Power steering oil is an essential vehicle component. Why is it important to change it regularly? Car manufacturers currently prescribe more than 10 different types of power steering oil as mandatory. This oil is designed to provide necessary lubrication and protection to the various components of the steering system, such as the steering pump, steering rack and steering gear.
The main properties of power steering oil are:
- Hydraulic steering: By rapidly moving the fluid under high pressure, steering movements will be smoothly and easily transferred to the wheels.
- Lubrication: Power steering oil ensures smooth operation of the moving parts in the power steering system. It reduces friction and wear.
- Heat dissipation: During vehicle operation, heat will build up in the power steering system. Good power steering oil has properties to dissipate heat effectively, preventing overheating and maintaining system performance.
- Protection against corrosion: Power steering oil contains additives, which provide protection against corrosion and rust. This is essential to ensure the durability and longevity of the components in the power steering system.
Now that the properties of power steering oil are known, it is important to understand why regular changes of this oil are necessary. Here are the two main reasons demonstrating why periodic oil changes are crucial:
Contamination: Over time, power steering oil can become contaminated by metal particles and other contaminants caused by wear. These contaminants can cause damage to system components and will adversely affect the performance of the steering system.
Maintaining lubricating properties: Power steering oil can lose its lubricating properties over time. This can lead to excessive friction, wear and damage to system components with consequent negative performance of the steering system.
When to flush and change?
Replacing power steering fluid is usually not included in the car manufacturer's regular maintenance schedule. This is because the risks and potential problems created by poor condition of the fluid often do not occur until relatively higher mileage.
It is recommended to flush and change the power steering oil every 120,000 km. This is the best way to guarantee the properties of the power steering fluid and avoid possible problems caused by metal particles, for example.
You can find the prescribed power steering oil for the specific vehicle on the MPM website.
In summary / tips for the workshop
- Power steering oil becomes contaminated through wear and loses its properties such as lubrication, heat dissipation and corrosion protection.
- It is important to change the power steering oil regularly to prevent damage.
- The interval that can be used is 120,000 km.
- The system should always be flushed to ensure that all old oil and contamination is removed from the system.
- Car manufacturers currently prescribe more than 10 different types of oils for power steering as mandatory. MPM has these product types in its range.
- Consult www.mpmoil.com for the OEM-prescribed power steering oil for your vehicle.
For technical questions:
Please contact MPM Technical Support.
