2. Add on the extras for any damage to seals and hydraulic pipes and the cost of labour and you can be looking at a final bill of well over 1000. Simply siphon out the old and add fresh fluid. Manouchekian says the service should be done about every two years, while Peck recommends about every 75,000 to 100,000 miles. The manufacture does not recommend using transmission fluid in place of power steering fluid. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. However, If you need to refill your power steering fluid - you may want to consider taking it to a mechanic to have the power steering system inspected. Before you flush your power steering fluid, put on long sleeves, gloves, and safety goggles to protect your eyes and skin. If the steering wheel is locked, you can check the key. This article applies to the Audi A3 (2004-2012). Without proper power steering fluid, you could face dangerous driving conditionsor an outright failure of your power assist steering system. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There is no set lifespan for your cars power steering control unit. If your car is making a whining noise when you turn the wheel, it may be time to check your power steering fluid. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. carolinasbmwmoa.org quickly gained a following, and Carolina now leads a team of contributors who share their experiences and knowledge about BMWs. The excess power steering fluid will sit in the reservoir, and it may or may not be a problem for the car owner. Place your drain pan under the return line. Have your friend turn the wheel back and forth as you pour. Siphon the old fluid from the reservoir and refill with new fluid. Finally, place the cap back on the cylinder. Engine parts are prone to wear We should fill up the power steering as the mark mentioned on the reservoir, or on the dipstick. If the fluid is below the "MIN" line, remove the cap (or leave the dipstick out) and add power steering fluid in small amounts, checking the level after each time. Put a funnel into a jug or bottle so you don't spill the fluid. If you notice that it is more difficult to turn your steering wheel when steering or your power steering makes a whining sound when cornering, it could indicate that reservoir does not have enough fluid. Also, it heats up and expands so, "The most helpful part was that all power steering fluid is the same and the engine should be off. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Flush-Power-Steering-Fluid-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Flush-Power-Steering-Fluid-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Flush-Power-Steering-Fluid-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1390948-v4-728px-Flush-Power-Steering-Fluid-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"