While a small amount of metallic residue is normal over the lifespan of a vehicle, a high concentration of metal shavings suggests that components are wearing unevenly and should be inspected promptly to avoid sudden failure. Maintenance and Replacement Protocols Consulting your vehicle’s owner manual is the best way to determine the specific maintenance schedule for your power steering system.
Check Power Steering Fluid Color Periodically
This typically points to excessive wear in the pump, rack, or steering gear. If the fluid has shifted to a gray or milky appearance, this is often the result of moisture mixing with the fluid.
Milky or cloudy fluid usually means water contamination has entered the system. Identifying Degraded Fluid As fluid ages and circulates through the system, it oxidizes and collects microscopic particles of metal and rubber.
Check Power Steering Fluid Color Periodically
Addressing Metal Shavings In some cases, the fluid may retain a reddish base but have a distinct metallic sheen or visible particles suspended within it. While some manufacturers recommend changing the fluid as little as every 50,000 miles, others may allow for longer intervals up to 100,000 miles.
More About What color should my power steering fluid be
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