What kind of oil to fill in the power steering: selection table by car make

Changing power steering oil for VAZ

As practice shows, such a procedure as changing the oil in the power steering of a VAZ 2112 is little familiar to most motorists. What can I say, many do not consider it necessary to waste their time and money on servicing a unit that works without any comments, with constant accuracy and without extraneous sounds. Such thoughts, as a rule, lead to disastrous results and the cost of the car owner's irresponsibility may not be comparable to the cost of periodic maintenance. In order for you to understand how important it is to change the power steering oil of the VAZ 2112, I suggest you familiarize yourself in general terms with the structure of this complex and expensive unit.

Color classification

It is wrong to be guided only by color gradation when choosing oil, although this practice is widespread among car owners. It is also often indicated what color liquids can be mixed and which ones should not be mixed.

Mixing is contraindicated with liquids based on composition and not color, and since now both mineral water and synthetics can be presented in any color, you should treat this information very carefully.

Red ATF gear oil is usually synthetic, the Dexron brand from General Motors is considered the standard, but there are products from other manufacturers, such as Revenol, Motul, Shell, Zic, etc.

Yellow oil, produced by the Daimler concern and under its license, is used in Mercedes-Benz hydraulic boosters. It can be synthetic and mineral.

Green oil. For the most part, multifunctional and universal liquids can be either synthetic or mineral in composition. They are used in power steering, suspension and other systems that operate on liquids. It cannot be mixed with other colors, except in cases where the manufacturer declares full compatibility, for example Comma PSF MVCHF is compatible with some types of Dexron.

Design and principle of operation

Purpose

Modern automotive industry has long moved from pure mechanics in mechanism control drives to amplifiers of various types: hydraulic, pneumatic and electric. The steering mechanism of a modern car is equipped with amplifiers of both electric and hydraulic types, which greatly facilitate driving by reducing the gear ratios in the steering mechanism. The power steering faces several difficult and very important tasks:

• Due to the elastic properties of the liquid, it absorbs the shock load received from road unevenness (affects the straightness of movement);
• By adjusting the pressure, change the force applied to the steering wheel by the driver (promotes “steering feel”).

Design

The steering mechanism, which has a hydraulic booster, consists of:

• Power steering pump and container with hydraulic fluid. The pump is driven by the engine crankshaft via a drive belt;
• The steering mechanism itself, consisting of a spool-type control unit and a hydraulic cylinder made in one housing;
• Low and high pressure pipelines connecting them.

Principle of operation

This system uses a vane type pump.

Pump

When the shaft rotates, the blades move along the “ellipse” body of the pump stator, pressing against it due to the centrifugal force created by the rotation of the shaft. The elliptical shape of the stator, in turn, allows you to change the volume of fluid between the blades and the housing, which creates significant pressure. That is, when the volume is large, the pump “suction” occurs, while the liquid “pressure” decreases. Since the pump is driven by the engine crankshaft, its performance is directly dependent on engine speed. A constant design pressure is provided by the discharge valve.

Steering gear

During linear motion, all system valves are closed, and the liquid circulates along the circuit without entering the power cylinder or any of its chambers. By applying force to the steering wheel, through the twisting torsion bar of the spool chamber, one of the chambers (left or right) opens and the fluid, being pumped, helps the driver turn the steering wheel.

The spool rotates relative to its body by twisting the torsion shaft. This action creates elasticity and responsiveness of the steering, without which driving the car would become unpredictable and less comfortable. The angle of rotation of the spool directly depends on the forces applied to the steering wheel - the more forces, the greater the angle of rotation, which means the greater the amount of oil passing through the distributor. I hope you now understand the importance of the quality of the oil in the power steering system of the VAZ 2112 and the fact that timely maintenance of the above devices is urgent. Next, we present to your attention instructions on how to change the oil in the hydraulic power steering system of your car yourself.

Liquid composition

Based on the composition of the power steering fluid, it can be divided into mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic. The chemical composition determines the basic set of oil functions:

• Viscosity characteristics;
• Lubricating properties;
• Protection of parts from corrosion;
• Prevents foaming;
• Temperature and hydraulic properties.

Synthetics and mineral water cannot be mixed with each other, since the types of additives in them have fundamental differences.

Synthetics

These are high-tech liquids, in the production of which the most modern developments and additives are used. Oil fractions for synthetics are purified by hydrocracking. Polyesters, polyhydric alcohols and sets of additives give them outstanding characteristics: a wide range of operating temperatures, stable oil film, long service life.

The main reason why synthetic-based hydraulic fluid cannot be poured into power steering intended for mineral ones is its aggressive effect on rubber products, of which there are many in the hydraulic booster. Where synthetics are used, the rubber has a completely different composition and is made on a silicone basis.

Semi-synthetics

A mixture of synthetic and mineral oils, due to which the latter receive significant improvements in performance: reduced foaming, fluidity, heat dissipation.

Semi-synthetic fluids include such well-known fluids as: Zic ATF Dex 3, Comma PSF MVCHF, Motul Dexron III and others.

Mineralka

Mineral-based oils contain petroleum fractions (85-98%), the rest are additives that improve the performance of the hydraulic fluid.

They are used in hydraulic boosters containing seals and parts based on ordinary rubber, since the mineral component is neutral and is not harmful to rubber products, unlike synthetics.

Mineral power steering fluids are the most inexpensive, but they also have a short service life. Mobil ATF 320 Premium is considered a good mineral oil; Dexron oils up to and including the IID marking were also mineral.

Where to buy?

You can purchase a new power steering for the VAZ 2110, 2112 in specialized stores. It is better to take original spare parts. Among non-original models, you should pay attention to the companies TRIALLI and ZF LENKSYSTEME. The car market also sells new spare parts. But here they usually sell low-quality Chinese counterfeits.

It's better not to take the old power steering. But, if you don’t have enough money to buy a new part, then you should start looking for a used power steering in good condition. You can buy such a spare part at the car market, at a car dismantling point, or through an advertisement from the owners of VAZ cars.

Different types of oils

Dexron is a separate class of ATF fluids from General Motors, produced since 1968. Dexron is a trademark, produced both by GM itself and by other companies under license.

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - oils for automatic transmissions, often used by Japanese automakers and in power steering.

PSF (Power Steering Fluid) - literally translated as power steering fluid.

Multi HF are special, universal power steering fluids that have approvals from most automobile manufacturers. For example, CHF liquid, produced by the German company Pentosin, has received approvals from BMW, Ford, Chrysler, GM, Porsche, Saab and Volvo, Dodge, Chrysler.

Signs of breakdown

Most often, the following signs indicate that the hydraulic booster is not working correctly:

• When rotating, strange sounds are made that were not there before;
• The steering wheel turns slower than before. In addition, the driver has to exert greater effort when rotating it than before.

Note: These problems can also occur as a result of other problems. Therefore, before you start repairing the GRU, you need to figure out whether the problem really lies with it.

Is it possible to fill the power steering with engine oil?

Motor - definitely not, transmission - with reservations. Next we will look in detail why.

To understand whether other oils, such as motor or transmission oils, can be poured into the power steering, you need to know what functions it performs.

The power steering fluid must cope with the following tasks:

• Lubrication of all power steering components;
• Protection against corrosion and wear of parts;
• Pressure transfer;
• Prevents foaming;
• System cooling.

The above characteristics are achieved by adding various additives, the presence and combination of which gives power steering oil the necessary qualities.

As you understand, the tasks of motor oil are somewhat different, so it is highly not recommended to pour it into the power steering.

Regarding transmission oil, everything is not so clear; the Japanese often use the same ATF fluid for automatic transmission and power steering. Europeans insist on using special PSF (Power Steering Fluid) oils.

Installation of EUR

Required Tools

Let's say you purchased an EUR kit - it could be from a VAZ 2110 or from another model, for example, from a Priora. Prepare the following tools:

• Drill together with a metal drill.
• Set of screwdrivers, grinder.
• Long ruler.

All is ready? Let's move on to installation.

Step-by-step instruction

1. You need to remove the standard terminal from the block and place it in the block on the harness.
   We find the standard drive, which is attached to the block. A free terminal must be installed in its place. Now the wire can be placed between the fasteners. We take out the standard terminal and place the terminal from the EUR kit there
2. Now we take a screwdriver in our hands and carefully remove the steering column housing, and then dismantle the lock and switches.
   We need to remove the steering rack; to do this, unscrew the bolt that holds it. Unscrew the fastening screw and remove the part
3. Take the new and old shaft. Compare their lengths, since we will have to adjust the shaft together with the plate in the future. Don't forget to write down your results.
4. We need to adjust the shaft, this should be done on a special machine. It is better to perform this step with the masters, and then return to independent work again.
5. As for the plate, here you need to use a drill.
   Make sure that the EUR plate matches the hydraulic booster plate. If necessary, trim the corners and place a spacer between the plate and the tens body. Drill additional holes in the plate
6. Now you can try to install the electric amplifier along with the rack and plate.
   If the standard bolt does not fit, then take a smaller mount. The next step is to install the center part of the switch. Installing the central part into the panel
7. Now we stretch two wires from the interior of the VAZ 2110 to the battery, this can be done through the left wing.
   Next, you will need to dismantle the washer reservoir; behind it you will see a copper wire. We move to the safety block and find the wiring there that goes under the hood. The wire must be placed there, as a result it will come out in the left wing. Attach the wires to it, and then pull it all the way into the space under the hood. Pull out the copper wire from the hood space
8. We dismantle the upper part of the instrument panel (speedometers) and find the red block.
   We take the wires coming from the power steering and move them to the space under the dashboard. We need to find the orange wire - disconnect it and put it on the block that came with the EUR. Having found the end with the terminal, place it in place of the standard wire. Connect the orange wire to the EUR terminal
9. We repeat the procedure with the gray wire. We return to the wires that we pulled out through the wires: we connect the pink plus to the plus, and the black to the minus.
10. Done, all that remains is to put the steering wheel and casing back in place.

Adjustment

After assembly, you will need to straighten the steering wheel if it is installed crooked. Separately install the sensor that came with the EUR. If the column casing is cracked, it is better to immediately replace it with a good one. There may be gaps between the front panel and the casing - they must be removed.

What kind of fluid to pour into the power steering

Based on this, the answer to the question “what kind of oil to pour into the power steering” is obvious - recommended by the manufacturer of your car. Often information is indicated on the expansion tank or cap. If there is no technical documentation, call an authorized center and ask.

In any case, experiments with steering are unacceptable. Not only your safety, but also that of those around you depends on the health of your power steering.

Power steering service

In order for the car to always function normally and there are no failures during its operation, it is necessary that the driver service it in a timely manner. However, such service must be correct. It works using oil, so it is very sensitive to the condition of such a liquid. You can give some tips regarding its maintenance:

• The oil should be changed at least once a year. Those who use their car too intensively need to change the oil especially often.

Note: otherwise the power steering will stop working correctly, so it will need to be repaired or even replaced, which will cost much more than buying new oil.

• In addition, in addition to a complete oil change, it is necessary to top it up sometimes. Very often the oil level becomes below the required level. Therefore, it must be topped up to the maximum level. If you add it frequently, it turns black. This indicates the need to replace it.

Operating rules

In order for the hydraulic booster to serve for a long time, during its operation the following rules must be observed:

• In winter it needs to be warmed up, otherwise it may crack under the influence of severe frost. It warms up easily. To do this, you just need to twist it several times, first to the right, and then to the left. In this case, the rotation amplitude should not be too large.
• If the power steering is faulty, then you should not drive the car under any circumstances.

Note: this will lead to an emergency on the road, as the driver may not be able to turn in time.

• If the level is below normal or is not there at all, then using the machine is prohibited.
• You should not hold the steering wheel in the extreme positions for too long. Because of this, the pump is overloaded.

Note: to prevent the load from being so strong, you do not need to hold the steering wheel in extreme positions. It is enough to move it just a few cm back.

How to choose power steering oil

Usually, for any model, the manufacturer gives recommendations on what needs to be filled. Under no circumstances should cheap oils be poured into the top ten, as this will lead to timely failure of the machine. This is due to the fact that they do not have enough of the protective properties that the GRU needs.

Note: in some cases it is necessary to fill this system with regular engine oil. But this should only be done in emergency situations.

How to understand that the power steering needs replacement

It is necessary to start replacing the GRU system only if:

• There is an oil leak in the system;
• The steering wheel turns much harder than it did before;
• The oil developed a smell reminiscent of burning;
• At higher speeds the steering wheel turns easier than at idle;
• There are strange sounds in the system.

Note: Any part may wear out due to the oil not being changed on time.

Which oils to choose: mineral or synthetic

There are different types of oils. Naturally, mineral oils are much more expensive than synthetic ones. However, they have much more useful properties. The power steering system has many rubber parts. Synthetic oils have a bad effect on rubber, as they are quite aggressive (this cannot be said about mineral oils). Such oils can only be poured into this system if its parts are designed for this.

How to top up

The process of topping up is simple - you need to unscrew the cap of the power steering expansion tank and add enough fluid so that it is between the MIN and MAX marks.

The main problem when adding power steering oil is its choice. It’s good if the replacement has not yet been made, and the system contains fluid from the manufacturer’s factory. In this case, it is enough to check the technical documentation, take the recommended oil and add to the required amount.

If you don’t know what’s in the system, we recommend replacing it right away, because in any case you’ll have to buy a canister of fluid to top it up.

Approximate prices

A new hydraulic booster for VAZ 2110 and 2112 cars can be purchased for 20,000-32,000 rubles .

Approximate prices for power steering depending on the generation of the car:

• VAZ 2110 - from 21,000 to 32,000 rubles .
• VAZ 2112 - from 20,000 to 28,000 rubles .

Approximate prices for parts from different companies:

• ZF LENKSYSTEME - about 32,000 rubles .
• AvtoVAZ - from 28,000 rubles .
• TRIALLI – from 20,000 rubles .

An old spare part will cost less - 3,000-9,000 rubles .