GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

The guys who change the oil say I need to have power steering fluid changed...how often should this be done?

It is a closed system pretty much. Not much outside contaminants. Some people will just suck out the fluid from the reservoir and fill it up with new fluid. then cycle the steering a few times to move the fluid around. Then repeat a few more times or until the fluid looks better.I don't remember seeing anything anywhere in the scheduled service listing to replace the PS fluid. Just like the brake fluid. But people do it anyway.If it makes you feel "good" then go ahead. It may be only a mental thing but I need all the help I can get in that department.

it's not a scam.. just because it's a closed system doesn't mean it don't need service...The braking system is closed and it needs service... a good time table for changing it is every 6-7years.Every fluid has a life span. Do people not change it, sure. Does it hurt not to change it, most likely not. Does it hurt to change it to give yourself piece of mind knowing you won't have to worry about it for another 7 years or so and that you are doing everything you can to make your components last as long as you feel they should, sure.

I am always suspicious of the "guys" who change the oil, particularly Midas, Jiffy Lube etc. Even if a change in 6-7 years is prudent, why change a 2006 in 2011.And you can bet the cost is not "pennies".I went to the doctor last week - he suggested that at age 68 it was time to think about changing my cranial fluids. After all, every fluid has a life span.

Avoid the Wallet Flushhttp://autos.aol.com/article/fluid-flush-fallacy/http://theautoprophet.blogspot....htmlhttp://www.50plus.com/lifestyl.../2268/http://repairpal.com/power-ste...s-412http://www.bimmernut.com/forum....html

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Even if a change in 6-7 years is prudent, why change a 2006 in 2011.And you can bet the cost is not "pennies".I went to the doctor last week - he suggested that at age 68 it was time to think about changing my cranial fluids. After all, every fluid has a life span. The car may have 200k miles on it... it was a general statement to answer the question. Granted it may not need it now, but IMO it will need it. I was simply expressing my thoughts on the matter.Pennies no, but a few bucks if you DIY it, yes. You can buy a quart of Amsoil for 12bucks.LOL at the cranial fluid... I needed the giggle.Quote, originally posted by wt2ga »Avoid the Wallet Flushhttp://autos.aol.com/article/fluid-flush-fallacy/http://theautoprophet.blogspot....htmlhttp://www.50plus.com/lifestyl.../2268/http://repairpal.com/power-ste...s-412http://www.bimmernut.com/forum....htmlI don't even need to click the links to know what they are about... people saying you don't need it... great... If one spent the money to get the fluid checked by a lab one would know what the true condition of the fluid is in.I'll spend the money DIYing it and have my piece of mind knowing I am doing everything I can to make my car last as long as I can.

Well there are alot of opinons on this. I'd say depends on the how many miles, how old, where you live and how you drive. It your getting over 100Kmiles on the car (with normal driving) then I beleive it's a good thing. If you live in a dusty part of the country or travel dirt roads often then 70K miles would be good start. Look at the fluid yourself is it clean and clear or gritty and dark? Some of those place do those do those nice little comparisions with new fluids and yours. Those are pressure tatics and normally will judge it myself away from them. Sure it'll cost $80 but the cost of replacing a powersteering is way more and not to mention any damage done to the rest of the system. If your not sure take it to a trusted mechanic and have them check it. If done right it won't hurt the system and could only help to prolong the life. IMHO

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »I don't even need to click the links to know what they are about...

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »The car may have 200k miles on it... it was a general statement to answer the question. Granted it may not need it now, but IMO it will need it. I was simply expressing my thoughts on the matter.Pennies no, but a few bucks if you DIY it, yes. You can buy a quart of Amsoil for 12bucks.LOL at the cranial fluid... I needed the giggle.I don't even need to click the links to know what they are about... people saying you don't need it... great... If one spent the money to get the fluid checked by a lab one would know what the true condition of the fluid is in.I'll spend the money DIYing it and have my piece of mind knowing I am doing everything I can to make my car last as long as I can.Now that I have a 2009 with electric power steering I guess I can cross that fluid change off my list anyway.My fear would be that the Jiffy Lube types would screw up a power steering fluid change anyway. [My DIY skills are limited to changing the wiper blades and MAYBE the air filter.]

Ok fact is most of those links contradict the info they post.They first say it's a scam, but then say the fluid does need changing as I have already mentioned. Clear as mud.Instead of searching for so called facts, which is in fact just another person's opinion, why not just give your own thoughts on the matter?Just because someone has posted it on the internet doesn't make it fact.I'll give you credit that you can google with the best, but what are your thoughts on the matter?Again, if someone took the time and sent a sample of the fluid to a lab to have it tested they would know for sure if it needs changing.Doing so would cost about 20bucks to get it tested, but me I rather spend the 12 bucks on the new quart and change it.Even on sealed systems lose their hygroscopic properties. Condensation, wear and tear ect... It's not something one would notice right away because it's a slow effect. For example, my buick beater car that is 20 years old with 103,000miles on it and most likely didn't ever have the powersteering fluid changed. Should i change it now? Would it matter? I wouldn't know for sure unless i sent out a sample and got it tested.Ultimately it's up to the OP to make the choice. We can go round and round about this topic for weeks and never really come to a clear conclusion that everyone is happy with

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »I went to the doctor last week - he suggested that at age 68 it was time to think about changing my cranial fluids. After all, every fluid has a life span. your body is constantly "changing" fluids. you take in water and nutrients and your body replenishes itself....................a car can not do that........for $10 after 5 years and 60-70k miles I would absolutely at the minimum use the turkey baster method and swap out power steering and brake fluid............brake fluid collects water.....IMHO a lot of this talk about people changing there oil to much now.....ie. some say you should go 10k miles...........is the environmental wackos not wanted the oil used and disposed of..........

I've also got a '96 Corvette with 74,000 miles on it and a power steering fluid change 3 years ago did wonders for the driving feel..a lot of heat under the clam shell hood and the fluid was crappy looking...drain, flush one, one more and button up...a world of difference...

I drain and refill the PS reservoir once a year.
Only takes a few minutes with a piece of thin hose or a small turkey baster.
I flush the brake fluid every 3 years, same time as tire rotation.
Cheap insurance when you D.I.Y.