Your car relies on many liquids to supply lubrication to all the systems.
The power steering system is no different and does contain fluid. This can complicate identifying what fluid is leaking if you have a puddle under your car. So what color power steering fluid could be leaking and what does it mean?
In this guide, I go through the various power steering fluid or leak colors you might see. I also cover in depth the basics of power steering fluid. I will identify the types of power steering fluids that are available.
What Is the Color of Power Steering Fluid?
Most of the time, the power steering fluid is going to be red, green, or pink, depending on the car model. It’s possible for it to be clear sometimes too but that is rare.
If you’re seeing any other color, this may mean the power steering fluid is contaminated or, you have another issue to attend to.
Here is a more in-depth list of the colors associated with power steering fluid:
#1. Red/Pink.
This will be the color that your power steering fluid should be in the majority of car models. Today’s power steering fluid has been dyed red, but some have a pinkish tint.
If you look under the car and see red liquid dripping from the vehicle, it could be power steering fluid, but also automatic transmission fluid as they both have a similar type of liquid.
Regardless, you will want to look at where the leak is coming from. If it is coming from more to the front of the car near the engine, it is most likely power steering fluid.
#2. Green.
Older power steering fluid was always red or pink. However, in modern cars you can often find a green power steering fluid. Green power steering fluid is generally found in European car brands like Volkswagen or Audi.
This green power steering fluid is most likely not the same as the red power steering fluid and should not be intermixed. The green power steering fluid is generally more appropriate for cooler climates because it is of a lower viscosity.
Whenever, possible, only use the power steering fluid with the correct specifications for your car to prevent damage.
#3. Clear.
Before the power steering fluid is dyed red or pink, it is actually clear. Hence, in the middle of the process, the fluid is actually still clear. There are even a few manufacturers that don’t even add the dye because a dye can change how the fluid behaves.
However, it is difficult to know what is leaking if the power steering fluid is clear and you may mix it up for water dripping from the air conditioning system although the power steering fluid has a slippery feel or texture.
#4. Brown/Black.
Power steering fluid is not meant to be black or brown. Only the engine oil is meant to be brown or amber in color. Once the oil becomes contaminated, it turns black. The same goes for power steering fluid.
You may pour fresh red fluid into the car when you replace it, but eventually, debris and dirt will be mixed with the fluid and the fluid will change to brown or black.
If your power steering fluid is contaminated enough to change color, it needs to be changed. It needs to be flushed out and replaced with plenty of new fluid.
Dirty fluid is not going to respond the same as fresh fluid and may lead to the failure of vital components.
#5. Yellow.
If you notice a yellow tint in your power steering fluid, that doesn’t mean that dirt is contaminating the fluid. But, the same goes for this one, you shouldn’t ever have yellow fluid.
This most likely means that coolant has gotten in the power steering system somehow. It doesn’t matter how it happened or what went wrong, the only thing you need to remember is that it needs to be flushed and replaced as this is a potential hazard.
Some manufacturers of power steering fluid make yellow power steering fluid so it may not even be a problem, but either way, it needs to be looked into further, just to be sure.
#6. Milky/Foamy.
Out of all the power steering fluid colors, this color definitely means bad news. You do not want milky or foamy when you check the power steering fluid.
This scenario means that there is air or moisture trapped inside the liquid. Instead of the normal slippery feel of the fluid, you will have a slimy feel with this condition.
You should take immediate action if this is what you see. Air has trapped itself in a closed system and you want to correct that as soon as possible.
If you don’t, you will hear noises from the steering, or it may not handle as you want. The only way to remedy this situation is to drain the power steering system and adjust it back to fresh fluid.
Different Types of Power Steering Fluid
Universal
Universal power steering fluid is made to work on many different systems. However, just because it is called universal does not mean it will work for your car. You need to check compatibility of the universal fluid by manufacturer recommendations!
Universal power steering fluid may not have all the same additives or benefits as others; however, it will help reduce all the friction on the internal parts of the steering assembly to protect anything critical that was lubricated.
Mineral
Mineral power steering fluid is made with petroleum that has gone through a refining process, with some different additives used to help support the performance of the oil, and to protect other normal rubber components needing lubrication.
Of those types, this is one of the cheapest options to go with. However, it will require more changes and foams more easily.
Semi-Synthetic
Semi-synthetic is useful in that you get many advantages of the mineral formula and some additional characteristics. There is a lower viscosity degree and less chances of foaming possible also with the lubrication effect.
These can also absolutely destroy some of the rubber due to additives – so watch out for this if mixing a product utilizing both synthetic features, and petroleum together!
Synthetic
A Synthetic formula is usually what all manufacturers will be recommending for today’s modern vehicles. Even with some refined petroleum characteristics, fluid is designed with additive packages that set it apart.
With respects to the rubber parts, this type of power steering fluid will have less impact than others, and it is not prone to foaming with as much ease. It will be smooth flowing under much more conditions.
You will not need to flush the system with the synthetic fluid as often too, since it is meant for the longest life. Most luxury automakers recommend the use of synthetic based systems.
When choosing your fluid, if you go with synthetic always look for an ISO 7308 and DN51 524T3.
How to Change Power Steering Fluid?
So, can you change the power steering fluid yourself? Yes, provided you have the mechanical skill and the proper tools, it should not be too difficult to flush the old fluid out and put in some new fluid.
As always, read the service manual before you get started and make sure you have the correct formulation of fluid for your vehicle.
If there are any steps that you come across in the service manual, you should follow them instead of what I outline. For reference, here are some instructions that you will hopefully be able to follow.
- Get your materials and supplies first. Make sure you have the correct fluid, and tools necessary to get the job done. You should not have to stop in the middle of the task to go get more supplies or tools.
- Identify the power steering reservoir. It is located under the hood of the car, usually on the driver’s side.
- Jack up the front end of the car so that you can get underneath the car. Place the vehicle on jack stands.
- Disconnect the hose from the reservoir you determined in the previous step, and place a container under the power steering system to drain the fluid. Allow as much fluid to pour out of the system as possible.
- Turn the steering wheel to the right and the left until the fluid stops coming out of the power steering system.
- Seal the system back up so that new fluid does not drain out.
- Add new power steering fluid using a funnel to fill the reservoir.
- Put the vehicle back on the ground, and check the fill level, adding more new power steering fluid from a bottle as needed once you start the engine.
- Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right and check the fluid level during in operation. Add more as necessary.
- Test drive the vehicle and take note of the feel of the steering, and make any adjustments where necessary.
If you run into any difficulty during the process reach out to a local mechanic to get support from a professional.
Does the color of power steering fluid matter?
Yes, the color of power steering fluid does matter. For instance, if your vehicle uses red power steering fluid, it will not be suitable to use green power steering fluid, even though different manufacturers produce different colored power steering fluid.
However, it is better to look at the specifications and find one that will work with your car because different manufacturers carry different colors of the same fluid.
What color is dirty power steering fluid?
Dirty or bad power steering fluid will have a much darker color than what the original fluid is.
Many power steering fluids are originally either red or green, so there is a significant difference when you see the power steering fluid is dark red, brown, dark green, or black, at that point it is time to replace the power steering fluid.
Is power steering or transmission fluid red?
Power steering fluid can be red, as can transmission fluid. Additionally, in many vehicle models the power steering and transmission fluids are the same fluid and can be mixed together.
However, it is important to verify this with the specification for your vehicle model.
Can you mix green and red power steering fluid?
No red and green power steering fluids should not be mixed. Generally, green power steering fluid, the viscosity is usually lower and is better for colder climates.
Also, they are usually two extremely different types of fluids. Always use power steering fluid that meets the specifications for your vehicle!