The presence of power steering is hardly possible to surprise the buyers of modern cars. This structural element allows you to control the machine with virtually no problems, but you need to properly care for it. Not all motorists know what liquid is poured into the power steering.

Ensure uninterrupted operation can timely service and careful attitude during operation. When replacing or topping up the fluid, the recommendations of the automaker should be taken into account.

Content

• 1 Functioning node
• 2 Varieties of liquids
• 3 Color Difference
• 4 Replacement period
• 5 Do not save on consumables
• 6 The presence of additives in fluids for power steering
• 7 Conclusion

Node operation

The work of the hydraulic booster in the steering mechanism contributes to the easy control of the steering wheel. The reduction of the force is ensured by a fluid for power steering that is poured inside the hermetic cavity. It receives and transmits force between the pump and the piston. The operation of this mechanism depends on its quality and physicochemical properties. As such a liquid, it is customary to use oils of a certain viscosity with a sufficient amount of auxiliary additives.

The system is filled through an expansion tank connected by a channel to the working cavity. Transfer of oil further to the desired areas involved in the hydraulic pump. Fluid is also used to lubricate steering components and mechanisms. This function reduces the formation of corrosion on the surfaces of parts.

Additional qualities of the gear oil used include heat removal during operation of the rubbing surfaces. So that during all processes there are no losses inherent in the liquid characteristics, manufacturers use additives.

Varieties of liquids

Differentiation between manufacturers with different properties is carried out by color properties. However, the gradation is not always fully observed with different companies. To clarify the properties, it is desirable to read the characteristics in the instructions for use. The distinctive properties include:

• viscosity grade;
• hydraulic characteristics;
• mechanical qualities;
• Chemical properties.

В основе данных масел может быть минеральная или синтетическая жидкость. О том, what oil to fill in the power steering конкретной марки автомобиля, нужно интересоваться у автопроизводителя. Все рекомендации по этому вопросу представлены в инструкции по эксплуатации авто или на сайте автокомпании.

Mineral oil is used to work GUR most often. A large number of rubber elements is provided with high-quality lubricant and does not have time to dry during intensive use. Such a liquid lasts longer on the rubber surface due to its physical properties.

Synthetic oil for power steering is used by automakers in practice less frequently. Special recommendations on its use can be found in the instructions for the car, because such a liquid does not suit all machines in its characteristics. Rubber elements (gaskets, cuffs, seals, etc.) do not always interact with the "synthetics" without serious consequences.

You need to know that mixing dissimilar liquids adversely affects the performance of the hydraulic unit.

Color difference

Most often, with the same type of liquid (“synthetic” or “mineral water”) motorists are guided by its color. Green is usually not mixed with anything, if you pour, then only this color. Yellow with red oil can be used as a topping for each other.

See also: The principle of operation of the power steering

Red color Oil can be found in cars with automatic transmission. It is not often used as a power steering fluid. There are both mineral and synthetic bases for this liquid, even with the same color they can not be mixed together.

Yellow oil often used in power boosters. Due to its versatility, it is used as refilling to red. It is suitable for both "automata" and for the "mechanics".

Green color oils are typical for use in manual transmission, for automatic transmission it is not used. On sale there are green "synthetics" and "mineral water".

Replacement period

In addition to the choice of power steering fluid, it is necessary to adhere to the intervals for its replacement. Often you can hear from drivers that the power steering fluid is not replaceable at all. However, this statement is false.

If applicable Dextronthen the allowable interval will be about 40 thousand kilometers. With such parameters there is a significant development of additives and the loss of physico-chemical characteristics. As a result, there are problems with the handling and predictability of driving.

When flooded Pentosin, mileage can be increased, and you should follow these recommendations:

• if there are no problems, the replacement interval will be 100-120 thousand km;
• in case of detection of deviations in the work, the replacement is carried out on demand;
• visual inspection will help determine the quality of the oil, since a noticeable turbidity or contamination must be accompanied by a fluid upgrade;
• the smell of burnt oil should also lead the car owner to replace the fluid;
• When buying a used car and unknown operating conditions, it is recommended to replace the power steering fluid.

Cost savings can lead to a quick repair of the site, so it is preferable not to bring to the extreme state of the hydraulics.

Do not save on consumables

Selecting a liquid, you must first focus on the quality and well-known brand. In the company stores there will be only official products of manufacturing companies. To save and buy unknown mixtures is not worth it, because the car’s handling directly depends on this node.

See also: How to replace the steering tips and do-it-yourselfers

Low quality liquid has such negative properties:

• Loss of performance due to increased temperature conditions. During operation of the steering mechanism, the temperature rises in a certain period above 100C. Low-quality oil with an insufficient level of additives can significantly reduce the viscosity, as well as "roll up". This circumstance will lead to repeated repairs.
• The formation of harmful fumes adversely affects the health of the driver and passengers. During the heating of the liquid vapor enters the car. If the oil is made under unknown conditions, the fumes can lead to poisoning or suffocation.

When buying, it is desirable to be interested in the availability of quality certificates for products.

The presence of additives in fluids for power steering

Oil is only the basis for the operation of the hydraulic booster. An important role in the total volume is played by the additives that the manufacturer mixes into the liquid. In many ways, the durable and high-quality work of special liquids depends on their properties.

The design of the hydraulic booster has parts from various materials: steel, rubber, fluoroplastic. When operating oils, compatibility with all these surfaces must be considered. It is also important to have an additive that provides the best friction between the mating surfaces.

We also need a component stabilizing viscosity at various temperature conditions. The absence of this type of additives leads to the fact that for a cold oil, the viscosity is excessively high, and for a hot liquid it decreases significantly. This leads to wear in the initial period of work and poor performance during heating.

Sure to the presence of anti-corrosion additivesreducing the formation of corrosion on surfaces. However, the excess of such substances in the composition leads to greater wear rubber products.

It is important that the composition of the fluid for GUR additives, which reduce foaming. After all, the foamed liquid loses its incompressibility, which leads to a delay in reaction to the driver's actions.

Additives used in the recovery of rubber products are used as a supplement. They are based on synthetic oils. Color correction additives are also used.

Conclusion

Car owner must periodically monitor the level and quality of fluid in the power steering, as the parameters affect the safety. When buying a used car, it is desirable to change the oil in the hydraulic booster. You need to buy only quality products in retail stores. When topping up, it is necessary to use liquids with the same characteristics and properties as were originally poured in. “Synthetics” and “mineral water” cannot be mixed.