Poll: Your Power Steering Fluid...How Old is it?

[jamesross530]

I once had a volkswagon with a manual transmission that had didn't require the transmission fluid to ever be changed, it was lubricated for life. I had a friend who does lots of work on German cars drain the fluid.... nasty stuff. After seeing what came out at 100,000 clicks I had a hard time buying that it'd be good "for life." After that I didn't buy the "for life" mantra on anything. I think this baster method sounds solid. I plan on using it on my S70.

[polskamafia mjl]

The baster method is good just like the standard drain and fill is good. However, the modified drain and fill is better just like the true power steering flush is better. If you guys get a chance read about it in the repair database, it's really easy to do.

[micah861]

the baster method is very similer to the "professional" method. at ford we use a bg chemical machine. first we ad a cleaner to the resivore, turn the wheels lock to lock for ten minutes. then you suck out and add new fluid with the hose from the machine. i never had a groan, but i did the flush about 2 weeks ago, and it go even quiter.

[loveMy850]

I can't say that the owners manual is wrong,but it stands to reason,fluids should be changed to be a clean running car,weve all gotten bad gas but at the pump I went in paid,came out and pick up the low grade gas,By Mistake!,tell ya one thing my Volvo did not like it at all...

[Pezgoon]

On Mercedes the transmission is sealed and you cannot change the fluid (on the slk 230 my mother had I dont believe it even had a dipstick to check it) and when asking the dealers about it they say that the only time the fluid is changed is if the transmission is opened (this is on auto's not sure if its the same on manuals) there is no drain plug, no fill plug.

So sometimes the fluid is lifetime (the life of the part anyways maybe not the car)

I agree with tjts1 though, its a selling point

If its got a hole, change it. The VW cabrios of the 90's were known for transmission issues

Its cause there were no dipstick and you had to check the fluid level from the drain/fill hole (yes there was only one) so even though VW tried to make it seem like you didn't have to change tranny fluid, you did. And many owners wrecked their trannys. #1 complaint on the car

[james321]

"In Volvo owners manual says that steering fluid change is not required.It says just to add fluid if level is low."

Remember, that was written probably in 2000, without the benefit or knowledge that comes after driving the car for 16 years.