I was wondering if the steering fluid ever needs to be changed based on age of the fluid or do you leave it until you have problems....and if so what problems would you expect??

 

How do you change it? Is there a drain plug?

 

Never change power steering fluid unless there is a problem with the steering. If the fluid is dirty with black specks, chances are that the O-ring seals in the power steering are deteriorating and changing fluid will not necessarily correct problems. The power steering is a nearly sealed system and should not be changed unless trouble indicates it.

Tim

 

Sorry Tim, I have to disagree with you..... By changing the fluid as a preventative maintenance item you can virtually eliminate the interior of the hoses and O-rings breaking down over time. Rebuilding a power steering system is VERY expensive and they almost always fail due to contaminated/old fluid. It certainly does not need to be done every year or two, but all fluids break down over time.
A Mity Vac pump in the reservoir and turning the steering wheel lock to lock will purge it of 90% of the old fluid. You'll need to crack open a line at the rack to drain off the old stuff.
When you refill the system with clean fluid, splurge for a magnetic inline transmission filter and install it on the low pressure hose that returns to the pump - available at NAPA - about $20.00. That way if you do dislodge any crude from the purging it will be trapped and not returned to do more damage. The non-magnetic ones are about $18.00 and probably work just as well.