Steering
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid transmits pressure to assist your steering.
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What it does
- Transmits hydraulic pressure to the rack
- Lubricates the pump and rack
- Transfers heat
When it fails
- Heavy steering
- Whining from the pump
- Leak at the rack or hoses
- Burnt smell
How to diagnose
- Check the level and color
- Look for leaks at boots and hoses
- Listen for pump whine
- Test the belt
Maintenance
- Top up with the correct fluid type
- Flush when dark or burnt
- Fix leaks before the pump dies
Use the diagnosis order. When a part fails, confirm each hypothesis with measurements before replacing anything — codes and symptoms overlap.
Related part
Power Steering Rack
The steering rack converts steering wheel rotation into the left-right movement that turns the wheels.