I was checking my fluids and discovered that my power steering fluid has a burned smell to it. Any ideas what might have caused it? Should I just flush it?

 

It can get old and/or contaminated (even newer fluid). I have used Mobil 1 ATF for my PSF and no issues with it.

 

I think its normal. Bought a used 02 LS430 and it had a burnt smell so I replaced it. Couple hundred miles later I checked it again and it smelled burnt again. No problems with steering. I think the power steering system likes its fluid well done.

 

power steering fluid gets some pretty harsh treatment - lots of pressure, an always running pump,etc...

change it if you feel the need to - it's not going to hurt anything...

chances are it will smell crappy before long anyways... a little preventative maintenance might keep the seals happy though... thats one of those thats hard to say what exactly you should do... I don't know of any manufacturers thats specify to change the p/s fluid...

 

Check the power steering fluid of an brand new Lexus or Toyota. You'll see the factory fill power steering fluid of a brand new Lexus is light brown in color and smells kind of burnt. In other words, these are normal characterists of the factory fill fluid and no cause for alarm. Toyota has used a light brown colored power steering fluid as the factory fill for more than 20 years.