America Top 10

  • Home
  • Find A Top 10 List
  • News & Information
  • Our History
  • Contact Us

Checking Your Power Steering Fluid

July 18, 2016 By Elizabeth Leave a Comment

A hydraulic power-steering system, found in most cars, enables the driver to turn the steering wheel without much effort. If your car has this feature and you’ve noticed that it has been becoming more and more difficult for you to turn the wheel and you’ve been hearing a high-pitched whining noise while steering, then it’s time to check, first and foremost,  your power steering fluid.

power-steering-fluid

The power-steering system consists of several items though and hence, you should check them too from time to time. This includes a rack and pinion connected to the front wheels; a piston inside the rack and pinion, which is moved by pressurized fluid from the power-steering pump that helps to turn the wheels; and a cylinder containing fluid mounted on the pump or remotely mounted for easier access.

First step is to locate the reservoir cylinder. The power steering fluid can be found in this cylindrical reservoir near the power steering pump or remotely located with hoses from the pump, and should be clearly labeled.

In some cases you may be able to see the fluid level inside the cylinder, especially if it is made out of transparent or translucent plastic. If the reservoir cylinder is made of metal however, you will  have to check the fluid level using a dipstick, which is usually attached to the cap of the cylinder. To do this, first wipe off any excess fluid from the dipstick when you first took it out from the cylinder and then reinsert it as far down as it will go and pull it out again.

Examine the color of the power-steering fluid too. Good power-steering fluid should be clear, amber or pinkish in color.  If the power-steering fluid is brown or black, it has been contaminated with bits of rubber and this should prompt you to take your car to a mechanic.

Finally, add power-steering fluid as needed to the correct fill level. Be sure though to use only the power-steering fluid that is recommended for your car and to not  overfill your power-steering unit.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Random Fact

Cats have 32 muscles in each ear.

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Twitter

Related Information

<?php echo Easy Wicking Tubs; ?>

Easy Wicking Tubs

June 18, 2019 By Elizabeth

<?php echo What is a Neurologist; ?>

What is a Neurologist

June 16, 2019 By Elizabeth

<?php echo Birdhouses from Recycled Material; ?>

Birdhouses from Recycled Material

June 14, 2019 By Elizabeth

<?php echo Rained In? Go to the Library!; ?>

Rained In? Go to the Library!

June 12, 2019 By Elizabeth

<?php echo Benefits to Brow Threading; ?>

Benefits to Brow Threading

June 9, 2019 By Elizabeth

About America Top 10

It is all thanks to you! We never envisioned when America Top 10 launched way back in 2011 that we would come this far this fast. And it is all thanks to you. You have made America Top 10 the successful resource it is for tens of thousands of people like you every single day.

And we cherish all the wise advice, suggestions, questions, and comments you send us every day even if we do not get a chance to get back with every single one. We take pride in helping people find trustworthy sources in their local areas and we hope to keep doing this for a very long time.

Recent Articles

  • Nerve Neuropathy
  • Easy Wicking Tubs
  • What is a Neurologist
  • Birdhouses from Recycled Material
  • Rained In? Go to the Library!

Search

Copyright © 2022 America Top 10. All Rights Reserved.