Unless it is dark or smells burnt, just make sure it is up to the correct level. If it isn’t broke, don't fix it. It's one of the few items people don’t bother to change but remember the fluid is hydroscopic and will absorbs water so needs to be changed every two years.
I don't think there is any more than one kind of power steering fluid. I've only ever seen one.
I would say most likely HEAT! Does the power steering unit have a cooler? When you changed the power steering unit previously did you replace, not replenish, replace the fluid? Usually pwer steering pumps run a long time but once the fluid gets contaminated, either with dirt, debris or the lubricants are cooked out of the fluid then the fluid doesn't keep the seals soft. When the seals get hard the unit leaks and sometimes whines and squeals. I have added Lucas Power Steering Additive to some power steering untis that were on thei rlast legs to get them to last awhile longer. It's about $10.00 for a small bottle but it did stop leaks. If your power steering unti is out and you are going to replace it, look into adding a cooler to it, a small condensor that will remove some of the heat from the fluid. Or you could maybe insulate the power steering unit with some sort of insulation material. The power steering unti sometime sits very close to the headers or exhaust manifolds which helps deteriorate the fluid. Power Steering fluid is one of the most overlooked fluids. Many of today scars use transmission fluid for the power steering fluid and if you ever have a transmission get the fluid all hot, you will soon be replacing or repairing the tranny.
My husband says not to worry. He puts it in his truck power-steering fluid frequently. It's best to use PS fluid, but tran fluid can be substituted in a pinch. However, you cannot put PS fluid in the tranny.AnswerActually, Mercon ATF is the recommended power steering fluid for 96' Ford Explorer XLTs. ANSWERno problem at all. its not the best thing in the world.. but it works. just don't ever use power steering fluid in the trans
Anytime I've ever heard a humming noise when turning the steering wheel on any vehicle,It has always been due to low power steering fluid
Check your power steering fluid level , belt tension if ok sounds like you need a new power steering pumpAnother possibilityWas any work ever done to the system? Could be that you have an air lock. Does it have a power steering box or a power steering rack and what sort of mileage has the vehicle done? www.powerbrakeandsteering.co.za
Power steering- low on fluid, low air pressure in tires, bad PS pump. Manual steering, that's the best it will ever be, oh and check the tire pressure.
Power assist steering and Power Steering are the same thing, just difrent names from difrent Manufacturers.
Follow the manufacturer's guide lines, if you have them. As a general rule you should change the fluid every 100,000 miles (or five years, which ever comes first) if it's "long life" fluid or 50,000 miles (or three years, which ever comes first) if it is "conventional" fluid.
Have your steering box inspected by a mechanic.
Cars need maintenance to work their best. Every 3,000 to 5000 miles the oil and oil filter needs changed. The air-filter, power steering fluid, and fuel filter need to be checked and replaced ever 15,000 to 30,000 miles. The spark plugs and battery should be checked and replaced every 40,000 miles while the brake pads, brake fluid, timing belt, tires, and power steering fluid should be checked and replaced every 60,000 miles.
It is possible a family of mice have nested there and that is the squeaking sound you here. that is the most stupidest answer ever if u don't know the answer u shouldn't open your mouth....
The fluid is burnt and has been overheated or in service too long. You may come out by draining the fluid from a hose connection at the lowest point of the PS system. Close drain. and refill with transmission fluid. Idle engine for 20 minutes and ocassionalyy turn steering wheel full left and right. any improvement? Drain fluid again and fill again with trans fluid, Improved? Replace with PS fluid. I've used transmission fluid in my Chevy van PS for twenty years but can't say you should do the same.THE FLUID DID NOT TURN BLACK IT HAS TURNED TO A LIGHT COLOR PINK BUT THE OTHER PROBLEMS YOU HAVE DESCRIBED IS DEAD ON. I WILL TRY WHAT YOU HAVE PRESCIBED. I WILL POST THE RESULTS WHEN I CORRECT THE PROBLEM.what ever you do DONT use tranny fluid in the power steering you must use PS fluid only unless you want to go through the proces of flushing your whole system repetedly because if any transmission fluid gets mixed with your PS fluid it becomes foamy and you will then have air in your lines.Ford specifically specifies Mercon V transmission fluidfor use in the power steering system.See "Related Questions" below for more