One of the important points when servicing a vehicle is the correct choice of lubricating fluids. It is on them that the working efficiency of individual components and assemblies depends, which means that it is better to give preference to reliable, time-tested manufacturers. This statement also applies to the oil in the power steering system, although many car owners have no idea how to change it correctly and how often to do it. You will find the answer to these questions in this article.
1. How often is it necessary to change the oil in the power steering system
It is quite sensitive to the quality of the working fluid, therefore, no matter how good the lubricant composition being poured may seem, it still needs to be changed periodically. There are no specific recommendations regarding the regularity of this process, however, it is still worthwhile to periodically check the lubrication level.(usually at every inspection). Add oil if necessary.
Some domestic power steering repair specialists have a slightly different attitude to this issue. In their opinion, taking into account the operating conditions and mileage of the car, the replacement of the power steering fluid should be carried out once every two years (if the mileage of the car is 5000-8000 km per year). In addition, with each oil change, the filter element should also be changed (on those car models where it is installed).
If the car is operated in a very intensive mode, then you need to change the oil when the liquid darkens or a burning smell appears. On average, the oil in the power steering system is changed once a year or after the car has traveled 30,000 kilometers. Of course, this is not the only correct indicator, because a lot in this matter depends on the quality of the oil you use.
How can the car owner understand that it's time to drain the lubricant? Here there are several characteristic signs indicating that the day "X" has come. Firstly, the driver will certainly notice a change in the operation of the steering wheel, as it will have to apply a little more effort to the steering system. The second and most typical reason for changing the oil is a change in the color of the mixture. Of course, in order to determine this fact, it is necessary to open the power steering reservoir, take a few drops of lubricating fluid from there and apply them to a light surface (a white napkin or sheet of paper is well suited for this role), in extreme cases, you can just drip on your finger. Pay attention to the composition of the liquid and the presence of impurities in it.
Most often, these include small particles of other heavily worn parts and mud deposits. If there are a lot of such foreign elements, then it is better not to add fresh oil, but to completely replace it. If it corresponds to normal indicators (the lubricant is completely transparent and has no burning smell), you can simply add liquid to the required level.
2. What kind of oil to fill in the hydraulic booster
Some car owners are used to choosing power steering oil based on the color of this composition. However, it is, of course, impossible to realistically evaluate the properties of a particular liquid, taking into account only one criterion. The viscosity of the oil, the type of base and the types of additives of different compositions of the same color can be completely different. Therefore, it cannot be argued that if red oil was previously used, then only red liquid can be added, because even in this case, effective mixing may not occur.
There are three colors of the lubricant used in the operation of the power steering:
Red(the oil belongs to the Dexron family, which, in turn, belong to the ATF class - fluids for automatic transmissions, and in some cases power steering). Mineral and synthetic red oils must not be mixed.
Yellow- often used in Mercedes cars;
Green the color of oils for power steering is more typical for the systems of cars of the VAG concern, Peugeot, Citroen and some others. This type is not suitable for automatic transmissions. Also, you can not mix green "mineral water" and the same synthetics.
What is better to choose: mineral or synthetic lubricating fluid? It should be noted that with regard to power steering, such disputes are absolutely inappropriate, because there are a lot of rubber parts in this system, and synthetics have a much more aggressive effect on them, which is why the resource of the elements is significantly reduced. Therefore, before pouring this type of oil into the system, you need to make sure that its rubber components interact well with it and have a special composition.
Only in rare cases are synthetic oils used for power steering. Much more often they are used in automatic transmissions, so it is best to use only mineral compounds, of course, if there are no other requirements in the instructions.
Moreover, if you do not want to harm your power steering system, then you will have to follow some rules for its maintenance. First, remember: you can mix yellow and red oils, but in no case should green compositions be added to existing yellow or red ones. Secondly, it is forbidden to mix "mineral water" and "synthetics".
Oils for the power steering system and differ from each other only in the presence of additional additives in the latter version. They are just intended for automatic transmission clutches, which are absent in the steering. The presence of such “additions” does not affect the performance of the power steering mechanisms in any way, so gear oils for automatic transmissions can be safely used to lubricate them. For example, Japanese manufacturers have long used only one type of oil for both power steering and automatic transmissions, while their European colleagues insist that only fluids recommended by them should be used for their cars.
Some motorists believe that this is a banal marketing ploy, and if you pour high-quality, but not original oil into the power steering, this will not affect the performance and working life of the system in any way. For example, the same ZF pumps will work well on different machines and with different types of oils approved by the manufacturer. In such a situation, it turns out that green and yellow lubricating fluids are equally well suited for hydraulic booster operation, and the only difference is in color.
However, in practice, everything turned out to be not so wonderful, and in some cases, foam began to appear during their interaction. True, it is not difficult to solve this problem, you just need to thoroughly flush the system before using oil of a different color.
Mixing mineral oils like Dexron and power steering fluids showed that they are quite well combined with each other, and no side effects appear. In other words, the additives present in the compositions do not conflict with each other, but when combined in a new mixture, they continue to perform their functions.
If you are not sure which oil is exactly right for your car's power steering system, take a look at its technical manual. It should be noted what kind of lubricant and how to fill it into the hydraulic booster. In some cases, even the name of the manufacturer is indicated, and if you cannot find the right product in the store, it must definitely be on the Internet.
You can also use the information printed on the lid of the power steering reservoir: the green sticker is “Pentosin”, and if the inscription “Dextron” is present, then ATP. Finding the second option is not a problem, since a fairly large number of different manufacturers produce it, but there may be some problems with Pentosin. Firstly, its cost is higher, and secondly, it is very difficult to find it, and in most cases you have to buy MANNOL CHF. However, it must be said that universal compounds are significantly inferior to the quality of oils designed specifically for power steering, which can be the cause of a system breakdown.
3. Changing the oil in the power steering
Suppose you have already chosen the desired composition (in the amount of 2 liters) and are ready to proceed to the direct replacement of the power steering oil. However, in addition to the new lubricant, you will also need certain tools for this event. These include:
- a syringe for pumping out used oil (with a volume of at least 20 cubic meters);
A small rubber tube that will fit snugly over the nozzle of the syringe;
Container for draining old lubricant;
Pliers and screwdriver;
Jack;
Gloves and clean rags.
At the first stage, it is necessary to completely drain the used lubricant from the power steering reservoir, while not forgetting to disconnect the return hose from it, with the help of which the old oil residues are drained, followed by flushing the system. To gain access to the reservoir, remove its cap and prepare a container to remove the used oil. After that, put a rubber tube on the syringe and lower its other end into the tank. Thus, the entire contents of the tank are extracted.
After pumping out the lubricant, disconnect the fluid supply pipe to the system and, substituting an empty container, drain the remaining oil. It must be said that certain difficulties may arise at this stage. The fact is that it is sometimes very difficult to remove the pipe, and you have to dismantle the entire tank.
In principle, now you can pour a new, “fresh” lubricant into the system, but it is best to do this after flushing all the mechanisms so that the remains of the old oil do not get into the filled liquid. To complete the task, you will need another 2-5 liters of oil. Given the not too cheap cost of such a lubricant, some drivers prefer to do without flushing, but if contaminants do get into a clean composition, then they will have to change the lubricant again, and earlier than the expected re-change time.
Before filling in new power steering fluid, cover the hole in the tank to which the pipe was connected. For these purposes, you can use any materials at hand, as long as they are relatively clean and fit well in size.
In addition, do not forget to monitor the level of lubricant in the system. As soon as the poured oil flows from the nozzle, it means that there is already enough of it in the system. Having screwed the pipe back to its original place, add the remaining liquid to the tank, close the lid and remove the car from the jack (naturally, in order to carry out the procedure, it had to be raised). On this, the process of changing the oil in the power steering can be considered complete.
To add or dilute oil in the power steering system, take a syringe and pump out a certain part of the lubricant from the tank, adding a new composition in its place. After that, you need to start the engine and turn the steering wheel several times in different directions. Then, turning off the engine, pump out some oil again and add “fresh” oil. You need to do these actions until the color of the liquid brightens.
It should be noted that two people will be needed to complete the task: one will control the level of lubricant, and the second will start and turn off the engine. If an oil filter is installed in the tank, it is also recommended to replace it, or at least rinse it thoroughly.
There are certain "tricks" that allow you to increase the life of the power steering fluid. For example, at high speeds, do not hold the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than five seconds. This will inevitably cause a sharp jump in oil pressure in the system and overheating of the lubricating fluid. In addition, for the same reason, you should not put too much pressure on the steering wheel if the side surface of the wheel rests on an obstacle. To reduce the load, it will be enough to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction a couple of centimeters.
It is dangerous to drive a vehicle with a faulty power steering oil pump. Its prolonged stagnation and wear of the rack teeth lead to oil leakage, which means that the system can fail at any time.
After what period of time the fluid in the power steering of a car should be replaced, manufacturers usually do not indicate, but it is necessary to change the oil in the steering, and most often the change is made after 50-60 thousand km of the distance traveled.
But many drivers do not know what kind of fluid is poured into the power steering, and in this article we will tell you what power steering is usually filled with on various car models.
Importance of oil in power steering
The hydraulic steering system (HPS) is designed for driving comfort and was once only used on trucks. Nowadays, more than half of all passenger cars are equipped with hydraulic power steering, and gradually cars with mechanical steering are leaving the market.
The fluid in the power steering plays an important role, it simultaneously performs several functions at once:
- creates the pressure necessary to easily turn the steering wheel;
- lubricates all steering parts;
- protects parts of the switchgear from overheating;
- does not allow corrosion to appear in the steering mechanism;
- protects rubbing parts from premature wear.
Often, the fluid in power steering is called oil or grease, as it has lubricating properties. In order to ensure high-quality lubrication of RU parts, additives are added to the liquid, and oil for power steering gears has its own specific composition, it is not suitable for an engine or mechanical transmission.
It often happens that oil is leaking from the steering system, and until repairs are made, it is necessary to add fluid to the power steering reservoir. Motorists distinguish oil by color, it is produced with a yellow, red, green tint. The red liquid is Dexron, belongs to the ATF class, is mainly used in automatic transmissions, less often in some types of power steering. Although all Dextron oils are the same in color, they have a different composition - they can be mineral or synthetic. You should be aware that in no case should mineral water be mixed with synthetics, since the transmission fluid will curdle and foam when mixed. 
You should also know that Dexron is not a brand, but just a type of oil. Dextron is produced by various companies, it can be from manufacturers:
- Mobil;
- Mannol;
- Motul;
- Valvoline;
- Ravenol;
- Liqui Moly.
There are also many other companies producing ATF oil.
Yellow power steering fluid was originally intended for Mercedes cars, and it was almost never used on other car models before. The fluid poured into the power steering Ford, Renault, Opel, Hyundai, Nissan, Audi, Kia, etc., green, is used more often than others, but it is not suitable for automatic transmissions. The oil with a green tint belongs to the PSF class, and the additives in its composition differ from those found in the ATF fluid.
To understand how transmission fluids differ from oils for power steering, it is enough to study the table of oil functions for hydraulic boosters and for automatic transmissions. 
Before adding oil to the power steering, you should find out what kind of liquid is filled in the car. Often the contents are determined by color, for example, only green or red (pink) liquid is poured into the Ford Focus-2. Having determined the color, the car owner finds out that only two compositions are used at Focuses:
- WSS-M2C204-A - green shade;
- WSA-M2C195-A - red.
It is undesirable to use something else in Ford Focus GUR, but you should be aware that it is permissible to mix red Dextron-type mineral oils with each other in case of emergency.
Green and yellow liquids cannot be mixed; when they are combined, foaming occurs. But if the Mercedes car owner has a desire to replace the yellow grease in the steering system with green, it is necessary to flush, and then the power steering will work normally, without any problems. It is allowed to mix Dexron mineral water with yellow mineral liquid, nothing bad happens. To understand a little about what can and cannot be mixed, you can look at the compatibility tables of auto chemicals from various manufacturers.
Group one.
Here are oils that are conditionally interchangeable with each other - they are very similar in composition, only they are produced by different manufacturers. If the issue is approached strictly, these fluids should not be mixed, but the mixing of the compositions will not affect the power steering resource, and the steering system will work properly. 
Group two . In this table, liquids can only be mixed with each other; they are not compatible with other oils. But if you flush the system, they can be used in other power steering.
Group three
. Fluids in this category may only be used if they are approved by the vehicle manufacturer. Group oils cannot be filled in if they are not recommended by the manufacturer, but they are interchangeable with each other. 
Another important point is that "synthetics" are rarely used in hydraulic boosters, the synthetic composition corrodes rubber seals and oil seals. Therefore, such fluids are used provided that their use is permissible by the vehicle manufacturer.
There are a lot of various auto chemicals on the Russian market; automotive oils for hydraulic boosters are presented in a wide range. Products differ significantly in price, and original formulations are always more expensive. But if a product is sold cheaper, this does not mean at all that it is of poor quality. In many cases, auto chemicals have a higher price just because the company is very well known all over the world, but is it necessary to overpay only for the brand?
You can buy power steering fluid at any store that sells consumables and auto parts for cars, wholesale companies and small retail outlets also sell oils. By the way, the possibility of running into a fake is not excluded, so you should purchase goods from trusted organizations with a good reputation that have been operating on the market for several years. Most often, power steering fluid is sold in packages with a volume of about 1 liter, and such containers are very convenient, since power steering in a car basically requires from 600 to 900 ml of oil. To imagine the order of prices for products in 2017, we will give a few examples. The cost of green fluid for power steering:
Here are the approximate prices for some ATF oils (Dextron):
- ATF 220 Mobil, liter canister - 450-500 rubles;
- XADO ATF, 1 liter - 800-850 rubles;
- Divinol ATF Premium, 1 liter - 820-870 rubles.
The industry also produces various synthetic fluids, among inexpensive products it is worth noting Total Fluide Lds - the product is used in the hydraulic systems of Citroen cars. This oil is orange in color, has a high viscosity index, has a low pour point and excellent lubricating properties, well protects power steering parts from corrosion. The price of a 1 liter package is about 500-500 rubles. But it should be remembered that synthetics cannot be mixed with mineral oils.
Many modern cars use power steering (GUR). Thanks to this device, the driver can force the vehicle to make a turn with little effort. As a working medium in the power steering, hydraulic fluid is used - a special oil that circulates in the system. Its level must be constantly monitored, otherwise you may encounter serious problems.
If the fluid level in the power steering has dropped noticeably, it can simply overheat and boil. The effort required to turn the steering wheel will increase several times. Power steering problems caused by a lack of hydraulic fluid lead to poor vehicle control. In the worst case, they can even cause an accident.
How often should the hydraulic fluid be changed?
Usually, car manufacturers do not indicate the exact frequency of replacing fluid intended for power steering. However, it is desirable that the tank is always filled to a normal level. We advise you to pay attention to the following recommendations:
- during normal operation of the car (mileage - up to 10,000 km / year), the power steering fluid should be changed every 2 years,
- with intensive use of the vehicle, replacement should be done once a year or after every 30,000 km of run.
Sometimes you can hear the opinion that power steering fluid can serve almost throughout the entire life of the vehicle. But in reality this is not the case. The fact is that during the operation of the power steering, its components are naturally subject to wear. As a result, metal dust and dirt can get into the oil. Therefore, a replacement is indispensable.
Where can I get information on the right power steering fluid?
Which power steering fluid is right for you? This question can be answered in several ways:
- usually the type of oil for power steering is indicated in the technical documents for the car,
- also the information you are interested in is usually indicated on the cap of the oil tank,
- you can contact the dealership and ask the specialists working there.
You can do otherwise. In this article you will find useful tips to help you decide on the choice of fluids for the power steering used in your car.
Oil for power steering and its main characteristics
The fluid that is used in the power steering system has several important characteristics that must be considered when choosing. This:
- base type,
- color,
- performance properties.
According to the type of basis, all products belonging to this category can be divided into three groups:
- mineral,
- semi-synthetic,
- synthetic.
Mineral oils are characterized by a relatively low cost, they ensure the complete safety of rubber parts that are widely used in the power steering system. However, such liquids have a rather high viscosity and are prone to foaming. However, in many cars it is recommended to use them.
Synthetic fluids for power steering have good lubricating and anti-corrosion properties, and their advantage is low foaming. However, such a fluid is more often used in automatic transmissions. Semi-synthetics also have good performance properties.
The composition of the fluid intended for power steering includes various additives. They reduce viscosity, reduce foaming, slow down or inhibit corrosion, and improve lubricity. Also, power steering fluid, supplemented with special additives, effectively resists oxidation.
It must be borne in mind that different oils for power steering should not be mixed. When mixing incompatible liquids, the additives that are included in their composition can enter into a chemical reaction. This will lead to unpredictable consequences and will most likely cause the properties of the oil to deteriorate significantly. Therefore, when changing the oil, the tank should be well and only after that fill in the new liquid.
An important characteristic of oil for power steering is viscosity. Modern vehicles tend to use less viscous, more fluid products, which in turn are not well suited to older vehicles.
High-quality power steering fluid resists high temperatures well, does not curl, does not change consistency. As an example of oils that are not afraid of heating and ensure the smooth operation of the power steering system even in the most difficult conditions, we can cite the products of the German company Liqui Moly. It produces both mineral and synthetic fluids of high quality. At the same time, Liqui Moly fundamentally does not produce products with standard parameters. The company's catalog contains fluids with improved characteristics, for example, anti-wear and low temperature. A wide range makes it easy to find an option for your car. Liqui Moly products make it possible to increase the performance of the hydraulic system, and at the same time extend its life.
As you can see, choosing a power steering fluid is not as difficult a task as it might seem. Use our advice and do not forget to replace it in a timely manner so that the hydraulic power steering system works smoothly and does not let you down at crucial moments.
The steering system of modern passenger cars is equipped with a hydraulic booster - a device due to which the rotation of the steering wheel does not require physical effort from the driver. Despite the statements of many automakers that the power steering fluid must be replaced only if the device is repaired, the condition of the system should be carefully monitored and, as necessary, the contaminated technical fluid should be changed.
- it is the working body of the system,
- ensures its safe operation,
- protects the elements of the device from overheating,
- corrosion and other damage
- Reduces wear on steering components.
The specially developed substance is designed to operate in a wide temperature range - from -40 to +120°C.
Scheme of the power steering on cars of the VAG concern (Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft)
There are two key situations when it needs to be replaced:
- During the repair of the hydraulic booster or after the removal and installation of the steering rack, the fluid in the power steering becomes contaminated with mechanical particles that can damage the system and cause a rapid loss of fluid performance. In this case, it is necessary to make a complete fluid change in the power steering, even if the oil is relatively fresh.
- After a run of 20,000 km, it is recommended to regularly check the condition of the technical fluid in the expansion tank of the power steering. With the help of a probe, a little substance is placed on a clean, light surface - a napkin or paper. If the liquid is clear and retains its original color (red, green or yellow), then no replacement is needed. The reason for changing the fluid is mechanical pollution, turbidity, the smell of burning.
If the vehicle mileage does not exceed 20,000 km per year, the power steering fluid needs to be replaced approximately every two to three years. If this is not done in a timely manner, the contaminated synthetic substance loses its operational properties, which leads to overheating and damage to the elements of the system, failure of the power steering, pump, steering rack.
How to choose power steering oil
The hydraulic system uses a synthetic substance that must meet the following parameters:
- maximum operating temperature from 110°С;
- stable viscosity of the medium regardless of temperature and load level;
- the presence of additives to improve the efficiency of functioning under pressure;
- resistance to foaming;
- safety for the materials from which seals and hoses are made.
The choice of liquid is carried out in strict accordance with the requirements of the manufacturer
Today, manufacturers offer power steering fluids that differ:
- by type of base (synthetic and mineral);
- by viscosity;
- according to the characteristics of additives;
- according to operational properties, etc.
On sale you can find liquid for power steering in red, yellow and green colors, and red and green compounds are mineral and synthetic, while:
- red - only for cars with automatic transmission;
- yellow - universal, for "mechanics" and "automatic";
- green - only for cars with manual transmission.
Important! Synthetic and mineral oils should absolutely not be mixed, even if they have the same color! The use of two types of oil at the same time entails the formation of clots, clogging of the pump and holes in the steering rack, and system failure.
When choosing a fluid for power steering, you should be guided by the recommendations of the automaker and use the same composition that is poured into the system, or its equivalent.
It often happens that liquids must be purchased in a kit. The system is washed with one bottle, the second remains in the power steering
Synthetic compounds may only be poured into the system for which they are specified by the vehicle manufacturer. The use of synthetics instead of mineral oil will lead to damage to the sealing elements and hoses, as a result, the hydraulic booster will lose its tightness and fail. Even pre-flushing the system will not get rid of this problem.
Types of fluids for popular cars: table
It is allowed to mix power steering fluids from different manufacturers with each other if they match in type (mineral - with mineral, synthetic - with synthetic), color and characteristics.
Partial do-it-yourself replacement
A simplified replacement option is allowed only if the car owner knows exactly what type of composition is currently poured into the power steering tank and has the opportunity to use the appropriate composition. The reason for a partial replacement is the contamination of the tank, spots or suspension on the surface of the liquid after a long period of non-use of the car.
Procedure:
How much to pour fluid into the power steering when full
Before proceeding with a complete replacement, you should find out not only the type of fluid, but also the required volume. If you did not find the information in the instructions for the car, you can use the search on the Internet.
Eg:
- Toyota RAV4 D4D requires DEXRON II-D or DEXRON III fluid, in a volume of 1.1 liters.
- for Renault Logan, Elf Elfmatic G3 liquid is used in a volume of 1 liter;
- Ford Focus 2 requires a green liquid Ford WSA / M2C195 / A or analogues, including Ravenol-PSF in a volume of 2 liters.
How to replace completely with Ford Focus 2
A complete replacement will be considered using the Ford Focus II as an example.
Tools for the job
For work on the complete replacement of fluid in the power steering, for example, Ford Focus 2, you will need to use:
How to change: instruction
Video on how to fill the missing oil in the hydraulic booster
A complete replacement of the fluid for the power steering can be done independently, spending about half an hour on it. A timely procedure will help to avoid problems with the handling of the car on the road.
Power steering is even on cars in basic trim levels. When using power steering, like any other systems in a car, you need to regularly service this mechanism. In addition to checking the integrity and tightness of the power steering, it is required to replace the hydraulic fluid. This is a simple procedure, you can perform it yourself. Let's see how the power steering fluid is replaced.
About the features of the operation of the hydraulic booster
Car manufacturers assure motorists that all the technical elements in the car can work for the entire life of the car. However, the reality shows that this is not the case at all. GUR here is not an exception at all. In order for the amplifier to reliably perform its functions, the working hydraulic oils must be changed according to the regulations.
What can be poured?
Power steering fluid is a special composition. It is somewhat similar to sunflower oil. On most car brands, manufacturers are not original and pour PSF. Others pour Dexron 6. By the way, the latter is considered a universal remedy, but you can often see negative reviews about this oil. So, if you often use the specified mixture, then the steering assembly may fail. The reason is the temperature characteristics of a particular car. For example, for some Hyundai models, this liquid is very dangerous.
If there is even the slightest uncertainty about what fluid should be in the power steering, then choose only PSF. This oil has optimal viscosity characteristics. Also, many manufacturers indicate it in the passports for cars. This mixture works at all temperatures, and seals and pipes do not flow with it.
Reasons for changing hydraulic oil
Often the decision to change the power steering fluid comes due to the fact that its level in the reservoir has dropped.
This is a signal that somewhere in the pipes and seals the tightness is broken and a leak has formed. Before replacing, it is imperative to find and eliminate this, otherwise the replacement will turn out to be just a waste of money, effort and time.
They also change the oil simply because it is recommended by the manufacturer. For some car brands, the manufacturer recommends performing such an operation every 30,000 km.
Do-it-yourself power steering fluid replacement
The whole procedure will not be difficult, it will not take much time, and even a beginner can cope with it. The process involves the availability of the necessary tools.
If the engine is hot, it is very important to cool it down. Then you can remove the expansion tank. It is advisable not only to remove it and put it aside, but to carefully examine it for possible leaks - this is not uncommon when it flows from the tank. The body of the container must be intact, without chips, cracks or any other defects. If you see something like this, then buy a new one.
After examining the tank, find a suitable container for the old oil.
The power steering fluid will fit in an oil canister or in a bucket. To drain, you will need to remove the lower hose from the tank. Put the same one in its place, and lower the other end into a canister or bucket.
Draining is carried out with the engine running. This is done so that you can rotate the steering wheel to the sides. So the oil can move and will pour into the container. You will have to turn the steering wheel until the last drop of the hydraulic mixture is in the bucket.
Leaked? Now connect the first hose back and boldly pour new power steering fluid into the reservoir. Finished? Start the engine again and turn the steering wheel from side to side again. Now this is done so that air is completely expelled from the system.
If you did everything right, the steering wheel will spin very smoothly, even if the car is in one place. When the air is completely out, add fluid to the required level.
Characteristics of a good power steering oil
It is very important that only one type of oil is used in the system. After all, the mixture serves not only to facilitate the work of the driver. It is also a lubricant that facilitates the operation of the system.
In order for your hydraulic booster to work flawlessly, you must carefully select the correct fluid. So, the oil should work at temperatures up to 110 degrees. Also, the composition of the product must contain materials that overcome pressure.
Good products reduce wear in friction pairs and the entire system, do not change their viscosity depending on temperature. Good oil will not foam or lose properties when in contact with sealants. If the liquid comes into contact with metal, it must not corrode. Sealing materials must not swell and sealants must not harden.
We change the power steering fluid ("Ford Focus")
Oil for cars brand "Ford" - green. For a complete replacement, about 2 liters are needed.
To replace, you need a hose 1.5 meters long with a fitting. In general, the replacement process is the same as in the instructions above.
Renault
The manufacturer recommends Renault power steering fluid ELA Renaultmatic D3 or Elf Matic G3. You can combine these two products. Many Renault car owners successfully use Mobil ATF 220. Here, both quality and performance are at their best and fit the D2 standard.
However, in practice, the D3 standard is also preferred. As observations and studies show, it is much more suitable for use in our conditions.
Features of liquids
Products for power steering can be of different colors. But the real differences are in composition and other characteristics.
So red oils are Dexron. There are both mineral and synthetic versions. Mixing them is prohibited.
This entire line belongs to the general ATF class. The yellow group is products mainly for Mercedes. Greens are the favorite products of Peugeot, Citroen and other manufacturers.
Many argue about whether to fill in the power steering "synthetics" or "mineral water". These questions are fundamentally wrong. In this system - a huge number of rubber seals and other details. Synthetics have a bad effect on rubber made from natural materials. It is recommended to use only mineral products.
