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Power steering fluid AutoZone – AutoZone Power Steering Fluid
AutoZone Power Steering Fluid is formulated with high quality base oils and a premium additive package.
Provides antifoam protection.
Inhibits rust and corrosion.
Resists oxidation and suppresses foaming.
Prevents squeaks and protects seals and hoses.
Power Steering Fluid: How To Add It To Your Engine And Check For Signs Of Leaking
Power steering fluid is very important to the performance and life of your car. It’s what keeps things smooth and aerodynamic on the trail. Without it, you would be in a place of trouble. Prestone’s Power Steering Fluid is an on-the-go essential that’s easy to use at home, but why exactly do you need it? Prestone is here to give you some helpful instructions…
What does power steering fluid do?
Without getting too technical, power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits power in your steering system. In a little more detail, it helps create the pressure that pushes on either side of your car’s frame-mounted piston, allowing it to turn your wheels with ease. Since most cars today use Power Steering Systems (PAS), this fluid is essential for smooth steering.
“Can I drive without power steering fluid?”
The short answer is “yes”, but it’s probably better to ask “should Ito wish Driving without power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid not only helps with the movement of your vehicle, but also protects against wear. If you don’t top up your power steering fluid regularly, you risk damaging your car’s pump, rack and pinion, even with small amounts of fluid in your car’s power steering reservoir.
Engineered for superior performance you can trust, Prestone Power Steering Fluid can be used in all vehicles with power steering. Made to extend the life of your PAS system by preventing corrosion, it also reduces wear and noise without damaging your seals or gaskets. It’s also easy to use, we’ll show you how.
How to Add Power Steering Fluid to Your Engine
- Locate the reservoir cylinder
This is where the liquid is located. Most of the time, the reservoir is located in the same area on each car, but if you can’t find it, try looking in your owner’s manual for its specific location.
- Check fluid level
If the cylinder is translucent, you should be able to see the fluid level there, but if it’s made of metal, check the level with a dipstick, which is usually attached to the cylinder cap. If this is the case, look at how much of the dipstick is covered by power steering fluid.
- examine its color
If the fluid already in there is clear, amber, or pink, then you’re ready to refill it. But if it looks brown or black, it’s contaminated with rubber from connecting hoses, seals, or o-rings. That means you’ll need to take it to a mechanic to see if any of the parts and PAS fluid need to be replaced.
- Add power steering fluid to the correct fill level
Using the recommended fluid for your car, add fluid steadily until you reach the correct level. Be careful not to overfill the liquid; it’s actually better to fill less as it expands as it heats up. More than necessary and you risk causing problems that could, in turn, lead to expensive repairs.
Car Talk Service Tips: Power Steering Fluid
What is this?
Simply put, power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits power in the power steering. Maintenance involves draining or flushing your car’s old power steering fluid, then adding new power steering fluid.
Should I do this service when it is recommended?
Absolutely. Fluid is the least expensive component of your power steering system. Changing it can help extend the life of other more expensive power steering components, like the power steering pump and the stratospherically expensive power steering rack.
Why do I have to do this?
Over time, the seals, o-rings, and internal components of the power steering will wear out. When they rupture, they contaminate the power steering fluid, forcing the power steering pump to work harder (it has to pump little bits instead of just fluid) and eventually it breaks down.
What happens if I don’t do this?
It will eventually chew through your power steering pump. It will have to be replaced at a cost of several hundred dollars, or it will have no power steering, and you cannot easily drive a car that is equipped with power steering when the power steering system fails. It can also damage the rack, which will require you to get a small home equity loan to replace it.
HOW TO FIX A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK
Power steering is one of the most important systems in your vehicle, helping you maintain control of the vehicle and keep you safe on the road. That means any problem with your power steering system can be serious, including a power steering fluid leak.
If you’ve found a power steering fluid leak in your vehicle, you understandably have a lot of questions. Tan Jiffy Lube® is here with the answers you need.
Q. WHY IS POWER STEERING IMPORTANT?
Reply. Simply put, power steering makes it easier for you to operate your vehicle. It helps provide control in both corners and straightaways and helps you make sudden moves if necessary. (If you’ve ever swerved quickly to avoid another vehicle or even a runaway shopping cart, you can thank your power steering system.) For this to be possible, the power steering system needs an ample supply of power steering fluid. Without enough fluid, your vehicle may not handle as well or turn as easily, increasing your chances of an accident. So how is this liquid? The color of power steering fluid is usually clear or slightly tinged with red, and if you see a leak from your vehicle, it means you need to take action.
Q. WHAT CAUSES A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK?
Reply. Like the other systems in your vehicle, the power steering system simply ages and degrades over time. As you get more miles in your vehicle, the o-rings and seals in the power steering system lose flexibility and small pieces of the seals end up in the fluid. It is also common for supply and pressure hoses to develop holes as they age. If any of these components start to fail, a leak may start to develop and you might see that telltale fluid on your garage floor or driveway. It could also be the power steering pump leak. Regardless of the cause, a power steering fluid leak requires immediate professional attention.
Q. CAN MY POWER STEERING STOP LEAKS BY ITSELF?
Reply. Once your power steering system starts to leak fluid, the problem won’t stop until it’s fixed. And while technically a vehicle can still function with a power steering fluid leak, it’s risky to you, other drivers, and the health of your vehicle. As your system runs low on fluid, you will notice that your turns are not as smooth and the vehicle drifts more than expected. Meanwhile, inside your vehicle, internal heat and friction will increase, which has the potential to cause larger and more costly damage.
Q. HOW MUCH DOES A POWER STEERING LEAK COST TO REPAIR?
Reply. The average power steering fluid leak costs between $500 and $650 to repair. The exact price will depend on the specific parts that are failing. You may need to replace just one component or the entire system.
Here are some common power steering repair cost breakdowns. (Please note that your repair will generally require parts and labor):
- Total replacement of the power steering system: $500-$650
- Hose replacement: $60-$150
- Power steering pump leak repair: $200-$220
- Power steering line leak: $60 to $150
- Pressure valve replacement: about $10
- Labor: $40-$200 per hour
Of course, repairing power steering leaks can also be as simple as pouring an inexpensive additive into the fluid reservoir. Often called power steering leak stop additives, these products can fix the problem without mechanical repairs.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS DURING A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK INSPECTION?
Reply. When you take your vehicle to any one, the technicians will ask you a few questions to learn more about your driving style and the leak you’ve noticed. They will then begin a process to identify the leak and offer a solution:
- Technicians will check the power steering fluid level
- They will visually inspect the power steering system.
- Service options will be presented (if needed)
- Technicians will top up your power steering fluid using the fluid specified by the manufacturer
If you find this post about power steering fluid AutoZone helpful to you and you want to know more about car fluid knowledge, please check more on our website Auto Oil And Fluid. Thank you for your interest!