Power steering fluid...does it go bad?
 

I've got an old can of Pentosin CHF 202 and a basically dry reservoir. On the can, there's a date, preceded by the word "Verfall." Knowing the answer already, checked GoogleTranslate and, of course, it means "Expiration."

The date? 1/2015. It's pretty much a full liter, so I poured maybe a shot glass worth out onto a rag. I know this probably means nothing, but it looks fine. Clear, green, just the way it did last time I topped things off.

Obvious question: does this stuff actually go bad? If so, would it be bad to use it to top off until I get around to getting some more? (I'm just itchin' to go for the first drive of the season ;))

Well considering that stuff is probably 17 years newer than what's probably in my car (no record of being changed out) I'd say I you're ok! ;)

Yeah, my thinking was along the same lines, ie: what was left in the reservoir (and, admittedly there wasn't much) was just as old as what I had left in the can. So, still wanting to take that initial spring drive, poured some in. The drive? Glorious...3.2 L of unadulterated, throaty, NA goodness. :D

I have read some posts talking about flushing/replacing PS fluid. Is that a recommended maintenance item?

This was a timely topic since I have a can of Pentosin and am changing mine in the next couple days. Best thread I found is attached below.

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/58091-change-interval-power-steering-fluid.html

PS fluid has a habit of disappearing from my car. My previous car also had this problem. Bad o-ring in the reservoir maybe.

Do you ever find actual drips under the car from this? I've had my '01 for 14 years now, and have always had cardboard below the engine area. There's never been a drop of oil (or anything) on it. Car's been in hibernation for the winter, finally took her for a drive like a week ago. Didn't notice when I backed out, but when I got back I saw a good sized discolored moist circle on the cardboard where something had clearly been leaking. First thought was oil; checked the level on the dipstick (having just changed the oil before putting her to bed last November): it was fine.

Obviously I've got to back her out of the garage and get looking around under there to trace the source. I've been waiting for slightly warmer weather—it's coming, soon. But I was just wondering if you've actually noticed drippage with your ps fluid, or if it just disappears 'without a trace.'