When should a power steering system be bled?

A power steering system should be bled when the fluid becomes aerated. This aeration typically occurs when air gets mixed into the hydraulic fluid, which can happen during service procedures, or from leaks or low fluid levels. Aerated fluid can lead to poor steering response, increased effort required to turn the steering wheel, or even erratic steering performance. Therefore, bleeling the system removes the air bubbles, restoring the system to its optimal performance and helping to maintain proper hydraulic pressure.

It is important to note that while fluid leaks and unresponsive steering are both issues that may require attention, they do not necessarily indicate that the system needs to be bled unless they are associated with aeration. Additionally, bleeding the system after every oil change is not necessary as the power steering fluid and oil change are generally independent processes unless specific service recommendations suggest otherwise.