Subaru Foresters built before 2014 use power steering fluid, which you should flush every two years or 50,000 miles—whichever comes first. This service could cost you over $100 at an automotive shop, but you can do it yourself for under $10.

Like other vehicles with a hydraulic power steering system, Subaru Foresters from before 2014 use a pump and pressurized fluid to help you turn the wheel. If this fluid gets contaminated with dirt or grime or the level drops too low, you’ll probably notice your car becomes difficult to steer, and you might even hear some strange noises.

If you need to change the power steering fluid on your Subaru Forester, you’re in the right place.

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What type of power steering fluid does Subaru Forester use?

Subaru recommends using SUBARU ATF, IDEMITSU ATF HP, or Dexron III Type Automatic Transmission Fluid.

If you can’t find any of these, there are plenty of alternatives you can use, including:

Prestone Power Steering Fluid + Stop Leak

($9.69 for 32 oz.)

Peak Original Equipment Technology Full Synthetic Asian Power Steering Fluid

($16.49 for 12 oz.)

Prestone MAX American Vehicle Power Steering Fluid + Stop Leak

($12.99 for 12 oz.)

Prestone MAX Asian Vehicle Power Steering Fluid + Stop Leak

($12.99 for 12 oz.)

Idemitsu Lubricants Power Steering Fluid

($5.51 for 12 oz.)

MORE:

2015 Subaru Forester engine oil capacity

How to change Subaru Forester power steering fluid

If you’re mechanically inclined and don’t mind getting a little dirty, changing your own power steering fluid is a great way to save some money.

Luckily, it’s also a pretty simple job that you’ll have no problem doing in your driveway. The only tools you need are:

A suction device, like a syringe or turkey baster

New power steering fluid that meets your vehicle’s specifications

A container to hold the dirty fluid

Pliers to help remove the hose clamps

A rubber cap, or something to plug the return hose fitting on the reservoir

A funnel for the new fluid

Towels to clean up any spill

A jack (optional)

Step 1: Raise the front of the vehicle with your jack. This makes it easier to turn the wheels during a later step, but it’s not necessary.

Step 2: Pop the hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir. It will be on the car’s passenger side, directly behind the air filter box, and looks like a square container with a yellow cap. Remove the fluid using your suction device.

Step 3: Find the set of two hoses attached to the reservoir and disconnect the return hose (the thinner one) using your pliers. Use your rubber cap to plug the hole in the reservoir and stick the end of the return hose in your container. The remaining dirty fluid will drain there.

Step 4: Fill the reservoir with clean fluid using your funnel. Then, turn the engine on and move your steering wheel back and forth from “lock to lock”—basically, as far as it will turn in both directions. You should see dirty fluid draining out of the return hose.

Step 5: Continue to turn the wheel—while adding fluid as needed—until you begin to see clean, red fluid coming from the return hose. When you notice the new fluid, reconnect the return hose to the reservoir and top it up to the “fill” line.

After completing these steps, run your vehicle for a few minutes to check for leaks. Then, go for a short test drive to ensure that your steering feels smooth and there are no noises.

MORE:

How much does a Subaru tune-up cost?

What is the power steering fluid change interval for a Subaru Forester?

You should flush your power steering fluid every two years or 50,000 miles. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t experience power steering problems in between changes.

Your car’s power steering system might be contaminated with dirt or

have a leak

if you notice any of the following:

A stiff or difficult-to-turn steering wheel

A groaning noise when turning the wheel, especially far in one direction

Shaky or unusually loose steering

Grime or build-up around the power steering reservoir and hoses, or fluid on the ground beneath your car

Dark brown or black fluid in the power steering reservoir

In ideal conditions, your power steering fluid will be a rich red color—similar to red wine. It’s wise to check your reservoir periodically to ensure everything is still in good shape, especially if you notice any of the symptoms above.

MORE:

Steering rack/gearbox replacement

How to save on Subaru Forester insurance

Routine car maintenance

—like power steering flushes—is one part of taking care of the investment you made in your car. Another and equally important part is purchasing a quality insurance plan to protect yourself and your vehicle.

Learning to change your own power steering fluid is a great way to save money on maintenance, but what about savings on insurance?

That’s where the car owner’s super app,

Jerry

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