The power steering in Kia Rio vehicles needs periodic maintenance. According to the regulations, the power steering fluid is poured once (by the manufacturer) and does not require replacement. However, wear on parts while driving will result in poor hydraulic oil quality and reduced booster efficiency. GM Club technical centers carry out professional steering diagnostics, repair and adjustment of all its elements.
Which oil to choose
In power steering, transmission oil is most often used, which is also poured into automatic transmissions. In Kia Rio of the 1st and 2nd generations, the manufacturer pours PSF-3 liquid, and for the 3rd (2011-2012 - present) - PSF-4. To fill the volume of the hydraulic system of the amplifier, 0.7-0.8 liters is enough. Therefore, we recommend combining the Kia Rio power steering fluid change with the transmission oil change. Sign up for a diagnosis at the nearest technical center if you find that:
- the steering wheel began to turn tighter;
- the noise of the power steering pump increased;
- there was a smell of burning from the oil tank.
To use our services, leave a request on the GM Club website. You can get professional advice on the selection of fluid for power steering by phone.
| Name of works | Price |
| Power steering fluid replacement | from 800r. |
Let us consider, using an example, how the power steering fluid is replaced, which is present in the hydraulic power steering mechanism of the Kia Rio 3 car.
This simple operation will require the presence of an assistant. To perform actions, you need to acquire such a list of common tools:
- a syringe with an appropriate attachment (tube);
- a container into which the old liquid will be collected;
- pliers;
- jack;
- gasoline and rags.
Only original production fluid is suitable for filling. Its article corresponds to the code "03100-00110". The specification of this grease is "PSF-3". To fill the system, a volume of liquid equal to two liters is required (taking into account the flow rate for flushing).
Replacement procedure
- Unscrew the cap on the expansion tank of the Kia Rio 3 power steering system.
- Now, using the indicated syringe, we perform a complete pumping out of the grease present in this tank.
- Squeezing the clamp with pliers, remove the pipe for the return flow of fluid. After dismantling, a leak will be observed, therefore we recommend placing the container for collection (under the edge of the pipe).
- By compressing the plastic retainer, we remove the tank itself.
- We proceed to dismantle the fasteners that hold the discharge pipe. Then we dismantle the hose itself. Note that its diameter is larger than that of the return line.
- We look inside the tank, and if the presence of debris is found there, we thoroughly wash it out with gasoline.
- Now you need to remove the remaining fluid directly from the circuit. For this purpose, we install an appropriate container under the metal return pipe and turn the steering wheel in both directions until it stops. We carry out rotational manipulations until the entire volume of liquid flows out.
- We install the cleaned expansion tank and connect the previously removed main pipes of the KIA Rio 3 to it.
- Note that the return hose does not yet need to be connected at the point of transition to the metal tube (necessary for the fluid to drain).
- Having prepared a suitable wedge in advance, we use it to muffle the hole located on the side of the return current branch pipe that “goes” to the tank.
- The wedge is made independently from wood or rubber.
- The front of the Kia Rio 3 should be jacked up to ensure free steering wheel rotation.
- Fill the power steering fluid inside the tank while simultaneously rotating the steering wheel (performed by the assistant) in both directions to the limit.
- We fill it until the moment when a light-colored power steering fluid does not begin to appear from the metal return pipe.
- Now you can put on the previously plugged pipe with subsequent fixation with a clamp.
- We continue to rotate the wheel of the KIA Rio 3 and observe the liquid inside the tank. She shows a tendency to foaming, but this should not be feared, because in this way air is removed from the system.
- Top up until the level stabilizes at the required mark.
Summing up
Replacing the power steering fluid with the Kia Rio 3 is not a difficult process. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for selecting the correct lubricant for the power steering system. Use our material as an instruction for action and guaranteed success in this maintenance operation will come immediately.
What kind of liquid to pour in the power steering Rio 2012?
In the 2012 Kia Rio III power steering, branded green PSF-4 fluid is poured into it, which cannot be mixed with any other fluid, so be careful when replacing. The very same procedure for changing (displacing) hydraulic oil is quite simple, and literally any car owner can handle it, even alone. In order not to have any difficulties, we suggest you watch a video about replacing the Rio Rio power steering fluid of the 3rd generation.
The required volume in the Kia Rio power steering system is 0.8 liters. PSF oils corresponding to PSF-3 or PSF-4 specification.
How to change the hydraulic oil in the Kia Rio III power steering
In short, the process of replacing the hydraulic fluid of a Kia car will include the following steps:
- pump out as much as possible from the tank with a syringe;
- top up to full;
- remove the return hose from the tank fitting and direct it to another empty container; turn the steering wheel back and forth, from end to end until the liquid drops to the minimum level, then top up again and repeat the steps;
- how fresh slurry will go from the return, the process can be completed;
- we check that the level in the tank is at the maximum and now we turn on the ignition so that the pump will pump itself.
More clearly how to change the liquid in the Kia Rio 3 power steering with your own hands, see the video.
When to change the oil in the Rio 3 power steering
The manufacturer claims that the liquid filled from the factory is designed for the entire service life of the car, but experts recommend changing it every 3 years or being regulated by such signs of loss of the oil's performance properties as:
- noise during operation of the power steering pump,
- an increase in the applied force when turning the steering wheel,
- the smell of burning from the power steering fluid barrel,
- discoloration of the oil.
Power steering is an integral part of modern cars. This assembly significantly improves steering and helps the driver use less effort when turning the wheels. Over time, this unit requires diagnostics and repair.
Therefore, at the slightest symptoms of heavier turning of the steering wheel, you should replace the Gur Kia Rio 3 fluid. Timely replacement of the fluid in the power steering module will extend the life of the steering rack.
Types of fluid for filling in power steering
Oil slurry for the Kia Rio power steering transmits mechanical energy from the pump to the steering rack. Each time the driver turns the steering wheel, the power steering pump receives the signal and builds up pressure, thereby making it easier to drive the vehicle.
The power steering Kia Rio 3 from the factory is filled with green slurry of PSF-4 marking. For proper timing, it is not recommended to mix different fluids. Many people ask what fluid needs to be poured into the third generation of the popular Kia car.
The most optimal oil slurry for filling in Kia Rio is Hyundai Ultra PSF-4 with article number 0310000130.
Oil slurry of this designation is a synthetic liquid and is suitable for hydraulic boosters of Kia and Hyundai cars. Of course, other names of power steering oils can be used.
By installing the correct power steering oil, the driver may not have to worry about the steering rack. A timely oil change ensures up to three years of correct operation of the timing unit.
Oil change algorithm
The process of changing the oil-fluid in the power steering on a Kia Rio car is divided into:
- partial;
- full.
The first replacement option is made according to the following step-by-step instructions:
- Unscrew the cap on the power steering expansion tank.
- Using a syringe, pump out the maximum amount of waste fluid from the power steering tank.
- Pour new slurry to the edges of the container, regardless of the amount of old slurry remaining.
- Remove the hose from the fitting and direct it into a container for draining the waste.
During this action, the liquid level in the reservoir should drop to the minimum level. - As the waste slurry is drained, gradually add new one.
- Finish draining as soon as fresh oil sludge flows out of the non-return valve.
- Check the oil level in the reservoir and turn on the ignition.
After starting the engine, the power steering pump itself pumps new slurry throughout the system.
This replacement algorithm is perfect for changing the steering oil on Kia Rio cars, starting from 2012 models.
Note! The volume of oil poured into the Kia Rio power steering should not exceed 0.8 liters.
A more comprehensive version of changing the oil in the hydraulic booster of a Kia Rio car is performed in the following stages:
- Delivery of the car to the overpass.
In this case, it is necessary to hang the front wheels so that they can rotate freely without turning on the engine. - Maximum intake of waste liquid from the tank using a syringe.
- Definition of the return hose.
- Making a plug from a small piece of hose.
- Assembling the drain hose.
This process includes the connection of a fitting, an adapter and a long hose for the convenience of draining the spent slurry into an empty container. - Disconnection of the oil supply hose.
- Installing a plug on the expansion tank.
- Fill with fresh fluid to the maximum level.
- Twisting the steering wheel in different directions.
At this time, the waste oil drain should be increased. - Topping up with new fluid.
- Rotate the suspended wheels until fresh oil slurry flows into the drain.
- Starting the engine for a few seconds.
- Removing the hose that plugged the expansion tank.
- Top up with fresh oil up to the maximum level.
To increase the effective life of the power steering oil, do not fix the steering wheel in extreme positions for a long time. Parking with the steering wheel turned out is extremely detrimental to the service life of the power steering.
When should you change the oil?
The car manufacturer claims that the fluid poured into the power steering can never be changed. Many owners of the Kia Rio 3 car often ask the question when to change the power steering fluid?
Service center specialists believe that it should be replaced if the following signs of oil wear occur:
- extraneous sounds when the power steering pump is operating;
- impaired steering wheel rotation;
- singed smell from a tank of oil slurry;
- significant change in the color shade of the lubricant.
If one of the above symptoms appears, you should immediately change the power steering oil.
Motorists can independently choose which oil to fill, the main thing is not to forget that PSF-3 semi-synthetic fluid is used in the Kia Rio 2 car, and in the third model, the manufacturer decided to use a completely synthetic PSF-4 oil fluid.
Conclusion
Power steering is an incredibly useful feature that greatly enhances driver comfort while driving. This module must be serviced at least every three years. Otherwise, the power steering may fail and the hydraulic pump will need to be replaced.
