If you begin having trouble steering due to an especially stiff steering wheel, old, overused power steering fluid or a clogged filter may be to blame.

To prolong your power steering system's life, flush the existing fluid and change the filter when you notice contaminated or old fluid. It might be time to change your power steering filter if it is visibly dirty, clogged, or damaged, or if your power steering fluid is dirty, dark in color, or smells burnt. These clogs can lead to partial or complete power steering failure, and result from debris and contaminants like rust, metal or rubber particles, and more entering the power steering fluid often through cracks or leaks in power steering hoses. The filter also prevents particles from clogging the power steering pump, system hoses, and other system components. Your steering filter keeps the power steering system clean and prevents potential failure.

When to Change Your Power Steering FilterĪ power steering filter is responsible for protecting your power steering system by preventing harmful debris and contaminants that have formed or leaked into the power steering fluid from entering the power steering pump.