Call (650) 394-5374 for a quote
What the service is
Hydraulic power steering uses a belt-driven pump to push fluid through the steering rack, which is what makes the wheel easy to turn at parking speed. The fluid lubricates the pump and the rack seals and carries heat away from both. As it ages it darkens, picks up wear particles, and loses the additives that protect the seals.
Why it matters
A power steering pump running on old fluid whines, gets stiff on cold mornings, and eventually fails. Rack seals that dry out start leaking, and a steering rack is a far more expensive repair than a fluid service. Fresh fluid keeps the steering quiet and light and keeps the pump alive.
When it is due
Most owner's manuals do not list a mileage for power steering fluid, and the ones that do often say around 50,000 miles or to check the condition at each service. We check the reservoir at every oil change and top it off at no charge. When the fluid is dark or the pump has started to whine, that is when an exchange makes sense.
Signs you need it
- A whine or groan from under the hood when you turn the wheel, especially cold
- Steering that feels heavier than it used to at parking speed
- Fluid in the reservoir that looks dark brown or black instead of clear amber or red
- A steering wheel that jerks or catches when turning slowly
- Fluid drips under the front of the car or a reservoir that keeps running low
What is included
- Fluid condition check in the reservoir before we recommend anything
- Removal of the old power steering fluid
- Refill with the fluid your manufacturer specifies, set to the correct level
- Visual check of the pump, hoses, and rack boots for leaks
- Lock-to-lock steering check before you leave
What it looks like in practice
Say you drive a 2009 pickup with 130,000 miles and the steering has started groaning when you back out of the driveway in the morning. The reservoir fluid is nearly black. An exchange brings the fluid back to clear amber and the groan usually goes with it. If the groan stays, the pump itself is on its way out, and we tell you that instead of selling you a second exchange.
If your car has electric power steering, there is no fluid to change and we will tell you so.
Power Steering Fluid Exchange questions
How do I know if my car has hydraulic or electric power steering?
Look for a small reservoir under the hood with a steering wheel symbol on the cap. If you find one, your steering is hydraulic and has fluid. If there is no reservoir, the steering is electric and there is nothing to service. We can check in seconds during your oil change.
Can I just top off the power steering fluid?
Yes, and we do that free at every oil change. A top-off is right when the level is slightly low and the fluid is clean. When the fluid is dark, an exchange is the fix.
How much does a power steering fluid change cost?
It depends on the fluid your system requires and its capacity. Call (650) 394-5374 with your year, make, and model for a quote.
Power Steering Fluid Exchange at Perfect Lube, San Carlos
Perfect Lube is the family-owned drive-thru at 1792 El Camino Real in San Carlos, open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 5, no appointment. Most people get this service checked during a 10-minute drive-thru oil change, and our coupons apply to any oil change on the same visit. Call (650) 394-5374 and we will quote your vehicle over the phone.
