Just had my brakes worked on at a chain brake shop, and they told me I needed a power steering flush because my liquid smelled burnt. Is this an important thing to get done, or were they just trying to get me to spend more money?

 

I vote B. Did it smell burnt to you?

 

PS fluid always smells burned when it ages. Those places buy a flush machine and all of a sudden everything needs to be flushed. Particularly your wallet.
If it makes you feel better, grab a turkey baster**, suck the fluid out of the reservoir and refill. Drive it for a while and repeat.
Do that a couple times and you'll have mostly fresh fluid without having to open any lines or power-packing dirt and crud into something expensive.


** don't use your wife's. And if you do....don't put it back when you are done. Just a friendly little tip.

 

That's all I ever do. Works great.

 

Good info, been thinking about replacing the fluid.
Can anyone recommend which fluid?

Thought OP might be interested as well .

 

I use Napa power steering fluid.

 

What are the symptoms of needing the PS fluid changed? Besides looking bad and smelling burnt.

 

I do it on every used car I get. Can't hurt and can only help.Use the turkey baster method. That fluid can't last forever. Seals like good fluid.

 

Is there anything wrong with it? Such as noise or shuddering?