does the power steering fluid ever need to be changed? the owners manual doesn't require it. I've got 140,000 miles on my 2002 escape with the original fluid in it. there's no problem with it but how far can you go on the original fluid?

 

If it smells burned, and is very dark, you can certainly change it. There is no recommended mileage or time period as the fluid is under light load the high majority of the time. If it gets overheated, it can break down and provide less lubrication, I believe. There is no contamination as you would have in the oil sump, much like the transmission has no external source of chemicals to break down the ATF. Just heat and the shearing of normal oil life.
tom

 

I have a vacuum pump I bought for doing brakes.I used it to take the old fluid out of the reserver and refilled it with fresh fluid.There was no issue but the fluid was dark in color.