Do you need to flush power steering fluid because it is dirty I got an $80 quote?

Question

my car is two years old and has 40K

Answer 1

you should never have to flush it unless you contaminate it with some other type of fluid or water. I was told then same thing by a quick lube center. I declined and then called the dealer. Their answer "it couldn't hurt". I then asked why it isn't in my owners manual they then said " the manufacturer probably doesn't recommend it. I am pretty sure it is just a money maker and should not be done.

Answer 2

Dirty Power Steering Fluid

Answer 3

Power Steering Flush

Answer 4

Yes, if you don't want to damage your Rack & Pinion power gear as well as the hydraulic pump in the long run.

BUT...you can do it yourself!

How?
1. There are two ports on the hydraulic reservoir. Open one up and steer the vehicle (the vehicle should be lifted from the front so that you can steer it left & right---with engine off---easily).
2. Drain out all the oil this way.
3. You must have bought a litre of DEXRON (the red color power steering fluid) available at the auto store.
4. Fill the reservoir with this fluid while turning the steering left & right. This way air bubbles will be eliminated.
5. Replace the plugs back.

Believe me it's easy & not tough...you can do it yourself...saving money. By the way it's not a $80 job (I don't know what is the cost of a litre of hydraulic oil at your place...but if it is US$60 and the mechanic is charging another 20...go ahead...but if the oil cost you $30 & the mechanic is charging you the balance 50...do it yourself...you can do it.

Answer 5

a power steering flush is a little more than 5 minutes if done correctly. some shops have a tool to siphon fluid out and put in new fluid while the engine is running. with a couple turns of the steering wheel, most all the fluid is exchanged.
personally, depending on the vehicle, i would remove the return line and point it in a oil container, cap off the reservoir where the return line connects, keep reservoir full, disable ignition, crank engine few seconds, repeat until clean fluid appears. turn wheel a couple times while cranking. reconnect return line. flush completed. a warning tho.....things may get messy if that return line does not stay in one place.
if unable to point in oil container, then get a vacuum connector and some extra hose to direct in the container. return fluid line is usually a soft line to the pump unless there is a remote reservoir. then, the return line is the line coming from the power steering rack.
i have known most cars go quite a long time under normal conditions, anywhere from 100 to 200k miles without a power steering flush. unless it is a ford with the c-2 system. they usually make a lot of noise normally.

make sure you get the correct fluid, dexron trans fluid is not compatible with all powerful steering systems.

i think if the fluid is not murky black and when you spread some out on a white paper and see no deposits, and there is no noise then i wouldn't do it.

Answer 6

You never said that you had a problem with the P/S system. All fluids breakdown over time from heat, contamination etc. . If it's a high mileage car that you take care of it is a good idea to change the fluid. If the vehicle has a steering box or rack, a resevoir, and long lines $80 seems a little high figuring 2-3 quarts of P/S fluid($6.00) and $40 for a 1/2 hour labor draining refilling and bleeding air from the system. The air bleeding part could take an hour alone on some systems.

Answer 7

It's not a bad idea, in theory.

However, if the car has over the manufacturers recommended change interval, then it can cause other problems.

I have persanally fixed many power steering pumps along with rack-and-pinion assemblies due to some lube shop changing the fluids. Seems that the old fluids where "holding" things together and when the new fluid was put it caused slippage and/or leaks. Same with transmission fluid changes.

Answer 8

Go to wal-mart and get a siphon pump 2$ pull the fluid out fill back up with dextron trans fluid siphon again and fill to proper level. This will cost a total of 5$

Answer 9

I have never heard of flushing power steering fluid. Read your owner's manual and it may tell you if this service is required and at what intervals. Alternatively, contact a reputable dealership for your make of car and get their advice.

Answer 10

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/pkYQV

Yes because inside the oil is burnt oil, & particles of metal. You could leave it go and chances are you MIGHT get away with it. Do the maths, new oil versus new power steering pump ? Do the change ? Best Wishes. Mars Mission.