Does PS fluid really need to be changed?

I keep seeing this on newsgroups and dealers always keep trying to sell
this. I have NEVER had the fluid changed in any car that I owned(only when
the hoses went out,then the pump/fluid was changed). Is this a scam?
I have a Dodge Caliber with 53K miles, and have never changed the fluid(car
is a 2007).

 

Just like brake fluid, P/S fluid can degrade over time with moisture
entering the system through condensation. Your Caliber is new enough
that the fluid is probably still in good shape.

I would think that trying to keep moisture out of the system would
help the rack to last longer.

I had a flush done by a Tunex shop. I think they charged $59 to do it.
I was going to try it myself, but did not have the line wrench to
disconnect the hoses.

KM

 

constant heat is bad for it too

Just like brake fluid, P/S fluid can degrade over time with moisture
entering the system through condensation. Your Caliber is new enough
that the fluid is probably still in good shape.

I would think that trying to keep moisture out of the system would
help the rack to last longer.

I had a flush done by a Tunex shop. I think they charged $59 to do it.
I was going to try it myself, but did not have the line wrench to
disconnect the hoses.

KM

 

Thanks Rob and KirkM. Might have this done then, if I can get the Mobile
Oil Change to do it reasonably. At what mileage/year would you do it?

 

It's not particularly necessary. I've had many cars running over 100K
that never had the fluid changed. Certainly changing it won't hurt
but if you wind up paying $50 every 25K miles you may wind up paying
more for fluid changes they you would ever pay for repairs in the long
run. What I do is buy a $2 turkey baster and suck out as much fluid
as I can from the reservoir and then put new in. Do that every year
or two and you should be fine and it will cost a lot less then paying
to have it done.

 

Ashton,
That sounds like a good idea! Just don't use it for the Thanksgiving
bird after!