Power Steering Fluid

1. Power Steering Fluid I. The Problems

2. The Problems US Driving Conditions • According to a recent survey: • 63% average trips under 20 miles • 57% driving stop-and-go traffic • Short trips, stop-and-go driving, packed engine compartments, hot running engines cause: • Increased demands on power steering unit • High temperatures and low cooling air flow

3. The Problems Power Steering Critical • Today's driver expects power steering to provide: • Ease of steering • Precision steering control • All-temperature service • Power steering is critical to motorist’s safe, secure driving experience

4. The Problems Sensitive, Sophisticated System • Power steering system is sophisticated hydraulic servo actuator: • “A sensing element, an amplifier and a hydraulic piston that supplies power to a mechanism used in the actuating and automatic control of a mechanical device” • System must function freely and precisely to provide precision steering and handling

5. The Problems Power Steering Fluid - “Life Blood” • Power steering fluid is the “life blood” of the system • Power steering fluid is subjected to extremes in: • High temperatures • High pressure • Pressure in a power steering system on hard turns is much higher than an automatic transmission under load

6. The Problems Heat and Pressure • High heat and pressure cause: • Oxidation • Fluid deterioration • Reduced lubricity • Contaminant accumulation • Varnish and sludge deposits • Eventually cause power steering unit clogging

7. The Problems Wear Metal & Dirt Contamination • See following 3 slides; Power Steering Fluid Oil Analysis Results • Tables compiled from oil analysis reports on power steering fluids taken from a random sampling of vehicles • Iron, Lead, Copper, Tin, Aluminum – abrasive wear metal particles • Silicon – abrasive dirt particles • Numbers indicate parts per million (ppm) of abrasive particles • Numbers with “A” represent “Abnormal” (high) level of abrasives • Numbers with “C” represent “Critical” (very high) level of abrasives • "Abnormal" and "Critical" indicate need for fluid replacement • Observe pattern of increased abrasive wear metal and dirt particle accumulation with increased mileage

8. The Problems Power Steering Fluid Oil Analysis Results - 1

9. The Problems Power Steering Fluid Oil Analysis Results - 2

10. The Problems Power Steering Fluid Oil Analysis Results - 3

11. The Problems Metal and Dirt Abrasives • Abrasive wear metal and dirt particles grind at friction surfaces, seals, etc., and can cause: • Fluid leakage • Power steering unit chatter and squeal • Hard, rough or jerky turns • Premature power steering unit failure

12. The Problems Lack of Maintenance Problems • Lack of maintenance can lead to power steering unit problems • Power steering unit repair or replacement is: • Expensive • A time consuming hassle for the customer

13. Power Steering Fluid II. The Solution

14. The Solution MAP/AMRA Recommendations • MAP/AMRA Uniform Inspection and Communications Standards for: • Steering and Suspension, Wheel Alignment, and Wheels and Tires Power Steering Pumps (continued) Condition Code Procedure Fluid at or beyond service interval 3 Suggest fluid change Fluid Contaminated B Require flushing and refilling of the system

15. The Solution Diagnostics Information • Quote from “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Ford Taurus SHO” • from Ford Taurus SHOTIMES mailing list, diagnostic information from technicians and owners: “Power Steering Fluid Change You won't find this in any service schedules or owners manuals, but the power steering system should be serviced every 30K miles. The fluid isn't subjected to acids like the engine oil, but it is subjected to heat and pressure like an automatic transmission.”

16. The Solution Service Indicators • Easily noticeable indications that the power steering fluid needs maintenance: • Dark power steering fluid color • PSF is clear, or red ATF. Both fluids turn dark from oxidation due to heat & pressure • Fluid leakage • Chatter or squeal • Hard, rough or jerky turns • Stiff steering on “cold starts”

17. The Solution Flushing • Flushing rids the power steering system of: • Oxidized power steering fluid • Varnish deposits • Abrasive wear metal and dirt particles • Other debris and contaminants

18. The Solution Fluid Replacement • Replacing old fluid with new power steering fluid in a clean system: • Restores lubricity • Reduces wear • Reduces oxidation and corrosion • Reduced clogging • Reduces foaming and “cavitation” • Prolongs seal and o-ring life

19. The Solution Customer Benefits • Power steering system flushing and fluid replacement before damage occurs provides the customer with: • Major savings on repair costs • Restored ease of steering, eliminating jerks and squeals • Quiet, smooth, uniform vehicle control • Safe, secure steering “peace of mind”

20. The Solution Recommended Interval • Flushing & fluid replacement recommended interval • 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first • Low mileage vehicles frequently encounter more severe “city driving”steering conditions, with frequent turns and low cooling air flow • Recommendation based on: • Oil analysis sampling showing abrasive wear metal and dirt contamination • MAP/AMRA Uniform Inspection and Communications Standards • Technicians will also make recommendations based on observable fluid conditions

21. Power Steering Fluid “Thank you” The End