Does power steering fluid ever actually need to be changed? Yes I know, the owner’s manual maintenance schedule does not have it listed.
It is a hydraulic fluid just like transmission fluid right? So isn’t it just as susceptible to breakdown / contamination?
Just curious.
jmw
Exactly!
Tester
It has less stress imposed on it than transmission fluid, therefore lasts longer.
Yes, I would change it every 60,000-70,000- miles or so or when any work is done on my steering system. It’s important to check the level regularly, since many systems develop small leaks that may go unnoticed.
I don’t think it gets as hot as fluid in the transmission. Note that at least some auto manufacturers specify the same fluid as used in the transmissions
Every 100,000 miles, maybe, but it’s under far less stress/heat than the transmission fluid.