Sooner or later, the moment comes when you have to say goodbye to your beloved vehicle for a while so that the service station can change the oil for the power steering system. Even experienced drivers are not fully versed in the specifics of this process. To understand what will be done with the car, you need to know the procedure.
First steps
Service station specialists visually evaluate the power steering system. The one in Toyota and Lexus is almost identical. After evaluating the oil level, proceed to pump it out if it is above the permissible level. The old liquid has the ability to remain in the tanks, therefore, during a complete replacement by specialists, up to 2 liters of such a filling is pumped out using a hose.
Before this, the front wheels are hung out, and then the injection and return lines are separated. Specialists unwind the tubes using fittings - these are dark blue plastic round caps.
Next, a new "feed" is introduced. To do this, the assistant starts turning the steering wheel left and right, and the old fluid continues to drain. A new portion is slowly introduced, and until the replacement is visible through the transparent walls of the hose, the procedure does not stop. That is why it is necessary to leave the keys to your car to the service station employees.
Foreign cars are adapted to work in conditions of replenishment of the steering hydraulic system with specialized ATF fluid. After new fluid is visible through the hose, you need to start the car and put it in neutral. Then lubricating fluid is drawn up to the upper mark of the tank. Experts monitor the level, because 10 minutes after pouring, it begins to fall. To even out the indicators and get rid of air bubbles in the tank, rotate the wheel. If the level has dropped noticeably, then you can add a new portion. The experience of the service station staff in working with Toyota and Lexus allows you to adjust the system as efficiently as possible. If the oil level does not fall after the rotation of the wheel, but, on the contrary, grows, we can say that the hydraulic booster is somewhere clogged with decay products or the amount of air in the tank is large. To do this, the filled liquid is again pumped out using a hose of medium diameter, and the flushing starts again.
The main rules for changing the lubricant in the power steering system:
- when draining the liquid, the engine does not turn on;
- the wheels are pre-hung;
- it is impossible to allow the power steering to work dry;
- after filling in a new make-up, the engine must be immediately turned on;
- in order to equalize the liquid level in the tank, it is necessary to turn the steering wheel 10-15 times until it stops;
- Service station specialists regularly check the fluid level, as well as the number of air bubbles: it should decrease with every minute of operation after a new refueling.
The hydraulic booster system for Toyota and Lexus requires special attention from the driver. Due to the fact that the car responds more clearly to commands while driving at any speed, the loss of the chemical properties of the fluid can provoke not only a breakdown, but also an emergency. To avoid this, it is necessary to regularly conduct specialized inspection and measurements of the liquid level. If the car does not show high speed in control, this is the first signal to contact the service station. The station staff will additionally inspect the drive belt, and if it slips, tighten or replace it. It is also worth checking the pump wear level.
For cars with a mileage of up to 50 thousand kilometers, the fluid for the amplifying system is replaced once a year and a half, depending on the operating conditions.
The power steering, like all machine units, requires regular maintenance, including fluid replacement.
How to start changing the fluid in the power steering
Power steering, like most car components, needs maintenance. If it is not carried out regularly, it will require a complex and expensive one. Many automakers do not regulate the terms after which it is necessary to replace the fluid in the power steering. Most people think that it only needs to be topped up regularly. But the fluid in the hydraulic booster still needs to be replaced, since the intensive operation of the car negatively affects it - it darkens, heats up. Sometimes there may even be a smell of burning. In this case, the replacement of fluid in the hydraulic booster is required immediately.
To save money, you can perform the procedure for replacing the fluid in the power steering with your own hands. This procedure is not much more complicated than. To perform the operation you will need:
- Pre-purchased new fluid. You need to buy it strictly according to the recommendations of the car manufacturer. The liquid is needed in the amount indicated in the technical documentation of the vehicle.
- Syringe with tube 20 gram. It is necessary for pumping out the waste liquid.
- Container for old fluid. A 1.5 liter plastic bottle would be the best option.
Stages of changing the fluid in the power steering
Fluid replacement can be carried out in two ways - by full or partial replacement. Partial fluid replacement is a simpler method, but less efficient. To perform a partial fluid change, you need to unscrew the cap of the reservoir that contains the power steering fluid. Using a syringe with a tube, you need to completely pump out the liquid from the tank, and then fill in a new one to the mark. After that, you need to start the engine and turn the steering wheel, and then repeat the procedure until the desired result is achieved.
The second method, or complete fluid replacement, is a more time-consuming procedure. In this case, you can achieve almost 100% results. You need to perform the procedure in stages:
- First you need to hang out the front of the car so that the wheels are in the air. This will allow you to freely rotate the steering wheel without starting the engine.
- Having unscrewed the tank lid, using a syringe, you need to pump out the liquid from the container.
- On the hose clamps that fit the tank, it is necessary to loosen the bolts.
- Now you can disconnect the hoses from the tank and remove it. If necessary, it is better to rinse the tank.
- The hose going from the steering rack to the tank must be placed with its free end in a pre-prepared container - a plastic bottle. In order for the liquid to begin to pour out, you need to sit behind the wheel and rotate it intensively in both directions. This will remove fluid from the system.
- As soon as the liquid stops flowing out, a funnel must be inserted into the second hose (it goes to the power steering pump).
- The hose with a funnel must be fixed and fresh liquid must be poured into it. The filling process must be alternated with the active rotation of the steering wheel. You can make the process easier by asking someone to help you.
- You need to add liquid until a light stream flows from the hose inserted into the bottle. This means that the old fluid is completely removed from the system.
- Now you need to put on the hoses and put the tank in place.
- You need to add fluid to the tank to the level and turn the steering wheel without starting the engine.
- It is necessary to start the engine and turn the steering wheel several times in both directions.
- After turning off the engine, you need to lower the wheels of the car to the ground and add fluid to the level.
After completing all the steps, you can qualitatively replace the fluid in the power steering and avoid its breakdown.
: choosing the right ”we talked in detail about the composition and function of hydraulic fluids for power steering. This material contains details on how long the working fluid lasts and how to replace it correctly.
When to change the oil in the power steering
Some car dealers claim that the hydraulic fluid poured into the power steering from the factory cannot be replaced throughout the life of the car (this mainly applies to the so-called "green" oils). This statement is wrong. Hydraulic fluid is a consumable material for which such concepts as aging during operation are inherent. You need to understand that there are recommended (planned) by the car manufacturer for the replacement of fluid in the power steering (noted in the instruction manual), and there are special replacement periods - early and emergency.
The hydraulic fluid in the power steering is changed ahead of schedule due to the failure of the elements of the steering mechanism (racks, gears, rods). In order for the newly installed steering elements to work smoothly, it is recommended to replace the fluid in the power steering - especially if it has been in operation without replacement for several years.
Emergency replacement of hydraulic fluid in the power steering is carried out in case of depressurization of the hydraulic booster system or failure of its components and mechanisms (hydraulic cylinder, control spool, pump, hoses).
It is necessary periodically, once every six months, to check the level and condition of the hydraulic fluid in the expansion tank.
If the level has dropped (and it should be in the tank between the Min and Max marks), then the system may have been depressurized and the oil is leaving. Then it is necessary to check the condition of all components of the hydraulic booster system, identify the breakdown and fix it. If this is not done in time, the consequences can be sad: increased wear of the working parts of the pump (as a result, failure of the steering mechanism housing in the area of the compression rings), reduced mobility of the pump pressure reducing valve due to insufficient heat removal from the pump assemblies, increased wear of the teeth of the steering rack and gearbox shafts.
We simply check the condition of the working fluid in the power steering: open the expansion tank, use a dipstick to take a certain amount of oil and apply it to a clean sheet of paper. If the liquid is transparent, has a stable color - everything is in order with it. If cloudy, with visible impurities, such oil must be replaced. The appearance of sediment in the hydraulic fluid indicates that its additives no longer cope with their functions due to decomposition during operation. If such a liquid is not replaced, then the oil in the power steering may foam, oxidize, lose its lubricating and anti-corrosion properties, which will lead to a breakdown of the system.
Power Steering Fluid Change: Five Easy Steps
To replace the working fluid in the hydraulic booster, we need: a jack, a medical syringe, a clean rag, a canister of power steering oil. On average, no more than 1 liter of liquid is taken for replacement. The recommended amount can be found in the vehicle owner's manual.
Step 1. We put the car on a lift. If not, then we use two jacks to hang the front wheels.
Step 2 We open the cap of the power steering expansion tank, using a medical syringe we pump out the waste liquid.
The liquid remaining in the tank can be drained by removing the hoses in series (the main one leading to the pump and the return one coming from it) and lowering them into a prepared container (a 1.5 liter plastic bottle will do). First, remove the main hose (usually located below), turn the steering wheel to bleed the system.
The engine does not turn on! When the liquid has stopped dripping, install the main hose in place, remove the return hose and perform the same actions with it.
Step 3 Pour fresh hydraulic fluid into the power steering expansion tank, monitoring its level. The optimal level is between the Min and Max marks. Note that some expansion tanks have four labels: Min Cold and Min Hot, Max Cold and Max Hot. Cold is the level of “cold” liquid, Hot is “hot”, that is, when the car is in operation.
Step 4 Turn the steering wheel left and right to pump fluid through the power steering system. Again we note the oil level according to the marks - if it has become less, add it and so on until we set the optimal level. We twist the cap of the expansion tank.
Step 5 We lower the car from the lift, remove the jacks. We start the engine, drive several kilometers and again measure the fluid level in the power steering reservoir. If it is in the middle of the Min Hot and Max Hot marks, then you no longer need to add oil. If the liquid exceeds the Max Hot level, then a certain amount of liquid must be drained, since during operation (when heated), it can splash out of the tank and flood nearby engine components, which will lead to engine failure.
As you can see, there is no particular difficulty in the process of replacing the working fluid in the power steering. However, it is important to remember that changing the oil in the power steering must be done carefully, using clean improvised means, since the ingress of dirt into the fluid can lead to a deterioration in its performance. For those who are not confident in their own abilities, we advise you to change the fluid in the power steering at the service station - there this operation is carried out on a special stand, which guarantees a high-quality oil change.
Today it is difficult to find a car without a hydraulic power steering, except perhaps models from the last century. Equipping a car with a hydraulic steering system (GUR) greatly simplifies wheelbase control. Power steering, like any equipment, requires proper care, and, if necessary, a complete replacement. Replacing the power steering is a very laborious process. Therefore, most car owners trust this stage of maintenance to service station specialists. But, if you wish, you can replace the power steering yourself. The main thing is to follow the step-by-step instructions, which we offer you to study further in our publication.
1. The procedure for removing the power steering
If the hydraulic booster starts to "jump", you will be able to continue driving, but we strongly do not recommend doing this, as the consequences can be the most unpredictable and even deplorable. Realizing the importance of the correct operation of the car control system, it is necessary to take even the most imperceptible signs of a power steering malfunction as seriously as possible, and also promptly eliminate them.
And if it is impossible to repair or change only a part to the mechanism, then the entire unit should be completely replaced. First you need to deal with the external signs of power steering malfunctions. In particular, if you notice one of the following signs in the operation of your car, most likely you will have to replace the power steering:
If you need to apply force while turning the steering wheel, or, conversely, the steering wheel rotates too easily. The problem is most likely a faulty pump. You should check the level of the working fluid in the filling tank. If there is not enough fluid, then the power steering may stop working altogether.
If you feel jerks while holding the steering wheel, as well as difficulty turning the steering wheel to the right or left when cornering, then this indicates a loose drive belt. Another reason could be a lack of engine idle speed. If the steering wheel is difficult to turn exclusively in one direction, then most likely the problems should be looked for in the oil tank.
If noise is heard in the steering wheel while the car is moving, this may indicate that the tie rod ends were set incorrectly, as a result of which the mount was loosened. Another reason for such a malfunction may be incorrectly attached to the body of the power steering tube.
If the steering wheel turns, then this most likely indicates a jammed device pump valve, since its main function is to control the flow. Or there is not enough pressure in the pump.
If it is almost impossible to drive a car, and the problem is definitely not tire wear, then it is worth checking the control system for the presence of air. Ball joints are also subject to verification. Another reason for such incorrect operation of the control system may be weakening.
If the pump pulley unscrews on its own without your intervention, then most likely the problem is with the shafts of the device, on which the pulley is not installed correctly. Perhaps the shafts are defective.
If, after turning, the wheels with difficulty return to a smooth movement forward, then it is worth reviewing the steering wheel mount with the turn switch, and also pay attention to the tie rods and ball joints. They may have been loosened during use. Another reason could be inaccurate alignment of the flow control valve.
If complications occur while parking the vehicle, the cause may be insufficient pump pressure or a dysfunction in the operation of the power steering pump flow control valve.
If during the verification process you manage to establish that the power steering is really the cause of the malfunctions, then you should also figure out whether it is possible to repair the breakdown. In particularly critical situations, a complete replacement may be required. In this case, for some reason, I want to remember the proverb "greedy pays twice." Often self-replacement of parts in order to save money on repairs shows only excessive optimism of such ideas.
If you nevertheless decide that your power steering is still subject to a complete replacement, and you are going to replace it yourself, please note that this process is very complicated and time-consuming. Unless you belong to the category of those who like to sit in the garage, dig in your car, and this kind of work for you is nothing more than a vacation.
The procedure for removing the power steering is as follows:
1. First you need to thoroughly clean the engine compartment from the dirt accumulated on its nodes.
2. Drain the fluid from the system. In order for it to flow out to the maximum, it is necessary to turn the wheels in one direction or the other.
3. We unscrew the clamp with which the feed tube is attached.
4.
With a hexagon No. 6, we unscrew the screws that secure the steering shaft. To do this, you need to get under the car. It is necessary to note the initial position of the elastic coupling, since this mark will be needed during the installation of a new power steering.
5. With a puller, we disconnect the steering rods from the bipod.
7. The pump is held on a mount with three bolts. Two of them should be unscrewed immediately. The third bolt can be unscrewed only after the timing belt cover bolts have been unscrewed.
8. Substitute a container under the fittings, where all the remaining liquid from the hoses should flow. To do this, they will need to be disconnected one by one. Also, drain the liquid from each one in turn.
9. Well, in order to get the power steering, unscrew the remaining bolt, and you can remove the entire mechanism.
2. Power steering replacement
Before embarking on a complete replacement of the power steering, it is advisable to finally verify the mechanical nature of the problem. Perhaps by replacing the power steering reservoir, you will still be able to solve the problem. And perhaps it will be enough just to clean the tank (although it is quite difficult to clean the filter that is in it) or just change the liquid.
If the damage to the mechanism is incompatible with repair, or you nevertheless decided that it would be better to install a completely new mechanism once it would be much cheaper and more practical than to patch something up every month, then there was only a little left - to pick up a new kit and install it on the car. The new kit includes:
- steering gear;
Hydraulic cylinder;
Expansion tank;
Hose set;
Power steering pump.
3. Installing a new power steering
Let's start assembling the power steering wheel with our own hands:
1. Install the power steering pump on the left side of the engine where it is driven by the V-belt from the crankshaft pulley.
2. Install the second front pump mounting bolt and secure the pulley.
3. Install the hydraulic booster pump front mounting bolt through the hole on the pulley.
4. Tighten the rear mounting bolt.
5.
Connect the pipeline. Make sure that the holes of all tubes are free from plugs and other objects that could close the holes during disassembly so that the working fluid does not leak out. In addition, it is very important to pay attention to the fact that the junction of the pressure pipe and the hydraulic booster pump is sealed with a rubber gasket. We recommend using new O-rings each time a pressure pipe end is dismantled.
6. Fasten the pressure pipe fixing nut.
7. Attach the steam hose to the pump fitting.
8. Tighten the steam hose clamp.
9. Fasten the accessory drive belt.
10. Bleed the power steering system (to get a good result, it is better to use a new hydraulic fluid).
Bleeding the hydraulic booster system must be done as follows:
1. Fill the tank half of the total volume, then, while controlling the liquid level, start slowly turning the steering wheel from the stop in one direction and all the way in the opposite direction. This procedure should be continued until the appearance of bubbles completely stops. If, nevertheless, air enters the tubes due to a sharp drop in the liquid level, you should wait half an hour and repeat the procedure again (be sure to check the liquid level).
2.
Start the engine (while the car is in suspension) and continue pumping at idle, slowly turning the steering wheel. Ideally, air will stop being released at cycle 3-4, but if this does not happen, again you need to wait about another half an hour and repeat everything.
3. Stop the engine and lower the machine to the ground.
4. Start the engine and at idle, repeat the bleeding of the hydraulic system. In this case, you must not forget to ensure that bubbles stop appearing. In the presence of the following "symptoms", the procedure must be repeated every half hour:
The liquid level has decreased by more than 3 mm;
The steering pump began to creak;
Bubbles appeared on the surface.
4.
The final stage in pumping: start the engine and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, while inspecting the accessible nipple connections of the power steering hydraulic system to avoid the development of leaks. If necessary, replace damaged fitting components or tighten nuts. After all dismantling, repair and installation work is completed, do not forget to double-check the results of your work a few more times. Carefully check all hose and pump connections for unacceptable damage.
We hope that you carefully followed the above instructions, and that after that your car will only delight you with the correct operation of the steering system. And finally, a few tips for operating the power steering of a car:
To avoid overheating of the oil and, in fact, a breakdown of the pump, it is not recommended to hold the steering wheel for more than 5 seconds in the extreme position.
Regularly monitor the fluid level, in no case allow it to fall below the minimum mark.
Inspect connections and lines from time to time. Thus, you will be safe from leakage through the bearings.
If the drive belt is too tight, then it threatens to repair the pump, but if it is loose, it will wear out quickly. For this reason, the degree of its tension must be monitored regularly.
