The most neglected fluid
By Dana TePoel

In my 35 years of repairing and maintaining automobiles and light trucks, I cannot recall ever seeing an owner’s manual recommend “replace power steering fluid” … so why do it?

The likelihood that you will experience a catastrophic power-steering failure requiring a gear replacement is dramatically increased if you have allowed worn-out, oxidized and contaminated fluid to operate your system. This repair can be north of $2,000 in some vehicles. A basic power steering service costs about $75 and should be done around 45,000 miles if you’re a severe driver (frequent stop-and-go conditions, with considerable in-town driving and frequent maneuvering of the car, putting extra strain on the power-steering system).

Vehicles today, with proper maintenance and care, last hundreds of thousands of miles. At those higher mileages, we see the effects of how well we maintained our power steering system over the life of our vehicle.

You can delay the service until 60,000 miles if you spend less time in tight spots such as parking lots. To me, this is a no brainer … I’m replacing my fluid at 45,000 to 60,000 miles for the life of my vehicle, and then using the money I save to go fishing!


Check it out:
  • Power steering fluid undergoes more operating pressure—2,000 pounds—more than any other lubricant in a gasoline-powered vehicle.
  • Your fluid will eventually oxidize (breakdown by combining with oxygen and moisture from the air) and lose lubricity (become less slippery). Neither is good.
  • Wear from internal components slowly contaminate your fluid. These tiny bits of metal cause accelerated wear on the inside of your vehicle’s system and begin to score (put tiny scratches on) the housing and Teflon seals. Even the tiniest scratches can create big problems. There is no filter in your power steering system to capture these contaminates and debris from gear and hosing wear. Until somebody invents a filter, the next best solution is a flush.

Dana TePoel, is an ASE-certified master technician and the owner and founder of Lake Arbor Automotive & Truck, 9146 Marshall Pl., Westminster. 303-429-7700, www.lakearborauto.com.

Lake Arbor Automotive & Truck is a AAA-approved repair facility (AAR) facility.



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