title says it all... checked my power steering just the other day, level was fine but it smelt like it was burnt. any ideas?

 

change it

 

last time i changed it was probably over a year ago. but i feel like just by changing the fluid won't make the burning smell go away ya know?

 

the smell will go away the smell is just because the fluid is spent

 

Your putting transmission fluid in there right? Dont worry about it. The power steering fluid in my trucks been there for over 2 years. No one i know has every bothered to flush the PS fluid, and never had any problems either. I can see flushing tranny, engine oil, coolant, but not the PS.

 

ive done it in every car ive owned...had my truck done before i bought it...fluid needs to be replaced when it smells burnt

 

thanks guys. i figured that was the problem but i'd rather make sure before i took the time to do so

 

Not saying it isn't good maintenance to do it, but the power steering system isn't going to blow just because of burnt fluid. I've seen a lot of vehicles with 7 year old + fluid still steering fine. I just did it recently only because my Return line rotted away...

 

well yea i know fluid in itself wont cause a failure...just like to have a good maintenece habit

 

If you pull the line off that got to the res and cap the bottom of the res. You can flush the system out. You will need to raise the front of the truck and turn the wheels lock to lock. Run a quart or two though it make sure all the bad fluid is out.

 

I changed mine at 500 miles, put in Mobil 1 ATF. I change it every other engine oil change, by sucking it out the top of the reservoir with a syringe. I've done that with every vehicle I've owned.

 

thanks guys thats helpful