Power Steering Fluid Change in Berkeley
Oceanworks provides comprehensive auto maintenance services and repairs in Berkeley, CA. Among our services we offer power steering fluid change. We normally don’t think about it – we just turn the steering wheel – but power steering is a marvelous invention. It allows us to easily control cars, SUVs, pickup trucks – without it we would be working much harder every time we sit behind the steering wheel. To keep power steering functioning well we need to change power steering fluid from time to time.
What is the proper interval for changing power steering fluid?
Well… you may see different numbers. Typically you will see websites claim that you should change power steering fluid every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Some claim that every 30,000 miles is the way to go. In our experience, there is no set number than could be applied to all vehicles. The best place to look for answers is the owner’s manual for your vehicle. If you cannot find an answer there, there are a few rules of thumb to go by:
Any time you encounter steering difficulties, it’s time to bring your car for a professional inspection, and power steering fluid change ( aka power steering fluid flush) may be indicated.
If you typically keep your cars for a long time, change power steering fluid every 80,000 miles.
Also, when you turn the steering wheel and hear whining noise, or any loud noise, chances are the power steering fluid is contaminated or at a low level, and should be replaced.
So why does my car need power steering flush?
Most commonly your car will need power steering flush because of fluid contamination or because of a leak. Power steering fluid does not get contaminated as quickly as the engine oil, but it does pick up grime, bits of plastic and metal that come from natural deterioration of the materials used to make the power steering system, and especially the power steering fluid pump. Leaks of course need to be fixed, but they also contribute to the power steering fluid contamination as less fluid is performing lubricating function, so there is more rapid deterioration of the components, and the impurities and grime achieve higher concentration because there is less fluid.
In general, any strange noises or difficulty turning the steering wheel are signals to bring the car in for power steering checkup. And if it has been more about 100,000 miles since the last time your vehicle had power steering fluid change, call our auto repair shop in Berkeley. We will be happy to make an appointment (or you can make one online), and for your peace of mind, all work is covered by our 24 month / 24,000 mile warranty.