Accurate development of the mechanisms responsible for the vehicle's maneuverability is one of the main parameters of safe driving. It is important that all units and parts included in steeringworked flawlessly. A few years ago, the steering system was simple and reliable, but after the massive introduction of hydraulic boosters, motorists have to take additional care of this element, which has a direct impact on driving. Maintaining the hydraulic booster in good condition is not so difficult - it is enough to fill it with quality oilwhen required. In this article, we will consider what kind of fluid to pour into the power steering, as well as what their differences are, in addition to colors, cost and brands.

Power steering oil change intervals

Power steering fluid is not eternal and is not designed for the entire period of vehicle operation. There are general recommendations for the frequency of replacement of the working fluid:

• with intensive car operation - 1 time / year or after 30 thousand km;
• during normal operation and mileage up to 10 thousand km per year - 1 time / 2 years.

If there is a leak in the system and a significant decrease in the level in the tank, the liquid boils after a few minutes, and the effort on the steering wheel increases several times - the power steering fails. To prevent this situation, before eliminating the gap, the oil must be topped up to normal level... And here motorists often have problems, since many have no idea what kind of fluid is poured into the power steering.

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 power steering fluid 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 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, who have permission to use it 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. The red solution can be mixed with yellow, but only if they match in characteristics.

Classification of oils for power steering by brand and color

Motorists can quite easily determine which fluid to pour into the power steering, since the manufacturers, for greater convenience, introduced the simplest color classification for PSF. Depending on the pigment added to the fluid, you can purchase red, yellow or green power steering oil.

Red and yellow ATF

The red oils are formulated to meet General Motors standards. They can be mineral or synthetic and are called "Dexron". Dexron III and Dexron IV are predominantly used today. By the way, more often than in power steering, these fluids are used in automatic transmissions, therefore, in cars with an automatic gearbox, they are often in the transmission and in the power steering reservoir (usually in Korean and japanese cars) one liquid is poured.

The main thing to remember is that Mineral-based Dexron cannot be mixed with Synthetic Dextron. The choice of fluid must be consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturers. These PSFs are widely used in cars of Kia, Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota, etc.

The yellow fluids are licensed from Daimler and can be mineral or synthetic based. These substances are often poured into Mercedes-Benz vehicles... They can also be used simultaneously in automatic transmissions. It is important that you can mix yellow liquids with red ones and vice versa, if necessary - they are fully compatible. It is only necessary to monitor so that their chemical composition coincides - that is, you cannot mix "synthetics" with "mineral water".

Necessary tools for self-oil change

Changing the fluid in the power steering is carried out using the following tools: A large syringe or a rubber bulb. Socket wrench for ten. Container (a plastic bottle will do). Pliers. Flexible tube with a diameter of about 6 - 7 mm. Jack. Rags.

Complete replacement

According to some dealers, the oil in the power steering system should safely last throughout the entire operation of the vehicle. But after all, it is a consumable material, which means that it undergoes aging in the process of its use and can no longer fully fulfill its functions. Often, drivers wonder how to change the fluid in the power steering? To carry out this procedure, you will need an assistant. Replacing the fluid in the power steering is not particularly difficult, and every motorist is quite capable of carrying out this procedure on his own.

The procedure will be as follows: First of all, it is necessary to raise the front of the car with a jack so that the front wheels are in the air, and also to install supports. This is necessary so that the power steering pump does not experience excessive loads, as well as for free wheel rotation when the engine is off. Pre-protect belts and other engine parts from oil ingress by covering them with rags. Unscrew the tank cap. Using a syringe with a flexible tube attached to it, remove the liquid from the reservoir up to the filter. Using pliers, loosen the clamps on the nozzles and unscrew the mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Disconnect the hoses from the tank, remove it and rinse if necessary. Next, remove the return tube (return) and place it with its free end in a previously prepared plastic container.

In order for the fluid to drain out of the system, it is necessary to slowly turn the steering wheel to the left and right. In this way, liquid is removed from the system. At the same time, you should not turn on the engine, since otherwise, although the process will go many times faster, air can enter the system. Now we move on to the suction hose that goes to the pump. Insert a funnel into the hose and pour fresh liquid through it. In this case, you need to turn the steering wheel until clean fluid comes out of the return line. After that, everything must be returned to its place: put the tank and other elements back. Before that, as necessary, it must be washed and checked for defects. Add fluid to the reservoir to the required level. Turn the steering wheel, then start the engine and turn it again. Make sure that air bubbles disappear from the tank. After you have stopped the engine, lower the car and add fluid again to the MAX mark.

Partial replacement

This method is simpler, but less efficient. How to partially change the power steering fluid? Cover the place under the tank with a rag to avoid oil getting on the parts. Similarly to the first method, we jack up the car. We remove the lid of the tank, suck out the liquid with a syringe (pear). Fill in new liquid to the desired level. We start the engine and then slowly turn the steering wheel in both directions until it stops. It is again necessary to add oil and repeat the procedure until the oil in the reservoir becomes clean. Thus, changing the oil is not a complicated procedure; it can be carried out without the help of specialists. The whole process will take no more than half an hour.

Driving a car requires the use of certain skills and excellent operation of the mechanisms and systems of the car. With high-quality maneuvering, correct entry into turns, easy rebuilding, a slight rotation of the steering wheel plays a huge role. Power steering provides easy steering wheel rotation and safe driving. And here it is necessary that all parts function properly.

The steering system devices in classic car lines are quite simple. But relatively recently, engineers have introduced hydraulic boosters. This gives huge advantages in management, but also dictates the rules for the care of the system.

To keep the power steering in working order, it is necessary to change the gur oil. Important conditions: the oil must be of high quality, it must be changed on time.

In this article we will tell you which products are of the highest quality, consider different brands of oils, tell you about when it is necessary to replace the hydraulic booster fluid.

Why is it necessary to pour liquid into this system?

The answer is obvious: to make the steering wheel "light". This makes the machine even more comfortable to drive. However, technically it is so provided that you cannot do without a special liquid for gur. It is distributed throughout the system and makes it possible for the mechanisms to function well.

Many drivers say not power steering fluid, but oil. They are partly right. The entire composition of gur is formed on the basis of oil, to which chemicals are added. It is important to know that engine oil is not suitable for these purposes.

Gur liquid is an important component that is designed to perform a number of functions.

1. Cooling of parts heated by friction.
2. Lubrication of the hydraulic booster system elements.
3. Protection of mechanisms from rusting.

But the main task that the gur fluid performs is to "lighten" the steering wheel. Thanks to the action of the oil, the forces are transferred from the pump to the piston better and the system works perfectly.

What kind of fluid to fill in the power steering

Manufacturers classify these fluids, distinguishing between mineral and synthetic types. In fact, oil with synthetic additives is not poured into the gur tanks of passenger cars, using only in specialized units. Then what kind of oil is in the power steering? Mineral fluid in cars. It is this tool that performs the necessary tasks, allowing you to avoid the risk of corrosion, drying out of rubber parts of the structure.

Synthetic oils are rarely used in conventional cars and only on the recommendation of the manufacturer. The explanation is simple. Such products contain rubber fibers. They can lead to irreversible processes in the hydraulic reinforcement system, such as cracks in rubber parts.

What is the difference between power steering fluids

Before deciding which gur liquid to use, it is worth understanding the basic parameters of these oils. They affect not only the quality, but also the price of the compositions. The main characteristics are as follows:

1. Properties of additives.
2. Mechanical and hydraulic characteristics.
3. Viscosity.

When choosing the necessary product, the driver should pay attention to the above points. In this case, you should focus on the parameters recommended by the car manufacturer.

What color is the power steering fluid, and what tone it should be

Manufacturers attribute this parameter to a number of important ones, taking care of the quality of the power steering fluid of the car. In car dealerships, you can find 3 options: red, yellow, green. Do not compare it with a traffic light. Different rules apply here.

By the way, gur liquids can be mixed, but such manipulations should be carried out only with compositions of the same color. Equally important, synthetic and mineral oils cannot be combined. This regulation also applies to power steering fluids.

Consider these products by color:

1. Green. Designed for machines with manual transmission only. It is forbidden to mix this type of liquid with other compounds.
2. Yellow is more versatile. Filling is acceptable both in automatic machines and in manual transmissions. It can be mixed with the red type.
3. Red. It is used only in automatic boxes. At the same time, manufacturers do different types red gur liquid: synthetic and mineral. You should pay special attention to this when buying this product. This oil is allowed to be combined with a yellow species, but in no way can be combined with a green one.

Viscosity characteristics, parameters of additives and other qualitative properties of the above fluids do not fundamentally differ from each other. Therefore, experts recommend choosing these products by color.

Why you shouldn't save money when buying power steering fluid

It is necessary to purchase oil for gur only in specialized car dealerships. At the same time, it is advisable to pay attention to the brands of well-known manufacturers of auto accessories. As for a low-quality liquid, it has a number of disadvantages. Among them:

1. Change or complete loss of properties under the influence of cold or heat. The composition of the gur is already heated up significantly, and under the influence of the increased temperature, the oil simply curls up. This makes the steering wheel turn more slowly. Low-grade and low-quality fluids can damage the power steering. Steering wheel it will not break down from this, but the driver will have to sweat a lot over the repair of the gur mechanism.
2. Release of hazardous chemicals that are harmful to human health. As soon as the temperature in the passenger compartment rises, corrosive vapors are released from the fluid. The passengers and the driver may not get away with one headache. The purchase of oils for gur in official showrooms and car dealerships will help insure against this trouble. In this case, it is worth giving preference to branded products. Buying oil from hands, the motorist risks his own health.

Another important point: gur oil is changed or refilled infrequently. Also, therefore, cost savings are impractical. The liquid is perfectly preserved for a long time. Therefore, the container with the composition will stand in the garage for many months, while the contents will not deteriorate. Experts recommend buying oils with additives from well-known auto cosmetics and accessories companies. These products are certified and safe.

Terms of use of liquids

It is also worth taking care of how to change the oil in the power steering. Such information is always contained in the car service book. Equally often, manufacturers recommend not changing at all this oil... They are guided simple rule: the resource of use of the mixture is calculated for the average life of the machine.

But a car can serve faithfully for a long time. If the liquid is filled with non-original, it must be changed more often. Some manufacturers clearly prescribe the procedure for replacing the fluid, including taking into account cases when the composition is non-native. Quite often the control period is from 50 to 100 thousand kilometers.

If the power steering system malfunctions, the first step is to change the oil. It is also worth checking the condition of the fluid in the power steering. In the case when it darkens, thickens, smells unpleasant, you need to change. By the way, synthetic compounds can be used much longer.

If liquid leaks

In this case, the driver recognizes the essence of the problem by several obvious signs:

1. Decrease in liquid level by visual inspection.
2. Sticky spots or smudges on the steering column and below the steering wheel.
3. A knock on the steering wheel while the car is moving.
4. Difficulty steering.
5. The appearance of noises coming from the gur system.
6. There is a lot of play that the driver may notice when taxiing.

Of course, all of the above signs are unlikely to appear at the same time. But if at least one of them has arisen, it is worth checking the liquid level in the tank. Found a shortage? Better to top up or replace at all. But before that, remember and decide which liquid will come in handy.

It is important to consider one more rule: you cannot drive a car with no oil in the power steering reservoir. It is not safe.

Below are the main parameters of the correspondence of oils for hydraulic booster for different brands auto. Data for Ford, Chery, Solars, Renault Logan and other cars are presented in the table.

(Table of correspondence)

Features of replacing fluid in the power steering

For drivers who find it difficult to decide what kind of oil should be poured into the power steering, experts recommend clarifying the information in the passport vehicle.

In the case when an urgent replacement of the gur fluid is needed, but there is no original composition at hand, it is worth being guided by the available analogues. In this case, it is advisable to know important rules:

1. Green gur oil can only be mixed with a composition of the same tone.
2. The yellow mass can be mixed with the red one without harm to the power steering.
3. If a red oil was previously added to the tank, a yellow compound can be added to it.
4. Under no circumstances should you mix synthetic and mineral oils. The chromaticity rule does not apply here.
5. If the manufacturer has not indicated that a synthetic liquid can be added to the tank, it is advisable to fill in a mineral-based composition. This is guaranteed to extend the life of the power steering parts.

Power steering fluid replacement procedure

In this case, it is worth paying attention to the existing shortcomings in the work and to the state of the already poured liquid. If the oil in the tank has darkened, changed its tone, exudes a pungent odor, it needs to be changed urgently. It is desirable to act like this:

After all manipulations, it is necessary to remove air from the system. For this, it is recommended to perform a couple of important procedures:

1. With the wheels suspended, it is worth turning the steering wheel in both directions for a couple of minutes. The engine must be turned off.
2. Remove the cover from the power steering reservoir. Then start the engine. Wait for it to work on idle not less than 7 minutes.
3. Lower it in front of the machine and carry out the above manipulations again. The wheels have to be turned in place.

We invite you to watch a video about replacing power steering fluid

Let's sum up

It is very easy to change the oil in the power steering reservoir, even for a first-time driver. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the instructions of the car manufacturer. The manufacturer prescribes the parameters of the liquid itself and data on how to act if it is necessary to top up or replace.

If there are no such recommendations in the documents for the vehicle, it is worth taking into account the classic parameters of this process. For example, it is important to remember the rules for mixing gur liquids. The options distributed by color will not give an opportunity to get confused in the brands, because the main properties of each of the oils are similar.

Do not forget that it is better not to mix gur liquids, but if you happen to add a new composition to the power steering reservoir, it is advisable to add oil of the same color that was already in the container. If the composition had a green tone, it is strictly forbidden to pour in other types. You can only have the same color. In the case when the color of the oil is yellow, it is permissible to dilute it with a red-colored product. But it is strictly forbidden to combine mineral water and synthetics, no matter what color the liquid is.

It is important to remember that there must be the required amount of fluid in the system. Lack of oil damages the power steering units. Therefore, the level and condition of this component should be checked at least once a month. Blackened - to replace!

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

• Colour;
• 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 in 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 from 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 with 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 it is impossible to pour synthetic-based hydraulic fluid into a power steering intended 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, due 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 up to and including IID were also mineral.

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 fluids for power steering, with approvals from most car 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 somewhat different, therefore it is highly discouraged to pour it into the power steering.

Relatively transmission oil everything is 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 permitted. 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, to replace in passenger car 1 liter of liquid is enough. 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 make 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 lid expansion tank power steering and add enough 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 immediately replace it, because in any case you will have to buy a canister of liquid for refilling.

A steering wheel with a power steering system is a dream for many drivers. But such a system requires special attention. What kind of fluid is poured into the power steering? This is a very important question, since many modern cars are equipped with such a mechanism. In addition, the hydraulic booster performs an important function of car control. And in order for this mechanism to always remain in good condition, it is necessary to fill only high-quality oil. In this article, I will tell motorists about what is poured into the power steering and how to choose the right and high-quality oil correctly.

The hydraulic booster contributes to comfortable control of the vehicle due to the fact that the steering wheel turns very easily. And it is precisely the fluid that creates such a condition for the system's operation, the function of which is to transfer forces from the pump to the piston. And, it is on what fluid is used that the operation of the entire vehicle control system depends. As a liquid, a special oil with a certain consistency is used.


This oil is poured into the tank, and from it the pump drives it through the system. Also, oil plays an important role in the operation of some steering parts. It lubricates all important components and assemblies, thereby preventing corrosion on them. Since the movement and friction of parts occur in the mechanism, the liquid serves to remove heat. This prevents overheating. But, oil is, as it were, a base to which special additives are added. These additives perform the basic functionality of the system.

Types of liquids

So, let's take a look at what is put into the power steering.

Modern car enthusiasts are used to identifying power steering fluid based on its color.

1. Mineral oil is mainly used for power steering. This is due to the fact that the steering also has rubber parts in its structure. These parts can dry out with intensive operation of the mechanism. So, so that this does not happen, and the rubber elements serve as long as possible, it is the mineral substance that is used.
2. The synthetic substance is very rarely poured into the power steering. It can only be used for the control system of a vehicle if it is permitted by the vehicle manufacturer. The fact is that its chemical composition, based on rubber fibers, can adversely affect the rubber elements of the entire assembly and thus provoke a breakdown. Synthetics are more often used for technical vehicles, the steering wheel of which provides for a hydraulic booster, and in operation it is allowed to use this type of oil.

Liquids can be mixed, but only those that are intended for this. That's why they have their own colors. Color is a kind of reminder for the driver. And this is really a tip for every motorist.
The oil comes in red, yellow and green colors. It is allowed to mix red and yellow colors with each other. If there is a green substance in the system, then any other of the above cannot be poured. It is also not recommended to mix synthetic and mineral substances with each other.

So, in detail about each color:

• Red. A substance of this color can be both synthetics and minerals. They can be of different types, but they are mainly used only for an automatic transmission (automatic transmission) much less often they can be poured into the power steering. It should also be remembered here that a substance of the same color, but different in relation to the base (mineral or synthetic), cannot be mixed with each other. It can only be mixed with yellow oil, but only if they are the same in their characteristics.
• Yellow. Oil of this color is poured into the power steering system. It is characterized by its versatility. It can be poured as in automatic transmissionand in mechanical box gear shifting.
• Green. This option, like red, can be synthetics and mineral based. But its difference is that it is used only for a manual gearbox.

It is allowed to pour oil into the barrel from different manufacturers... For this, its interchangeability is provided. The only thing you need to pay attention to before casting is its color indicator.

What is better to pour?

Very often, drivers are interested in a similar question. Considering not only its diversity, but also not a small number of manufacturers. But, nevertheless, it is necessary to decide, and for this it is necessary to study all the requirements that a quality substance should have by right.

So, among the main qualities are the following:

1. Safety for the driver. Of course, first of all, this is the indicator that raw materials should have. What could be the danger? During operation (heating the oil), a certain amount of vapor is released. And given the fact that this is, after all, chemistry, then these vapors should not pose any threat to the health of the driver and his passengers. You can be sure of the quality if you have an appropriate quality certificate. If available, the manufacturer guarantees a safe product.
2. High temperature resistance. Good raw materials must withstand temperatures above a hundred degrees. A low-quality product at such temperatures can curdle inside the system. Also, when the temperature changes, the product should not change its original consistency. In the case of using a low-quality product and as a result of its folding, not only a deterioration in car control, but also a failure of the mechanism may occur. In this case, the steering wheel will work, but with great effort.

Sometimes manufacturers can claim that the oil is filled once and for all. But, as practice shows, not everything is as you want, and over time it can not only change its original color or part of it evaporate, but also flow through the sealing parts in the mechanism. Thus, after some time (several years) it will be necessary to top up the missing amount or replace it completely.

Before pouring the substance into the system, you should carefully study its characteristics and this should be done even during the purchase process (in the store). But remember that before adding fresh oil or replacing old oil with a new one, you need to comply with the requirements of the rules for operating your car, and also mix only acceptable fluid options. Do everything correctly and the steering wheel of the car will turn the wheels without any effort on your part.

Video “ Replacing fluid in power steering "

Detailed video instructionamena ATP in the power steering mechanism as an example Honda cr-v... By looking at the recording, you will also find out how often you need to change the fluid.

Power steering wheel makes driving comfortable. Many drivers dream of having a car with power steering. But the presence of a hydraulic booster not only increases comfort, but also adds worries about car care. You need to know what kind of power steering fluid you can use, how often to change it. The article discusses these issues, provides instructions on.

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What should be the power steering fluid?

A family of yellow oils is poured into the power steering system. The yellow fluid can be used in automatic transmissions and filled into manual transmissions. It is a universal steering fluid.

Power steering fluid is green, like red, it can be both mineral and synthetic. It can only be used in manual transmissions.

It is possible to mix oils from different manufacturers, if they match in their characteristics, since their interchangeability is provided. When mixing, pay attention to the color. If you mix green and yellow liquid, it can foam, therefore, when replacing, flush the entire system.

It is possible to use ATF for power steering, since it differs from oil for power steering only in the presence of additional additives that are needed for automatic transmission clutches. There are no clutches in the power steering, so the presence of additives for them does not affect performance characteristics... The original power steering fluid PSF 3 is suitable for most steering systems (video by Stanislav Lub).

What is better to fill in the power steering?

There is a wide selection of power steering fluids on the market, which differ not only in composition, but also in manufacturers. To choose the right oil, you need to know what properties a high-quality lubricant should have.

Power steering oil must have the following properties:

1. Be safe for the driver when operating. During the operation of the mechanism, the oil heats up, vapors are emitted, which should be safe for human health. The quality of the oil must be confirmed by a certificate.
2. A good quality lubricant must be resistant to high temperatures. It should not lose its properties when the temperature rises above 100 degrees, remain the same consistency. If the oil becomes thick, the steering wheel will be difficult to turn. This threatens to damage the power steering system.
3. Some manufacturers promise that the oil resource is sufficient for the entire period of operation of the power steering. But in practice, the liquid changes color over time, some of it evaporates, it can flow out through the O-rings. Therefore, after a few years, it is necessary to either add oil to the power steering, or completely change it.

It is better to fill in the liquid recommended by the manufacturer of your car.

Before replacing the fluid in the power steering, you need to carefully study the characteristics of the product purchased for replacement. The power steering fluid can be of any brand, it is important that it meets the requirements for oils for hydraulic steering systems. It is necessary to remember about the acceptable options for mixing liquids. Subject to the rules of operation, the steering wheel will turn the wheels of the car without effort from the driver.

When should the power steering oil be changed?

The period when to change the power steering fluid depends on the intensity of operation, what load the car is exposed to, and the driving style. The fluid changes in the range from 60 thousand to 120 thousand kilometers. If average mileage per year is 10-20 thousand kilometers, then the liquid changes once every 2-3 years. Some drivers believe that they should change the lubricant when problems with the power steering begin.

An indicator of the need for an oil change is its condition. To check, you need to unscrew the power steering tank lid and drip a few drops on a light surface: cotton wool, a napkin, glass, etc. The liquid should be transparent without foreign particles and impurities. The smell should not resemble burnt oil. If the structure and color of the grease has changed (it can be compared with a new oil), then it is advisable to replace it.

DIY replacement instructions

Replacing the power steering fluid with your own hands is a simple procedure, so any motorist can do it. It is important to stock up on everything you need in advance, then the process will take a little time.

Tools and materials

Before replacing the fluid in the power steering, you need to prepare the necessary tools and materials:

• phillips screwdriver
• wrench for "10";
• pliers;
• a cropped 20 ml syringe;
• a section of a capillary tube;
• clean rags;
• funnel;
• container for draining the working fluid;
• new power steering fluid.

The volume of oil in the power steering system is about 1 liter. In time, the replacement process will take no more than an hour.

Stages

The procedure for changing the oil in the power steering system consists of the following stages:

1. First you need to remove the cover from the power steering reservoir.
2. There is a filter under the cover that can be removed with two fingers by turning it slightly. Taking it out of the neck, we clean it from plaque and dirt. You can use a spray cleaner for these purposes.
3. We pump out the oil with a large syringe. If no syringe is available, a hose can be used. Gently drawing in air, lower the edge of the hose below the level of the tank. We drain the liquid into the prepared containers.
4. Having freed the tank from the liquid, you need to drain the remaining part in the pump and hoses. We remove both hoses: one going to the pump, the other from the tank return. To do this, remove the pipe from the tank, squeezing the clamp antennae with pliers and turning the clamp by 4 cm. Before draining the liquid from the system, you need to prepare the container. We lower the end of the hose into a container for draining. To drain all the remaining oil, you can start the engine for a few seconds and turn the steering wheel all the way.
5. When the liquid is drained, insert the funnel into the hose from the tank to the pump and pour in some oil. You can use a plastic bottle instead of a funnel. It is better to wrap the junction of the hose and funnel with electrical tape to prevent leaks. The funnel should be secured with wire to prevent it from falling. You need to pour the liquid little by little.
6. From time to time, we sit behind the wheel and turn it all the way. Each time we look at which liquid is drained into the container. Pour in oil until a new one flows. This means that the power steering fluid has been completely replaced.
7. After that, we take out the funnel and reconnect the hoses, tighten the clamps.
8. Fill in oil to the maximum fluid level in the power steering reservoir. After tightening the lid on the tank, start the engine and turn the steering wheel until it stops. Each time we check the oil level in the tank and add it again if necessary. We repeat the procedure until the liquid remains at the desired level.
9. At the final stage, insert the filter and finally tighten the lid on the tank.