repair shops, you'll realize that using expired power steering fluid is like feeding your engine with gutter oil. New cars have buttery-smooth steering thanks to clean fluid transmitting hydraulic pressure, but when old fluid oxidizes, its viscosity skyrockets, forcing the pump to work 30% harder and increasing fuel consumption. Last year, we handled a CR-V with severe steering wheel vibration – upon disassembly, we found coagulated sludge jamming the steering valve. Worse yet, contaminated fluid corrodes seals, and when leaks introduce air into the system, you'll hear gurgling sounds when turning. We recommend the first fluid change before 60,000 km, with subsequent changes every 40,000 km for optimal performance.