When fresh and healthy, most hydraulic power steering fluid should be a deep red color. However, over time, the fluid can degrade and accumulate contaminants. If it begins to look muddy, bubbly, chunky, or even black, that’s a sign that you need to replace the fluid as soon as possible.
These changes in appearance occur due to a few reasons. The most innocuous reason for power steering fluid to change colors is, simply, age. Over time, the fluid degrades and breaks down, and it absorbs dirt, dust, and other contaminants that manage to get into the system. Brown or muddy looking power steering fluid on its own isn’t usually a cause for great concern, but it does mean you need to replace the fluid as soon as possible. Other colors and conditions are more serious.
If your fluid looks milky or foamy, it may be a sign that water is seeping into the system, while shiny metal shavings may indicate deeper problems like a faulty power steering pump. Any time you notice that your power steering fluid is discolored, bubbly, or chunky, you need to flush the system at the bare minimum. Allowing dirty or degraded fluid to continue circulating through the system can cause more serious and more expensive damage. If you notice more severe signs, like metal shavings or foam, or extremely dark colors, you may want to ask your mechanic to perform a deeper inspection of the power steering system.
