What do you know about power steering oil? Chances are, most of the information you got from car manufacturers or from the internet. In fact, half of the teachings of internet experts and car manufacturers are cheating.

Stop living in ignorance - it's time to find out the whole truth about power steering oils.

Helpful Help for Power Steering Fluids

Power steering oil is a working fluid that transfers pressure from the power steering pump to the rack rod piston. Other functions of the liquid:

• cools and lubricates power steering units;
• protects the metal elements of the power steering from rust.

There are a lot of hydraulic oils on the market and it is easy to get confused in this variety. To distinguish liquids, pay attention to color and chemical composition. The colors of the oils are red, yellow and green. According to their chemical composition, oils are divided into mineral and synthetic. Let's take a closer look and start with color features.

Red oils

Red hydraulic fluid is the development of the General Motors concern, which produces mineral and synthetic fluids. The most common red mineral oils are Dexron II and Dexron III, and synthetic oils are ATF and its derivatives.

Red Mineral Oil Power Steering GM Dexron II

Red fluids are used for steering and automatic transmissions, therefore these oils are often called transmission oils.

The oils contain impurities for automatic clutches. These impurities do not affect the operation of the power steering in any way. Therefore, you can not be afraid and pour red oil both in the power steering and in the automatic transmission. For example, in Japan, there is no division of oils into transmission and hydraulic oils at all, and one type of fluid is used for these systems.

Red oil is commonly used in American, Asian and European car brands.

Yellow oils

Mineral yellow fluids are used only in power steering. Synthetic oils are poured into hydraulic boosters and used in hydraulic suspension.

The main producer of power steering yellow mineral oil is Daimler AG. It goes without saying that this oil is most often found in cars of brands that belong to the concern - Mercedes-Benz, Smart, AMG and Maybach.

The most popular yellow synthetic oils are Total and Mobil. Yellow synthetics are often found in Citroen cars, and the oil is used in both the hydraulic booster and the hydraulic suspension.

Green oils

Power steering green oils are mineral and synthetic. Green oils are only used in power steering.

Most of the mineral and synthetic green oils on the Ukrainian market are the products of the VAG concern. These oils are most often found in cars of the VAG group brands - Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Seat, Skoda, Scania and MAN. Mercedes-Benz also produces its own line of green mineral water for power steering.

Green synthetic power steering oil VAG

Another popular manufacturer of synthetic green power steering oils is BMW. The manufacturer produces Pentosin oil, which is used in most BMW cars.

Of course, there are other manufacturers of oils, but they make fluids for power steering according to the technologies and standards of the companies described above. Other companies simply buy the rights to manufacture certain oils.

IMPORTANT! All brands and manufacturers described above are for example purposes only, so that you understand what is at stake. We are not trying to advertise these brands or say that they are better than others.

We figured out the colors of the oils, now let's move on to the chemical compositions on which the properties of fluids and additives, as well as the viscosity of the oil, depend.

How is a mineral liquid different from a synthetic one?

• Mineral minerals are based on refined petroleum fractions, for example, paraffins and naphthenes. The mineral base makes up to 97% of the total oil volume, and the remaining 3% are additives that improve its characteristics.
• Synthetic oils are based on polyhydric alcohols (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) and petroleum fractions, which are purified by hydrocracking. The specific gravity of alcohols and petroleum fractions is 92-97% of the total volume of oil. The rest is various polyesters and additives.
• Mineral oils are usually 2-3 times cheaper than synthetic oils;
• Mineral oils can withstand temperatures from -40 to +90 degrees Celsius.
• Synthetic oils retain their physical and chemical properties at temperatures from -40 to + 130-150 degrees Celsius.

Similarities between mineral and synthetic oils:

• if the air temperature drops below -40 degrees, both types of oils thicken. This is evidenced by a very heavy steering wheel and poor vehicle handling;
• if the temperature rises above the critical point, the oil becomes watery, loses its viscosity, begins to foam and boil. In this case, the control of the car becomes unpredictable - the steering wheel may move intermittently, the wheels will respond with a delay to the steering wheel turns.

Red Mineral Oil Power Steering Nissan

The additives contained in oils perform specific functions:

• lubricate metal, rubber and fluoroplastic parts;
• reduce friction between parts;
• stabilize the viscosity of oils;
• protect parts from corrosion;
• do not allow oils to foam;
• protect rubber components and power steering / EGUR pumps;
• tint oils for convenient and easy identification.

So, we figured out the oil "traffic light" and the chemical composition. It's time to sort out the legends about power steering oils and determine which ones are true and which are not.

Checking the legends about power steering oils

Legend # 1: Synthetic oils wear out rubber power steering components faster than mineral fluids.

Answer: Not true.

Over the 15 years of working with steering, we have repeatedly heard from various drivers that they choose mineral oils for the power steering, because synthetics destroy rubber components faster. And over the same 15 years, we realized that there is no connection between the type of oil and the rate of wear of rubber seals.

Various additives must be added to synthetic and mineral oils, which protect rubber components and increase their service life.

Difference between old (left) and new (right) green power steering oils

The only grain of truth is that any oil - both synthetic and mineral - can destroy parts if it's old or dirty:

• you saved money and bought a low-quality oil, the chemical and physical properties of which do not meet the requirements. Such a liquid quickly clogs up and does not protect metal parts from rust and friction, which also affects the condition of rubber components;
• you have not changed the power steering oil for a long time. During operation, various microscopic debris and dirt accumulate in the oil, which at an accelerated pace wears out rubber seals and oil seals;
• you mixed two types of oils and drove for a long time with this “cocktail” in the power steering. We will talk further about what and how you can mix.

Legend No. 2: Only the oil recommended by the manufacturer can be poured into the power steering.

Answer: Almost true.

Car manufacturers RECOMMEND the use of certain oils in vehicle technical documents - usually fluids, the car manufacturer and sells. In essence, this is advertising your product at the expense of another product. You bought our car - now buy oil as well.

Of course, you can use the correct oil from any manufacturer. A prime example is ZF pumps, which work equally well with yellow mineral oils from Daimler AG and green mineral water and VAG synthetics.

Power steering pumps of the ZF trademark are very unpretentious to oil

It is very rare for manufacturers to complete the steering with seals that serve for a long time only with certain brands of oil.

IMPORTANT! If you want to fill the power steering with oil that is not on the recommended list, you need:

• consult with specialists. For example, by service station employees who specialize in steering repairs;
• completely remove the old oil and flush the power steering system well so that the new oil does not mix with the remnants of the old fluid;
• buy only high-quality oils of proven and well-known brands.

Legend number 3: Some types of fluids can be mixed without damage to the components and parts of the power steering.

Answer: Almost true too.

The Internet is full of articles about power steering oils, where the following is written:

• feel free to mix red with red, and yellow with yellow;
• red and yellow mineral water can also be mixed;
• never mix green oil with liquids of other colors;
• another green oil can be added to the green power steering fluid, but only if both types of oils are indicated in those recommended for the car;
• it is strictly forbidden to mix mineral oil with synthetic oil, even if they are the same color.

In fact, there are only two 100% true statements. You can not mix with each other:

• mineral water and synthetics - they have a different basis;
• green fluids with red or yellow.

You can mix oil according to the rest of the described principles ONLY as a last resort, for example, if the hydraulic booster is leaking strongly and you urgently need to get to the service station, but there is no suitable power steering oil at hand and there is no time to look for it. Or if you are stuck in the middle of the track with a broken power steering, you do not have a supply of suitable oil with you and the only way to get to your destination is to borrow oil from the first driver who stopped.

Prolonged use of a mixture of two oils can lead to malfunctions of the power steering pump.

If you were forced to mix two types of oils, do not forget to flush the system from the remains of this mixture after repairing the power steering. Otherwise, the new fluid will mix with the impurities of the old oils, which will negatively affect the properties of the new fluid.

DO NOT mix two different types of liquids of the same color, let alone different colors! Do not risk the performance of the car and carefully watch what you fill.

Legend # 4: Power steering oil must be changed every 30-45 thousand kilometers.

Answer: Not true.

Mileage is not the only factor that affects oil life and condition. The properties of the oil also depend on:

• the driver and his responsibility. If the driver regularly checks the condition of the oil, undergoes maintenance on time and, at the first signs of malfunctions, turns to the service station, then the hydraulic booster oil will last much longer - from 60 to 100 thousand kilometers.
• condition of the pump and other power steering elements, steering rack and other elements and assemblies. If any part of the power steering system is corroded or does not work correctly, the oil will quickly become clogged with fine debris and metal dust. The latter appears if there is mechanical damage to the walls of the stator of the pump or an annular working in the housing of the rail distributor;
• system integrity. The oil will need to be changed if air, water, dust or dirt enters the system. In such cases, the oil loses some of its physical and chemical properties, begins to foam, boil or thicken faster than usual, wears out the power steering parts and becomes clogged with metal dust.

Legend No. 5: It is necessary to check the condition of the power steering oil during each maintenance once every 15 thousand kilometers.

Answer: True.

Everything is simple here: after 15 thousand kilometers of run, the clogged oil will not have time to seriously harm the power steering system and the master will eliminate all malfunctions without any problems.

Checking the power steering oil condition with a syringe

Maintenance is maintenance, but you yourself are able to check the power steering oil. How to do it:

• open the tank lid;
• dip a clean napkin or white sheet of paper in the oil. If the stain on the improvised “probe” is very dark, then it's time to change the oil. To take an oil sample, you can use a conventional syringe instead of a tissue or paper;
• take a close look at the oil stain on the probe. If you notice some kind of garbage, even if it is very small, then the oil is already unusable and needs to be changed;
• sniff the oil gently (we hope everyone remembers how we were taught to sniff reagents in chemistry lessons). If the liquid has a burning smell, most likely, and therefore the oil also needs to be changed.

Legend # 6: Inexpensive power steering oil is not always a bad power steering oil.

Answer: True, but only partially.

Of course, there are time-tested brands of oils for power steering on the market that offer fairly cheap fluids. But the Savings must be reasonable. Do not buy oil of unknown brands, just because it is two to three times cheaper than a well-known analogue. Most often, cheapness is associated with low quality, which does not meet any standards.

Remember that low-quality oil will quickly ruin the power steering, and the price tag for steering repairs will be much more than you will save on oil.

Power steering pump repair costs several times more expensive than high-quality oil. Save smartly

Do you want to buy an inexpensive but high-quality power steering fluid? Consult with professionals, for example, employees of a specialized workshop for the repair of steering systems. Experienced mechanics and craftsmen will definitely be able to advise on something worthwhile and suitable for your car.

We remind you that you make any decisions on the maintenance and repair of the car at your own discretion. And only you can decide how to dispose of the information received and what kind of oil to pour into the power steering.

The fluids used in the power steering can be divided according to several criteria:

• Color;
• Composition;
• Variety.

Color classification

It is wrong to be guided only by color gradation when choosing an oil, although this practice is widespread among car owners. It is also often indicated which color of liquid can be mixed and which should not.

Mixing is contraindicated for liquids in composition and not in color, and since now both mineral water and synthetics can be presented in any color, this information should be treated very carefully.

Red ATF gear oil is usually synthetic, the Dexron brand from General Motors is considered the reference, but there are products from other manufacturers such as Revenol, Motul, Shell, Zic, etc.


The yellow oil produced and licensed by Daimler is used in Mercedes-Benz power steering systems. It can be synthetic and mineral.

Green oil. Most of them are multifunctional and universal fluids, in composition they can be both synthetic and mineral. They are used in hydraulic boosters, suspension and other systems that operate on liquids. It is impossible to mix with other colors, except for cases when full compatibility is declared by the manufacturer, for example Comma PSF MVCHF is compatible with some types of Dexron.

Liquid composition

According to the composition of the power steering fluid, it can be divided into mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic. The chemical composition determines the basic set of functions of the oil:

• Viscosity characteristics;
• Lubricating properties;
• Protection of parts against corrosion;
• Anti-foaming;
• Thermal and hydraulic properties.

Synthetics and mineral water cannot be mixed with each other, since the types of additives in them have cardinal differences.

Synthetics

These are high-tech fluids, in the production of which the most modern developments and additives are used. Petroleum fractions for synthetics are treated by hydrocracking. Polyesters, polyhydric alcohols and additives provide them with outstanding characteristics: a wide range of operating temperatures, a stable oil film, and a long service life.


The main reason why you cannot fill a synthetic-based hydraulic fluid into a power steering designed for mineral power steering is its aggressive effect on rubber products, of which there are many in the power steering. Where synthetics are used, rubber has a completely different composition and is made on a silicone basis.

Semisynthetics

A mixture of synthetic and mineral oils, thanks to which the latter receive significant improvements in characteristics: reduced foaming, fluidity, heat dissipation.


Semi-synthetic fluids include such well-known fluids as: Zic ATF Dex 3, Comma PSF MVCHF, Motul Dexron III and others.

Mineral water

Mineral oils contain petroleum fractions (85-98%), the remainder being additives that improve the performance of the hydraulic fluid.

They are used in hydraulic boosters, containing seals and parts based on ordinary rubber, since the mineral component is neutral, and is not harmful to rubber products, unlike synthetics.


Mineral fluids for power steering are the most inexpensive, but they also have a short service life. Mobil ATF 320 Premium is considered a good mineral water, Dexron oils were also mineral up to and including IID marking.

Different types of oils

Dexron - a separate class of ATF fluids from General Motors, produced since 1968. Dexron is a trademark manufactured by GM itself and others under license.

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - oils for automatic transmissions, often used by Japanese automakers and power steering.

PSF (Power Steering Fluid) - literally translated as power steering fluid.

Multi HF - special, universal power steering fluids with approvals from most automotive manufacturers. For example, CHF fluid produced by the German company Pentosin (pentosin) has received approvals from BMW, Ford, Chrysler, GM, Porsche, Saab and Volvo, Dodge, Chrysler.

Can I mix oils

Mixing is permissible, but the manufacturer's recommendations must be followed. Most often, the packaging indicates with which brands and classes of oils one or another fluid for power steering can be mixed.

Do not mix synthetics and mineral water, as well as different colors, unless it is directly indicated. If there is nowhere to go, and you have to pour what is at hand, replace this mixture with the recommended one as soon as possible.

Is it possible to pour engine oil into the power steering

Motor - definitely not, transmission - with reservations. Below we will analyze in detail why.

To understand whether it is possible to pour other oils into the power steering, for example, engine or transmission, you need to know what functions it performs.


The fluid in the power steering must cope with the following tasks:

• Lubrication of all hydraulic booster assemblies;
• Protection against corrosion and wear of parts;
• Pressure transmission;
• Anti-foaming;
• System cooling.

The above characteristics are achieved by adding various additives, the presence and combination of which gives the power steering oil the necessary qualities.

As you understand, the tasks of engine oil are somewhat different, therefore it is highly discouraged to pour it into the power steering.

With regard to transmission oil, things are not so simple, the Japanese often use the same ATF for automatic transmissions and power steering. Europeans insist on using special PSF (Power Steering Fluid) oils.

What kind of liquid to pour into the power steering

Based on this, the answer to the question "what kind of oil to pour into the power steering" is obvious - it is recommended by the manufacturer of your car. Often the information is indicated on the expansion tank or cap. If there is no technical documentation, call an authorized center and check.

In any case, steering experiments are not allowed. The serviceability of the power steering depends not only on your safety, but also on those around you.

How much oil is in power steering

As a rule, 1 liter of fluid is sufficient for replacement in a passenger car. For trucks this value can be up to 4 liters. The volume may slightly change up or down, but it is worth focusing on these figures.

How to check the level

To control the liquid level in the power steering, an expansion tank is provided. It is usually labeled with MIN and MAX values. Depending on the brand of the car, the inscriptions may change, but the essence does not change - the oil level should be between these values.

How to top up

The refilling process itself is simple - you need to unscrew the power steering expansion tank cap and add so much fluid so that it is between the MIN and MAX marks.

The main problem when adding oil to the power steering is its choice. It is good if the replacement has not yet been made, and the system contains fluid from the manufacturer's plant. In this case, it is enough to check the technical documentation, take the recommended oil and top up to the required amount.

If you do not know what is in the system, we recommend that you make a replacement immediately, because in any case you will have to buy a canister of liquid for refilling.

I twist, I want to turn. Eh, the old days, not like now. All operations are done with one finger. Turning the steering wheel is easy. All thanks to the creation of engineers - the power steering (hereinafter referred to as the power steering). Externally, the product is a rectangular metal block. Inside there are: steering column, gears, non-return valve, hydraulic pipes. For the full functioning of the unit, a special lubricant is required. Standard engine oil is not suitable. We will talk about what kind of liquid is poured into the power steering below.

Purpose of the hydraulic booster

The main function is to control the car by redistributing pressure in the oil channels. The force is transferred from the pump to the piston. The unit provides a comfortable ride, smooth control. The speed of interaction directly depends on the viscosity of the transmission oil. It should not be taken literally that the higher the viscosity, the worse, and vice versa. No, this is a deep delusion.

The steering fluid is poured into a special reservoir located in the engine compartment of the vehicle. The oil pump further redistributes the lubricant in accordance with the needs of the mechanism. Along the way, the entire device is lubricated. As well as in the motor, there is a frictional force, heat is released, parts wear out. The oily base cools the mechanism, removes excess heat, prevents overheating, failure, and protects against corrosion.

Types of liquids

So, the poured product can be of only two types:

• mineral-based: as the simplest option, widespread. Mineral consistency interacts perfectly with rubber products, prevents drying out, premature wear;
• on a synthetic basis: not every mechanism can boast of such a tolerance. Much depends on the manufacturer and its standards. The synthetic compound negatively affects some rubber products, provoking a decomposition reaction. In this case, you cannot do the same as with engine oil. I wanted to improve the class and let's fill it in.

Color to help

For the motorist, a kind of reminder is provided in the form of the color of liquids. We have already seen this when buying antifreeze for the cooling system.

Owner advice. In order not to curtail the oil base, it is recommended not to mix together the green color with others. Red and yellow - you can. It is strictly forbidden to interfere with synthetics and semi-synthetics.

What's better?

Before moving on to the choice, you should decide on the requirements for the product.

• safety for the human body: when heated, any substance begins to emit vapors, which do not always have a positive effect on health. Be sure to read the instructions on the tolerances of the world communities. See the quality certificate from the seller. Purchase only from authorized distributors;
• full performance even in conditions of critical negative and / or positive temperatures: it is not unimportant, since no one knows where the car will go, to the mountains or to the desert. Failure to adapt to special conditions will lead to premature failure. And further along the chain: repairs, costs, falling demand for a model, termination of production, discontinuation of production.

Replacement

Despite the fact that the manufacturer indicates that the oil is filled once and for all, this is far from the case. Another advertising move that has no foundation. With the expiration of time, the grease may leak out, evaporate, break through the gasket, etc. Topping up is required. It is important to follow the rules and guidelines described above in relation to color.

The average replacement period is two years, regardless of mileage. Provided that the mileage does not exceed 35,000 km. If more, then once a year. It can be carried out both independently and by contacting a certified service station for help. Some motorists claim that you can change it for 60,000 km. mileage. Don't believe this. Once every two years, no more.

The first sign of obsolete lubrication is the application of force to the amplifier while driving. The second is a change in the color of the liquid, the appearance of a burning smell, sediment. The easiest way is to drip a little onto a white paper towel. If you see metal particles, it means that there is increased wear of the parts. Quickly look for the reason, drive into the pit, disassemble the unit. Do not know where to start - call qualified workers to help you.

The oil brand Dexron is characterized by a red color. The German concern - giant Mercedes "loves" to use yellow grease for its offspring. The French car industry is green.

Issue price

You can purchase an automotive product at any car dealership. The cost of the original will always differ slightly from a fake. Starts from 750 rubles and more. Cheap counterparts barely reach 600 rubles. Standard packaging is 1.0 liter containers. Average filling per car from 650 to 950 ml. For exact data, refer to the vehicle operating instructions. Or on the Internet on the website of the car manufacturer.

Replacement Algorithm

The whole procedure is absolutely the same as changing the oil:

1. as always, you will need a viewing pit, or an overpass;
2. we squeeze out the handbrake, put the rocker in the "neutral" position, wedge the wheels with chocks;
3. open the hood, unscrew the amplifier reservoir cover;
4. from under the bottom of the car we find the drain plug of the power steering, using a four-sided wrench, unscrew it;
5. we substitute plastic dishes, wait until it merges;
6. screw the lid back on;
7. pour new oil of the corresponding marking through the filler plug;
8. testing the vehicle on the road. We look at the presence of a leak. We make a control measurement of the level. After making sure that everything is fine, we forget about the problem for two years.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the selection and replacement procedure. The main thing is to know a little the theoretical part, and then the "trick". Carefully choose the product, look at the places of sale of official suppliers and everything will be in the "openwork". Drive without breakdowns. Fair wind.

Many modern cars are equipped with a power steering wheel, which makes driving easier. In order for the power steering system to work flawlessly, it needs to be looked after. It is important to know which liquid is used for. The article is devoted to this issue: what is the power steering fluid for, which one is better to buy, how often to change and how much to pour. Replacement instructions are provided with a demo video.

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Power steering fluid function

Thanks to the power steering, it is very easy for the driver to turn the steering wheel. Such conditions are provided by a special fluid PSF, which transfers forces from the pump to the piston. The quality of its work will depend on what kind of liquid is poured into the control system and its level.

The oil has the following functions:

• protects parts and components of the system from corrosion;
• removes heat generated during movement and friction of parts with each other, preventing overheating.

How many functions PSF will perform, including how strongly it foams, depends on the additives that are added to it.

Types of liquids

Drivers often judge the quality of PSF for power steering by its color. Although color is an indicator, it does not determine its properties.

The main characteristics of the liquid:

• viscosity;
• how much it foams;
• hydraulic properties;
• mechanical qualities;
• chemical properties.

It is by these characteristics that the quality of the oil can be determined.

There are two types of PSF fluids: mineral and synthetic. For the power steering, mineral oil is more often used, due to the fact that it contains rubber parts. Over time, these parts dry out under intense stress on the steering system. Mineral based PSF extends the life of rubber parts.

Synthetic PSF is rarely filled for power steering. It can only be used for the vehicle control system if approved by the manufacturer. Synthetics are often used on technical machines that have permission to use them in their passport.

Each PSF fluid for power steering has a specific color. It can be red, yellow and green. It is allowed to mix red and yellow liquids. If green oil is poured into the system, then a solution of a different color cannot be poured. It is not recommended to mix mineral water and synthetics.

Substances of red color can have both mineral and synthetic base. They are mainly used in automatic transmissions. They are very rarely poured into the hydraulic booster. A red solution can be mixed with a yellow one, but only if they match in characteristics.

The main advantage of the yellow liquid is that it is versatile. It can be operated both in a car with a manual or automatic gearbox.

A green liquid, like red, can be synthetic or mineral. But the difference is that it can only be poured into a car with a manual transmission.

What is better to pour?

Many drivers are thinking about what kind of fluid to pour into the control system, due to the variety not only of oils, but also of the large number of manufacturers.

PSF for power steering must meet the following requirements:

1. Safety for driver and passengers. Why is safety important? During operation, the liquid heats up, the vapors must be harmless to people.
2. Resistant to high temperatures. Quality oil must withstand temperatures over 100 degrees. If the quality is low, when exposed to high temperatures, jyj can curdle inside the system and foam, which will lead to poor control of the system, or to a breakdown of the unit. In this case, the steering wheel will turn, but this will require more effort.
3. The oil should not foam.

When is it necessary to change the power steering oil?

Manufacturers assure that the PSF solution, which is poured into the system, will last for the entire period of the machine's operation, no matter how much it is used. It may only need to be refilled if the level is insufficient. But in practice, this is not the case. Any substance is affected by oxidative processes during operation. Over time, PSF can change color, becoming darker.

PSF needs to be changed if the following symptoms appear:

• the solution turned dark;
• there was a burning smell;
• the steering wheel behaves differently when cornering to the right and left;
• the appearance of oil stains under the car;
• there is a slight uncontrollability of the steering wheel at idle;
• the appearance of extraneous noise in the steering mechanism.

Therefore, after several years of operation, it will be necessary either to top up the oil to the desired level, or to completely change it with your own hands.

Replacement instructions

It is easy to change the solution for the power steering with your own hands, even a novice car enthusiast can handle this procedure.

Tools and materials

To change PSF oil, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:

• a set of keys;
• new power steering oil;
• liquid for flushing the tank;
• drain hose;
• funnel;
• syringe;
• rags;
• a container for draining old oil, a one and a half liter plastic bottle is suitable.

How much oil to fill depends on the car model, approximately 1.2-1.4 liters. With a little experience in repair work, and having prepared the necessary tools, you can begin to replace it yourself.

Algorithm of actions

Change the PSF solution on a cooled machine, when the oil in the reservoir has stopped foaming.

The replacement procedure consists of the following steps:

With the correct actions, air will completely escape from the system, and oil will take its place. If the level is insufficient, add oil to the expansion tank. At the end of the procedure, close the lid on the tank tightly.

Thus, it is easy to change the oil with your own hands, the procedure does not take much time. In addition, it will provide an opportunity to save money on car service.

You need to constantly monitor the level of oil and its quality, it should not foam, be light enough. If necessary, PSF should either be topped up to the correct level or changed.

Video "Replacing the fluid in the power steering"

This video from the "Made in Garage" channel demonstrates how to change the oil in the hydraulic booster.

Many models of transport equipment are equipped with a power steering system that requires compliance with a certain maintenance schedule. What kind of oil to pour into the power steering is a common question for most car owners. In order to answer it, you need to understand what function the working fluid performs, how the steering wheel torque amplification is created, familiarize yourself with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations, the types of oils for power steering and the features of their use.

Purpose of fluid in the power steering wheel

The unit provides reinforcement and uniform transmission of force from the steering wheel to the steered wheel pair, due to the constant circulation of the working fluid. The correct operation and durability of the power steering depend on its correct choice and condition. In modern hydraulic boosters, a special oil with a set of additives is used, which has certain properties. Depending on the type and manufacturer, it is colored red, yellow or green, and has a different consistency.

The working fluid is in the expansion tank, from where it is supplied under pressure by means of a pump to the system, lubricating and cooling its interacting elements, reducing friction and extending the service life of the power steering. Note that the liquid is only a base. Important functions are performed by the additives contained in its composition.

Main types and their features

To understand what kind of oil needs to be poured into the power steering system, you should find out its main types. Note that most owners of automotive equipment are guided by its color when choosing a liquid. But, the choice by color cannot be called justified in any way, since it is necessary to take into account other characteristics of the working fluid. These include:

• hydrorening properties;
• viscosity;
• consistency;
• chemical and mechanical properties.

It is only on the basis of these quality indicators that one can correctly judge the substance as a whole. Two main types are used as a base: mineral and synthetic. Each of them is good in its own way, since it has a set of certain properties inherent in these species.

The mineral base is more used in oils for power steering, since the design of the system contains rubber elements that lose their physical properties during prolonged operation. Therefore, this type of base is optimal to protect them and ensure maximum productivity of the system. Mineral water efficiently removes heat by cooling and lubricating parts. Thanks to this, the prevention of the formation of foci of corrosion on them is carried out.

Synthetics are not widely used in hydraulic boosters of transport equipment. Its use is shown only in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The synthetic base contains rubber fibers, the effect of which has a detrimental effect on the condition of rubber parts, increasing their wear and causing the power steering system to fail. Synthetic oil is mainly used in the power steering system of special vehicles.

Note that liquids can be mixed. True, not all, but only those whose qualitative composition implies this possibility. Therefore, oils have three primary colors, which allows the owner of a vehicle equipped with a power steering wheel to quickly determine their choice and the possibility of mixing.

Color classification and characteristics of oils

As you know, a liquid can be colored in one of three colors:

1. Red
2. Yellow
3. Green

Only yellow and red colors are allowed to be mixed. If the system is already filled with green oil, you cannot replenish its level with a liquid of a different color. Mixing oils with different bases is also contraindicated. Let's characterize each of the colors of the working fluid:

• Red - the liquid has a mineral or synthetic base. It is used mainly in automatic transmissions, and very rarely in power steering systems. Note that since red oil has two types of base, it is strictly forbidden to mix them. That is, if a red mineral water is poured into the power steering, it must be added accordingly, and not synthetics of the same color. However, red oil can be mixed with yellow oil. True, for this, both fluids must have the same characteristics.
• The yellow liquid is considered universal and is widely used in hydraulic boosters of various vehicles and special-purpose equipment. In addition, it can be poured into a manual or automatic transmission.
• Green oil can be produced on a synthetic or mineral base. Despite this, it is intended exclusively for use in manual transmissions, but can be filled into the hydraulic booster after complete removal of the old fluid and flushing.

Interchangeability of oils

We emphasize that it is possible to fill the reservoir with working fluids from various manufacturers, since most of them are completely interchangeable. The main thing is to choose the oil in accordance with the stated requirements, focusing on its composition and color. You can use a high quality (!), But not an original, cheap working fluid.

This will not in any way affect the performance and operating period of the power steering. Power steering pumps from different manufacturers are installed on all kinds of models of automotive and special equipment, and work equally well with all types of oils. Therefore, there is no difference in the color of the liquid poured into the new system.

In practice, everything is different. Since most of the additives that make up the oils conflict with each other, mixing them is contraindicated. Before filling with liquid of a different color, perform a complete flush of the system.

If you mix a red oil with a mineral base like Dexron and a yellow universal power steering fluid, nothing bad happens. The additives included in their composition work normally, complementing each other.

Mixing oils

For a complete understanding of the principle of fluid interchangeability and mixing, some specific features should be considered. Power steering oils are divided into the following groups:

1. Conditionally miscible fluids - this oil can be used to fill the level in the system. As a temporary measure (to get to the nearest car service), you can fill in any oil, although after that you need to completely flush the system. The use of the same type of fluids is also allowed. Vehicle manufacturers do not recommend mixing them, despite the fact that this will not affect the performance of the power steering.
2. Here are liquids that can be mixed exclusively with each other. Any mixing of them is categorically contraindicated, since this will lead to failure of the power steering system. But they can replace any type of oil in the hydraulic booster, before that, completely flushing all the lines.
3. Oils in this group can be used in power steering vehicles in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for a specific type of working fluid. They mix only with each other, they cannot be mixed with anything else. In addition, their use is prohibited if this type of oil is not indicated in the technical book of the car. The choice of fluids from this category should be treated with extreme care. In case of any doubt, consult an experienced professional.

Which oil is better to fill?

Given the variety of products on the shelves of car dealerships, this question is so commonplace for vehicle owners that it is simply ignored. Simply put, drivers buy oil in accordance with the recommendations from the technical book of a car, or another type of fluid that has proven itself on the positive side during operation. In any case, you need to make the right choice. To do this, you should know all the properties that a quality substance possesses. The main selection criteria are:

• Security. Only high quality and certified power steering fluid meets safety requirements. The functioning of the system is accompanied by the release of thermal energy in large quantities, the oil begins to steam. Since it contains various chemicals, their vapors can be harmful to health. The safety of the oil is confirmed by a quality certificate.
• Thermal stability. A good power steering fluid should work at a temperature of more than one hundred degrees. Poor quality oils decompose when the temperature rises, thereby paralyzing the operation of the hydraulic booster. In addition, the physical properties of the substance should not change with increasing temperature. Oil of inappropriate quality will aggravate the operation of the power steering system, up to the failure of the unit.

Some interesting points

Most vehicle manufacturers claim that the power steering oil is filled once for the entire period of operation, and the need for its replacement is completely excluded. But, not everything is as good as we would like. The working fluid ages, its additives are destroyed, as a result of which a precipitate forms in it and changes color. This leads to a deterioration in the work of the power steering.

Before replacing the old fluid, you need to familiarize yourself in advance with the characteristics of the new oil, which will be filled into the power steering. At the same time, take into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer and mix only permissible types of oils. If you comply with the scheduled deadlines and change the working fluid in the hydraulic booster on time, vehicle control will be ensured.