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I have just had my 2003 Ford Mondeo serviced and was told that I should get the power steering looked at because the fluid is black and dirty and not red in colour.

Apparently the power steering is also noisy. Can you give me any advice on what the problem might be and how much the repair may cost?

Sabine

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 1 December 2009

According to a Ford dealer we spoke to, it is recommended to flush the power steering system every 4 years as preventative maintenance.

If the fluid is looking a very dirty brown colour, then it is probably good advice to replace it as it can cause wear in the pump and steering rack. This can lead to leaks and eventually a loss of power assistance.

I have to say however, most manufacturers have no replacement time intervals for power steering fluid. Once changed and the system sealed, I would think it should almost last the life of the car or until the steering rack needed to be dismantled for some reason in the future.

I think you should ask if the dirty fluid is a result of an internal problem within the power steering system and related to the noise or are there two seperate issues.

There is little point in paying to have the fluid changed if other more in-depth work is required on the power steering system.

Power steering repairs can be very expensive depending on the fault ($1,000 plus in some cases). If you cannot hear any noises and feel the power steering is working OK, then a second opinion on both the noise and fluid condition should be sought.