PAS fluid change

[Burnerman]

Just sort of idling the evening away, and wondering if its worth replacing the PAS fluid from time to time....does anyone do it?
I never bother and only replace it if there has been a split gaiter or something as its never mentioned in any service procedure.
Have a good evening, everyone.
John

 

[gman76]

I had an Escort that almost stalled when full lock was engaged, I put it down to a vastly overfilled PAS reservoir - I spent ages getting in a right mess syphoning some off - made no difference whatsoever.

As to the original question - no, I've never replaced said fluid.

Does it degrade?

I can understand brake fluid as it's exposed to high temps at the road wheels.

 

[JohnD]

IIRC it is the same as automatic gearbox fluid, red, heat-resistant oil made from dead whales.

I don't think it has such a hard life in power steering, and I don't recall it being on the service schedule. I once changed some when I thought it looked old and dirty and I'd bought the car well-used.

 

[Burnerman]

I can't comment if PAS fluid actually degrades, but it does get dark in colour which is presumably due to the normal wear and tear of the fluid seals inside the system.
As for brake fluid, well we are led to believe that moisture can penetrate through the flexible brake lines and is absorbed by the brake fluid, thereby lowering its boiling point - hence the need to change the fluid yearly. Personally I think this is a wee bit of a con and makes money for the garages - however it has the beneficial effect of undoing the bleed nipples which can help for maintenance later on. If I'm putting new pads in I may open the bleed nipples and allow fluid to escape when I'm pushing the pistons back which does replenish some of the fluid when the job is completed.
John

 

[nickso]

PAS fluid gets to high temps too. if it has gone grey then it's a good idea to change it. it may not have degraded but it's certainly contaminated and any contaminated fluid will wear it's systems components quicker. it can be a right pain in the arse to change i admit and it's not a job i look forward to.

brake fluid is hygroscopic of course and should be changed every 2 years to prevent the possibility of any absorbed moisture damaging the brake components. very old fluid can have as much as 100 degrees knocked off it's boiling point and can be the main cause of a spongy pedal. i usually change the bleed nipples if they are corroded as they cost pennies and i like shiny new bits on the car.