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Power steering pump filter: replacement and selection

When and why a power steering pump filter needs replacement

The power steering pump filter is replaced together with transmission fluid every 100 000 - 150 000 operational kilometers. The cause of early component replacement is lowering of its throughput due to clogging as well as mechanical damages.

The main cause of filter soiling is the fact that metal dust, which appears because of friction in steering racks, often gets into working fluid. Also, the filter can fail prematurely because of low-quality oil or its untimely replacement. Mechanical damages to the device can be caused by a road accident.

The following signs show that oil, and the power steering filter with it, needs replacement: humming or other foreign sounds can be heard in the power steering system when turning the steering wheel. Moreover, a driver can notice that more effort needs to be applied for manoeuvring.

According to the design of a specific car, power steering pump filter replacement can have some peculiarities. For example, some components are attached directly to the pump rather than installed together with the power steering tank.

How to select a power steering pump filter

These car parts are divided into inline and reservoir filters. Filters of the first type are mounted outside of the pump, of the second type - are located inside of the hydraulic fluid reservoir. According to the operation principle components can be standard and special magnetic. The second ones are more effective because they catch particles of metal dust.

High-quality power steering filters are offered by such manufacturers as Mann Filter, Bosch, Marco, Quinton Hazel. Selecting this component first of all you should take into account the make, model and configuration of your car and also its production year.

Buying the components take into account the component flange diameter and that of your car’s return oil line - it is important for correct mounting. If you are buying a reservoir filter then remember that its height and diameter should fit the corresponding parameters of the tank installed.