Power Steering Fluid Change
Hydraulic power steering uses oil under pressure to make the wheel light. Over the years it picks up wear particles and goes dark, and old fluid shortens the life of the pump and rack. Many newer cars have electric steering with no fluid at all, so we first confirm which yours has.
From AED 99Written quote after diagnosis, before work startsConvenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- 45-90 minutes
- Pickup and delivery from your door
- Convenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- Diagnosis free with repair
How we do power steering fluid change
- 1
Confirm the steering type and fluid
We check whether the car has hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or fully electric steering, and the fluid your handbook lists, before we touch the reservoir.
- 2
Inspect for leaks and noise
Hoses, rack boots and the pump are inspected with the engine running. A leak found at this stage is quoted separately.
- 3
Drain and flush
The old fluid is removed from the reservoir and return line, new fluid is added and the wheel is turned lock to lock with the engine running until the fluid coming out is clean.
- 4
Bleed and verify
Air is bled out until the fluid level is stable and the pump runs quietly. We test the feel on a short drive and re-check the level when cold.
Signs it is time
- A whining or groaning noise when you turn the wheel, especially at full lock
- Steering feels heavy, notchy or stiff when cold
- Fluid in the reservoir is dark brown, black or foamy
- A slow leak, or damp patches on the steering rack boots
- Steering wheel judders when parked or turned at low speed
- No recorded change since you bought the car
What usually causes it
Fluid contamination
Tiny rubber particles from seals and metal dust from the pump circulate. The fluid darkens and lubricates less well.
Air in the system
Low level or a leak lets air in. Foam makes the pump whine and the steering feel uneven.
Leaking hose or rack seal
A damp high-pressure hose or weeping rack seal slowly loses fluid. Topping up without finding the leak just hides it.
Wrong fluid in the system
Some cars need a specific power steering fluid, others use ATF or a synthetic. Using the wrong one can swell seals.
In Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
Parking-lot manoeuvring at full lock puts the pump under high load, and under-bonnet heat degrades the fluid and hoses. Many steering-rack leaks we see begin at heat-hardened high-pressure hoses, so a fluid service is also a good moment to inspect them.
Questions about power steering fluid change
Does every car have power steering fluid?
No. Many modern cars use electric power steering, which has no fluid. We tell you at once if yours does not need this service.
Will new fluid cure a leak?
No, though it can mask a leak for a while. If the fluid level falls again, we find the leak and quote it rather than adding stop-leak additives.
Is the whining noise dangerous?
It is a warning. A pump running low or with foamy fluid wears quickly, and a failure means very heavy steering, so have it checked early.
How often should the fluid be changed?
Many manufacturers give no interval, but a change every 60,000 to 100,000 km or when the fluid is dark helps the pump and rack last.
Can the pump be damaged if I keep driving with a whine?
Yes. A pump starved of fluid or fed foamy fluid runs hot and wears its vanes. Replacing a pump costs far more than a fluid service, so act when the noise first starts.
Do you service electric power steering too?
There is no fluid to change on a fully electric system. If you have a steering warning or heaviness on one, we scan the steering module and check the sensors and column instead.
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