How often should you Check the Power Steering Fluid?
#1
How often should you Check the Power Steering Fluid?
Hi Guys
How often should you Check the Power Steering Fluid?
I think I last Checked it in July when I got 'Cherry Blossom' back on the road but when I Checked it today, the Power Steering Reservoir was Empty OMG!
After I took the Cap off, I looked down the filler and couldn't see any Power Steering Fluid at all.
All I could see was metal.
Although I know how to check the Power Steering Fluid, how often should you Check it and how often should it need topping up?
How often should you Check the Power Steering Fluid?
I think I last Checked it in July when I got 'Cherry Blossom' back on the road but when I Checked it today, the Power Steering Reservoir was Empty OMG!
After I took the Cap off, I looked down the filler and couldn't see any Power Steering Fluid at all.
All I could see was metal.
Although I know how to check the Power Steering Fluid, how often should you Check it and how often should it need topping up?
#2
Join Date: Mar 2008
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orangeblossom (08-27-2017)
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#7
There wasn't anything left to Flush but the Power Steering was still working, so I hope I caught it in time.
Like yourself I check all (nearly all) the Fluids before I go out but I've Never Checked the Gearbox! (don't know how to do it)
But from now on, I will also Check the Power Steering every time I open the Bonnet/Hood.
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#8
Hi Paul
There wasn't anything left to Flush but the Power Steering was still working, so I hope I caught it in time.
Like yourself I check all (nearly all) the Fluids before I go out but I've Never Checked the Gearbox! (don't know how to do it)
But from now on, I will also Check the Power Steering every time I open the Bonnet/Hood.
There wasn't anything left to Flush but the Power Steering was still working, so I hope I caught it in time.
Like yourself I check all (nearly all) the Fluids before I go out but I've Never Checked the Gearbox! (don't know how to do it)
But from now on, I will also Check the Power Steering every time I open the Bonnet/Hood.
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orangeblossom (08-30-2017)
#9
OB, you do you have a manual or automatic? if automatic there should be a dip stick near the rear of the engine, mine here in the States is on the right side. to check it proper the car should be at normal operating temp and the transmission in park, the marking on the fluid stick are like those on the oil stick
#10
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orangeblossom (08-30-2017)
#11
#12
I habe a check list that I do every so and so days...
Oils: engine oil, brake fluid and PAS fluid every 2 weeks
Waters: every week (coolant and wiper washer water) with a top up
Tyre pressure: every time I tank up
That ismbasically how I learnt it and how I do it...
When a fluid level gets too low, top it up. If it empties within that time, something is wrong.
I also check under my car every mor ing, incase of leaks... Neber when I just park up, as the XJ always loses loads of condensation from the AC which looks like coolant...
Oils: engine oil, brake fluid and PAS fluid every 2 weeks
Waters: every week (coolant and wiper washer water) with a top up
Tyre pressure: every time I tank up
That ismbasically how I learnt it and how I do it...
When a fluid level gets too low, top it up. If it empties within that time, something is wrong.
I also check under my car every mor ing, incase of leaks... Neber when I just park up, as the XJ always loses loads of condensation from the AC which looks like coolant...
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orangeblossom (08-30-2017)
#13
I habe a check list that I do every so and so days...
Oils: engine oil, brake fluid and PAS fluid every 2 weeks
Waters: every week (coolant and wiper washer water) with a top up
Tyre pressure: every time I tank up
That ismbasically how I learnt it and how I do it...
When a fluid level gets too low, top it up. If it empties within that time, something is wrong.
I also check under my car every mor ing, incase of leaks... Neber when I just park up, as the XJ always loses loads of condensation from the AC which looks like coolant...
Oils: engine oil, brake fluid and PAS fluid every 2 weeks
Waters: every week (coolant and wiper washer water) with a top up
Tyre pressure: every time I tank up
That ismbasically how I learnt it and how I do it...
When a fluid level gets too low, top it up. If it empties within that time, something is wrong.
I also check under my car every mor ing, incase of leaks... Neber when I just park up, as the XJ always loses loads of condensation from the AC which looks like coolant...
Cheers!
I am just going to do a ATF Fluid Check with Photos on my 'Cherry Blossom' restoration Thread.
#14
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Way back when, Dad taught my brother and I the army way. "Motor Stables". Saturday AM. As a soldier, he worked Saturday AM. but, after lunch/dinner, we did the family car. First one, a 38 Dodge, then a 50 Pontiac. Each basic cars. Water, oil and brake fluid. Done.
I followed that practice for decades. But, recently, have tailed off to more like once a month. Line 'em up in the drive. Bonnet and hood open.
1. Coolant.
2. Brake fluid
3. Oil level
4. Power steering.
5. Windshield wash fluid. Jeep only. Jag system refuses to work.
And, now auto trans fluid.
Up to now, neither car leaked much of any thing. Jag PS did go low?
And Jeep now enjoys a quart of oil on occasion.
Carl
I followed that practice for decades. But, recently, have tailed off to more like once a month. Line 'em up in the drive. Bonnet and hood open.
1. Coolant.
2. Brake fluid
3. Oil level
4. Power steering.
5. Windshield wash fluid. Jeep only. Jag system refuses to work.
And, now auto trans fluid.
Up to now, neither car leaked much of any thing. Jag PS did go low?
And Jeep now enjoys a quart of oil on occasion.
Carl
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orangeblossom (08-30-2017)
#15
#16
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FWIW....
I check trans fluid level with the fluid HOT. Not warm.
ATF expands quite a bit when hot. Drive the car 10-15 miles before the fluid check. Then top-off right to the 'max' line on the stick.
Or....
If you check it with the fluid just warm don't top off right to the 'max' line on the stick. Leave the level slightly low...maybe mid-way between the minimum and maximum lines.
Either way, be consistent. If you switch methods you'll go a little nuts
Cheers
DD
I check trans fluid level with the fluid HOT. Not warm.
ATF expands quite a bit when hot. Drive the car 10-15 miles before the fluid check. Then top-off right to the 'max' line on the stick.
Or....
If you check it with the fluid just warm don't top off right to the 'max' line on the stick. Leave the level slightly low...maybe mid-way between the minimum and maximum lines.
Either way, be consistent. If you switch methods you'll go a little nuts
Cheers
DD
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#17