MONITORING FLUID OF MCLAREN CARBON FIBER STEERING WHEEL AND WHEN TO CHANGE IT
Monitoring power steering fluid of Mclaren carbon fiber steering wheel is an easy task anyone can do. And it is equally true that it is often forgotten unless the pump starts to whine and make noise.
Make sure to check your owner’s manual for recommendations on how often to monitor power steering fluid. Given that it is easy, you can check it anytime.
Here are some steps to check your power steering fluid of your aftermarket Mclaren carbon fiber steering wheel.
Find the Power Steering Fluid Reservoir:
The location of this reservoir is different for every vehicle. It is generally a small, clear container with a black cap. Many cars’ reservoirs have marks on the outside as “MAX” or “MIN”. Make sure the fluid level is above the “MIN” mark. However, it shouldn’t be overfilled.
Check Dipstick:
Other cars have marks on the dipstick, requiring you to remove the cap and wipe the dipstick. Reapply the cap, ensuring that it is totally in place.
Check the Fluid Level Again by Removing the Cap:
When you remove the cap again to check the fluid level, you can see marks for “full hot” or “full cold”. So make sure you are seeing the right mark depending on the temperature of your engine.
Add Fluid:
Fill the reservoir to the appropriate level with the fluid if required.
How Often Should You Change Power Steering Fluid
Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for recommendations on how often to change power steering fluid. If the fluid looks dark and dirty, you need to change it right away. Since a power steering fluid is a lubricant, it tends to get accumulated with materials and other debris. Besides, oxidation can affect the fluid. If your power steering fluid wears out, the pump starts to whine and make noise.
Therefore, make sure to replace the fluid if such things occur. Otherwise, replacing the entire pump is costlier.
How to Change Power Steering Fluid
The process is not the same for all vehicles. Therefore, make sure to check your owner’s manual.
Most power-steering systems, though, might have the same process in general.
A high-pressure hose supplies fluid from the power-steering pump to the steering rack. A low-pressure sends the fluid back to the reservoir. The cycle moves on as the engine is running.
Flush the Power Steering System:
This step requires some technical expertise. You also need someone as an aid.
You need to disconnect the low-pressure return hose and get it into a bucket or drain pan. Ask someone to start the engine and turns the steering wheel as far it goes in both directions. This will speed up the pumping of old fluid into the drain pan.
To avoid air from getting into the system, ask a helper to have some bottles of new power steering fluid. Add fluid as required to prevent the reservoir from getting dry.
Once your helper observes the draining of new fluid into the pan, turn off the engine and reconnect the hose. It will help you prevent the air from entering the system.
A Simple Way to Change Power Steering Fluid
Although flushing the entire system is highly recommended, it might lead to hassles.
Make sure to have some rags around the fluid reservoir along with a can to catch the fluid. Utilizing a fluid extraction pump or turkey baster, remove the old fluid and empty it into the can. However, there should be enough fluid left in the reservoir to cover the hose inlets. This will block the entry of air into the system.
Transfer new fluid to the reservoir and start the engine. Make sure to turn the wheel from side to side as far it can go frequently.
Turn off the engine and go through the first three steps again and again unless your fluid is clean.
You can drive the car as normal for a couple of days and repeat unless most of the old fluid is cycled through the system. This is an easy process that can remove much of the “worn out” fluid quickly and efficiently.
Choose Your Power Steering Fluid Wisely
Always prefer the power steering fluid is recommended in your owner’s manual. For example, some vehicles need automatic transmission fluid in the power steering system. Synthetic fluid is said to offer protection against wear and temperature.