RatDog

I need to top off my PS fluid but not sure what to use. My car ('67 327/350) was born with manual steering. PS was added to the car sometime within the past 5-6 years but I don't know who made it (could even be an original GM unit but I don't know).

My question is, what type of PS fluid should I use? Does it make a difference?

Thanks

wmf62

use whatever you can find
Bil

Powershift

Agree with Bill. Go to your local FLAPs store and just buy a name brand (general) Power Steering fluid: Castrol, Prestone, Wynns, etc. You will be fine.

Larry

RatDog

Thanks guys. Name brand at FLAPS it is.

My power brakes are also add-ons to this car but that one's easy . . . it says use DOT3 on the cap. The PS cap just says, "Use appropriate power steering fluid".

62Jeff

Not so fast - has your car been changed over to DOT 5 Silicon fluid, as is common in many restorations? DOT 3 and DOT 5 do not mix, so don't confuse the two.

RatDog

I have no idea, Jeff. The PB were also added to the car within the past 5 to 6 years. Is there a way to tell what's in there now? I took a small sample out and put it on a white dish. Looks like it separates into a clear component and a tannish-colored component.

62Jeff

JohnZ posted a simple procedure here
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1582340280-post5.html

RatDog

Thanks Jeff (and JohnZ)! Turns out it is DOT 3 so I'm good to go with that. Appreciate the help. I learned something today .

Take care.

Powershift

Steve:

If the brake fluid is dark as you stated above, and appeared to separate into two phases, I would condsider doing a complete system flush sometime in the near future. The DOT 3 fluid should be clear and clean with no debris or sediment. You should be able to see down to the bottom of the master cylinder. It turns dark with time, heat, and moisture.

One of those "pay me now or pay me later" things.

FWIW. Larry

mikem350

RE:
power steering fluid..most GM systems use Dexron trans fluid. Colored RED.
Check it and see. If clear go with the named fluid.
Either way won't really matter.....

RatDog

Larry - Thanks for the information. When I first took the fluid out of the car, it separated into brownish color on the bottom with a thin layer of clear on the top. After adding water and shaking the bottle, it looks like this (definitely not clear):