Does Power Steering Fluid Go Bad?

Does power steering fluid go bad?  The short answer is yes. Power steering fluid, like any fluid in your vehicle, can go bad in two different ways;

How Does Power Steering Fluid Go Bad?

1. Contamination
2. Breakdown

Contamination

Power steering fluid gets contaminated as parts of your system slowly wear out.  Things like bearings, the inside of hoses and gaskets or seals will deposit tiny particles in your fluid.  These particles can be from parts wearing against each other, or just the normal breakdown of the rubber components used in the system over time.  As these particles build up in the fluid it will turn the fluid a darker color so you can tell it is contaminated. As these particles flow around your system with the power steering fluid they can accelerate wear of other components and form clogs in small passages.  If your fluid has become contaminated, perform a power steering fluid flush to renew the fluid and remove the contamination.  When you refill your system, refill your system with BlueDevil Synthetic Power Steering Fluid to keep things working quietly and smoothly.

Breakdown

Besides getting contaminated, power steering fluid can breakdown over time.  Power steering fluid isn’t just oil, it’s a hydraulic fluid with additives to maintain viscosity, prevent foaming, and hold the integrity of the oil.  Over time, these additives can lose their effectiveness and allow foaming or the fluid to get very thin which will accelerate wear in your power steering system requiring you to replace expensive components.  Again, performing a power steering fluid regularly can easily prevent things from happening.

We recommend flushing your power steering fluid every 75,000 miles or 2 years.  You may consider flushing your system more often if you operate your vehicle in severe conditions like temperatures over 100 degrees, stop and go traffic or off-road.

When you’re ready to flush your power steering system, pick up BlueDevil Synthetic Power Steering Fluid at one of your local auto parts stores like:

• AutoZone
• Advance Auto Parts
• Bennett Auto Supply
• CarQuest Auto Parts
• NAPA Auto Parts
• O’Reilly Auto Parts
• Pep Boys
• Fast Track
• Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
• S&E Quick Lube Distributor
• DYK Automotive
• Fisher Auto Parts stores
• Auto Plus Auto Parts stores
• Hovis Auto & Truck Supply stores
• Salvo Auto Parts
• Advantage Auto Stores
• Genuine Auto Parts stores
• Bond Auto Parts stores
• Tidewater Fleet Supply
• Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts
• Any Part Auto Parts
• Consumer Auto Parts

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power_steering_fluid.jpg – By May_Chanikran – Licensed by Getty Images – Original Link