Restore Power Steering Performance with Forté Treatment

Understanding Power Steering Fluid and Treatments

Power steering is an important system in vehicles that helps make turning the steering wheel easier. It allows drivers to turn with minimal effort, which improves handling and control. Power steering works by using hydraulic fluid pressure provided by an electric or engine-driven pump to assist in turning the wheels. This fluid flows through the power steering system and helps transfer the energy from the pump to the steering gear.

Like engine oil, power steering fluid needs to be checked and changed periodically to keep the system running properly. Over time, the fluid can break down and become contaminated, leading to issues like steering hesitation, increased noise from the pump, leaking from seals, and eventual failure. Using a high-quality power steering treatment can help maintain the condition of the fluid and prolong system life.

Signs Your Power Steering System Needs Service

Here are some common signs that your power steering system may need service:

• Difficulty turning the wheel or increased effort when turning
• Steering wheel feels loose or disconnected
• Growling, whining or squealing noises when turning
• Leaking fluid around pump, hoses or gear
• Low or dirty power steering fluid
• Vibration in the steering wheel when idling

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to have your power steering inspected by a professional mechanic. Leaks, noises and difficulty steering can indicate low fluid levels, blockages in the system, or wear and damage to components.

Importance of Power Steering Fluid Changes

While some vehicle manufacturers claim their power steering systems are "lifetime fluids" that never need changing, periodic fluid replacement is recommended by most experts. Here's why fluid changes are important:

• Removes contaminated and degraded fluid: Fluid can break down from heat and accumulate dirt and debris over time.
• Replenishes additives: Detergents and friction modifiers help clean and lubricate the system.
• Reduces wear: Fresh fluid keeps components properly lubricated.
• Extends pump life: Dirty fluid causes excess strain on the power steering pump.
• Prevents leaks: New seals and o-rings stop leaks caused by dried out, shrunken seals.
• Improves performance: Clean fluid allows the system to work as designed.

Fluid changes help provide optimum power steering performance and prevent bigger repairs down the road. Many mechanics recommend flushing the system every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

What is Power Steering Treatment?

Power steering treatments are additives that are added to the power steering fluid to help keep the system clean and working properly. Some of the benefits of power steering treatments include:

• Cleans contaminants: Detergents break down sludge and varnish buildup.
• Reduces friction: Friction modifiers provide lubrication to internal components.
• Stops leaks: Seal conditioners rejuvenate seals and o-rings.
• Prevents foaming: Anti-foaming agents stop fluid breakdown.
• Protects against rust: Corrosion inhibitors coat metal surfaces.
• Quiets noises: Noise suppressants reduce whines and squeals.

Reputable brands like Lucas and Prestone make power steering treatments that are designed to recondition fluid, restore system response, and extend the life of the power steering components.

When to Use Power Steering Treatment

Power steering treatment can be added to the system any time new fluid is added, whether it's for a routine fluid change or to top off low levels. It's a good idea to use it when:

• Changing power steering fluid as scheduled
• Replacing a leaking power steering pump
• Performing power steering system repairs
• Topping off low fluid level
• Switching to a different power steering fluid type
• Experiencing minor symptoms like hard steering or noise

Treatment helps rejuvenate worn fluid and provide extended protection between changes. It can also resolve minor conditions before they turn into bigger problems.

Review of Forté Power Steering Treatment

Forté Power Steering Treatment is an aftermarket power steering additive designed to improve system response, quiet noises and prevent future damage. Here is an overview of its features and benefits:

Cleans Contaminants and Sludge

Detergents in Forté treatment work to break down contaminants and dissolved solids that accumulate in power steering fluid from normal use. This helps clean control valves, pumps and hoses to prevent blockages and sticking.

Stops and Prevents Leaks

Forté contains seal conditioners and swollen molecules that can stop small leaks in seals and o-rings throughout the system. It helps soften and expand dried out rubber components to prevent leaks.

Reduces Friction and Wear

Anti-wear agents and friction modifiers in Forté provide lubrication between metal surfaces moving against each other in the power steering pump. This prevents premature wear and extends pump life.

Quiets Noises

Squealing or whining noises during steering can indicate problems in the pump and other components. Noise suppression additives in Forté can eliminate power steering noises to restore quiet operation.

Protects Against Rust and Corrosion

Forté contains corrosion inhibitors that create a protective coating on internal metal components. This prevents rust and oxidation that can cause sticking and wear over time.

Compatible With All Fluid Types

Forté power steering treatment can be safely mixed with standard power steering fluid as well as newer synthetic types like dexron and other low-viscosity fluids.

How to Use Forté Power Steering Treatment

Forté power steering treatment should be added when fluid is changed or topped off. Here are the steps for usage:

1. Locate power steering reservoir under the hood and identify low fluid level.
2. Clean area around reservoir cap before opening to prevent contamination.
3. Add entire bottle of Forté to reservoir fluid andmix thoroughly.
4. Turn wheels full left to right to circulate fluid in system.
5. Check fluid levels after treatment and top off as needed.

The full bottle of Forté is designed to treat 1-2 quarts of power steering fluid in most domestic vehicle applications. For larger systems, using multiple bottles is recommended to properly treat all fluid. Treatment is compatible with automatic transmission fluid if needed to top off levels.

Benefits of Using Forté

Consistently using Forté power steering treatment provides the following benefits:

• Smooths steering response and reduces effort
• Eliminates pump noise and whining
• Stops and prevents fluid leaks
• Cleans internal components
• Reduces wear and extends pump life
• Prevents rust and corrosion in system

Forté helps restore optimal performance and response in aging power steering systems. It's an easy and affordable way to keep your power steering working like new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really necessary to use power steering treatment?

Using a treatment like Forté isn't required but is highly recommended, especially in older vehicles. It provides added lubrication, leak prevention, and cleaning that can extend the life of the power steering system.

How often should it be used?

Forté power steering treatment can be used with every fluid change or top off. For severe conditions or high mileage vehicles, consider using it every other oil change or about every 6 months.

Does Forté work with all vehicles?

Forté is designed to work safely with the power steering system in any gasoline-powered passenger vehicle. Heavy duty applications may require a higher dosage.

Will this fix a power steering leak?

In minor leaks caused by dried out or shrunken seals and o-rings, Forté can swell and soften the components to stop the leak. Major leaks from failure or cracks will require replacement parts.

What happens if too much is used?

Too much Forté will simply be wasted, so it's best to follow the recommended dosage on one bottle for 1-2 quarts of power steering fluid. Severely overfilling can cause fluid overflow.

Restore Power Steering Performance

Forté power steering treatment offers an easy and affordable way to keep your power steering system working like new. The potent formula cleans contaminants, stops leaks, reduces wear, and smooths out performance. Give your power steering a tune-up with Forté treatment for long-lasting operation.

FAQs

How often should I use power steering treatment?

Power steering treatment can be used with every fluid change, or about every 30,000 miles. For high-mileage vehicles, consider using it more frequently such as every oil change or 6 months.

What are the benefits of power steering treatment?

Benefits include cleaning contaminants, stopping leaks, reducing friction and wear, eliminating noises, preventing rust, and generally improving steering system response.

Will power steering treatment fix a leak?

It can fix minor leaks caused by dried out or shrunken seals and o-rings by conditioning the components. But major leaks from cracks or failure will require replacement parts.