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?

 

If the system is 100% leak free you could get by with never checking it !

Mine leaks a fair bit so I check it every 7-10 days.

Top off. Check it in a couple days. If no more fluid is needed then check it again in a week, then two weeks, then a month.

Cheers
DD

 

OB,

Check and Top Up? Often and Never!

As in I check the fluid level every time I open the bonnet as I do with the engine oil, coolant, gearbox and washer fluid. However, I've never added any fluid to the PAS in 15 years! Perhaps it's time to flush and change it?

Paul

 

I check all fluids weekly. But I think my kitty and I are still in this transition period of developing the full and unconditional trust between each other. PS fluid was low immediately after I got the car, but after I topped it off I never had to add more. Yet

 

Cheers Doug

Maybe mine will be the same, I'll keeps a check on it.

 

Hi v1rok

I'm keeping a very close eye on it from now on.

 

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.

 

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

 

Hi daverb She's an Auto but should the engine be running or not when I check it?

 

OB,

Yes, engine running, box warm, cycle through all positions of box at rest a number of times, return to Park, jump out and check level.

Cheers

Paul

 

Hi Paul

Cheers!

Will do.

 

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...

 

Hi Daim

Cheers!

I am just going to do a ATF Fluid Check with Photos on my 'Cherry Blossom' restoration Thread.

 

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

 

Hi Carl

Cheers!

I Check Coolant

Brake Fluid

Oil Level

Every Time I go out

But from now on will be adding: Power Steering and Auto Transmission Fluid Checking to that list.

 

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

 

Hi Doug

Cheers!

But I did warm her up until She got HOT if you see what I mean but those Dipstick Marks can really do your head in.

So in order to make it easier, at least for myself I'm taking 1/2 up the Dipstick when HOT to be OK.