Power steering fluid... when to change?

[crazygrrrl]

Help me, guys! I feel stupid for asking this question, but when does the power steering fluid need to be flushed? Is it every 20 K miles or 30 K miles or what? The owner's manual doesn't mention it at all!

Thanks.

[Red2K1]

Well, I am a bit compulsive about these things and I change mine every year or 20,000 miles which ever comes first. Some folks never change it and get by.

I can tell you this, in my Aerostar the power steering pump was making a horrible noise at about 40,000 miles. Took it to two different dealers and both said the same thing -- must replace the pump and possibly the steering rack. I flushed the steering system with new fluid. The noise disappeared. After 122,000 miles I have the same pump and rack.

[chas]

hmm.. haynes doesnt seem to mention any particular interval. but since its similar to automatic transmission fluid (its used as a hydraulic fluid, for cooling and lubrication) treat it as transmission fluid. every 30k miles.

[Dominic]

I've never had a problem with it going bad, but when you do the 30K tuneup it might be a good idea to check it. So long that the fluid is topped off and stays in good looking condition I don't see why it would need changing for 60-100K. The main thing is keeping it topped off.