What is Power Steering Fluid - Working and Types Explained

The power steering fluid allows you to turn and steer your vehicle without much effort, thereby maintaining a smooth driving experience. Keep scrolling to know more about power steering fluid, types and how it works.

What Is Power Steering Fluid in a Car?

Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that generates pressure to ease the turning of wheels of a car and ensures smooth and effortless driving in turn. It connects the front wheels to the steering wheel mechanically, ensuring that a driver has to apply less force to turn a vehicle.

This hydraulic fluid is kept in a white or yellow container labelled “steering fluid” or “power steering”. This reservoir is located in the engine bay, which is mostly present on the passenger's side and, at times, on the driver's side.

What Does Power Steering Fluid Do?

The steering fluid performs the following functions:

Comparatively reduces the effort a driver has to put into rotating the steering wheel to manoeuvre a vehicle.
It ensures the smooth operation of a vehicle by reducing foaming to a considerable extent.
The fluid serves as a lubricant for different parts of a steering so that they do not wear out while operating.
It protects gears and pumps present in a power steering system from corrosion to increase their longevity and ensure their smooth functioning.

How Does Power Steering Fluid Work?

There are similarities in the working principles of steering fluid and brake systems. A steering fluid serves as a hydraulic link between the steering wheel and the front wheels of a car. There are belts and pulleys that the engine uses to pump the hydraulic fluid into the pinion from the fluid reservoir.

As soon as a driver turns a steering wheel, the hydraulic fluid starts flowing via the piston, aiding the car to move in a chosen direction. This amplifies the power put in by a driver and ensures a smooth turn.

As soon as the driver turns the steering wheel back straight, the rotary valve of the fluid chamber closes. This disrupts the fluid flow and moves the piston back to its original position. When the replacement time of a steering fluid nears, you can still drive your vehicle, but you will have to put extra force.

What Are the Types of Power Steering Fluid?

The types of steering fluid are as follows:

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF): These fluids can be used for both power steering systems and automatic transmissions. Vehicles manufactured before the 21st century use this type of steering fluid. They are generally red, pink, amber or green in colour so that they can be clearly differentiated from other fluids and oils used in vehicles. The composition of these oils is well-suited for enhancing the performance of automatic transmissions.
Universal Power Steering Fluid: These are mainly used in modern-day vehicles. They have a vehicle-specific composition that enhances their performance individually. These are easily available in the market.
Synthetic-based Hydraulic Fluid: These fluids are mainly composed of base oils that are chemically produced, which makes them stable to oxidation and increases their biodegradability. They can maintain their fluidity at all temperatures. However, they are extremely toxic and expensive.

Also, they are not compatible with all types of sealing materials. Modern-day vehicles extensively use these fluids. Scientists specifically design them keeping in mind the requirements of specific vehicles.

When Should You Change the Power Steering Fluid?

It would be best if you change your vehicle's power stability fluid as soon as you start noticing the following:

If you notice difficulty in steering while driving your vehicle, you must replace the steering fluid immediately.
While driving, you can sometimes experience a jerk or vibration in the steering wheel, signalling you to refill steering oil.
While turning the wheels of your vehicle, you can at times hear a squealing noise, indicating you should change the steering oil sooner.
There is a sharp colour change in steering oil from red or pink to brown and frothy, indicating its immediate replacement in the near future.
At times, you can observe leakage in the power steering rack, due to which the entire steering fuel leaks. Then you must refill fluid at the earliest.

Now that you have a clear idea about a power steering fluid, replacing it at the right time is essential. If not done, you might have to exert extra energy on a steering wheel to ensure smooth drivability of a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does power steering fluid last?

A steering fluid can last up to 50,000 Km to 7,50,000 Km or for 2 to 5 years. After that, you must replace them to drive your vehicle smoothly and with minimal effort.

How can you change power steering fluid?

Following are the steps by which you can change a steering fluid on your own:

Lift up the front of your car and support it using a jack stand.
Open the cap of the fluid reservoir attached to power steering pump and empty the remaining fluid.
Disconnect the drain system and return line attached to the steering pump.
Fill the steering fluid reservoir with fresh fluid.
Reconnect the return line with the drain system.
Put the cap on and inspect carefully for leaks.

Why standardizations and specifications are important for power steering fluid?

ISO has set certain standards regarding the steering fluids. With the help of specifications mentioned, you can determine its viscosity as well as additives and detergents present in them. This allows you to choose the right steering fluid for your vehicle.