What does power steering fluid actually do?
You know that feeling when you’re zig-zagging through traffic on Te Rapa Road or tackling those potholes around Dinsdale or Hamilton East, and the steering just feels heavy, or a bit off? Nine times out of ten, your power steering fluid is a big part of what makes the wheel easy to turn, especially in all that stop-start, roundabout-heavy Hamilton driving. It’s basically the lifeblood of the power steering system – a hydraulic liquid that makes it way easier to turn the wheel whether you drive a Mazda Demio, a Toyota Aqua, or even something less common like a Citroën C4 Picasso. Doesn’t matter if you’re ducking around Morrinsville, popping over to Cambridge or just cruising about Nawton, if your power steering fluid’s not happy, neither is your steering.
What’s this stuff actually do? It keeps the steering system running smooth and almost effortless, helping you with all the tight car park turns outside The Base or when you’re dodging all those speed bumps in western suburbs. Power steering fluid not only pushes hydraulic pressure where it needs to go, it lubes up everything inside so you don’t end up with bits grinding away. If you’re low on fluid, or it’s gone all manky, your pump can cop it or seals might let go – you don’t want that bill.
What wrecks your power steering fluid?
Contaminated or Old Fluid
Seen plenty of people roll in with all sorts of cars – Honda Odysseys, Hyundai Santa Fes, even the occasional Isuzu MU-X – and we always spot it when the fluid’s turned dark brown, looks grotty, or smells burnt. This happens over time, and even more so if you’re smashing around Hamilton’s back streets, hitting kerbs, or doing heaps of low-speed turning over in Flagstaff or Rototuna. Old or dirty fluid will let fine metal or rubber bits circulate, which doesn’t do the system any favours. You might notice the steering getting heavier, maybe a weird whine or groan when you turn the wheel, or just that it hasn’t been changed in yonks. If it’s been more than two years, best get us to check for leaks and contamination.
Leaks in the Power Steering System
Found a little puddle of reddish or brown fluid under your Mazda Axela or your Suzuki Swift after parking up at Chartwell? Could be your power steering system springing a leak, usually from hoses, seals or the pump itself. Loss of fluid means you’ll feel the steering getting rough, hear creaks or groans out front, and honestly, it won’t take long to do some real damage if you don’t catch it fast.
Damaged Pump or Hoses
Now and then, one of our techs is under the bonnet of someone’s Skoda Superb or Kia Carnival, tracing out a noisy power steering pump or a burst hose. If you’re getting a nasty whine when you turn (sometimes confused with a noisy drive belt), or fluid’s dripping underneath, or the steering just goes dead-heavy, it’s time for a look. Don’t ignore it just because you can still steer – if the pump or hoses let go, things get expensive in a hurry.
How do you know your power steering fluid needs changing?
Here’s what everyday Hamilton drivers usually spot:
- Steering’s getting stiff: Feels like you’re arm-wrestling the wheel, especially when doing 3-point turns on Grey Street.
- Weird noises: Any groan, whine, or squeal from the front end while turning is your car’s way of shouting for help.
- Steering wheel shakes: Bit of a vibration or judder, especially at slower speeds or pulling in and out of places like Frankton Pak’nSave.
- Obvious leaks: Fresh fluid (not engine oil!) where you’ve parked – never a good sign.
- Less power steering help: Just feels heavy and slow, nothing like it used to be.
You don’t need to be a car nut to know something’s not right – if your car isn’t steering like it used to, bring it in. We’ll give it a look and let you know where you stand.
Power Steering Fluid Flushes in Hamilton
Here at Grimmer Motors, we sort heaps of power steering issues, from full flushes (getting rid of dirty old stuff and pumping in fresh fluid) to full-on repairs of pumps, hoses or drive belts. Whether you drive a Nissan X-Trail from Tamahere or a Peugeot 3008 that does the school run around Hillcrest, keeping your power steering fluid fresh means a smoother drive and less risk of big repair bills. Our team knows Hamilton roads, and we can spot the common NZ car problems well before they get ugly.
If you want your power steering system humming, just like when it rolled out of the factory, give us a buzz. Fast, easy, genuine car service Hamilton – that’s what we’re here for.