Proper power steering fluid

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Apr 25, 2005 | 09:43 PM

bama_warbonnet72

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1st Gear

Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Madison AL

Proper power steering fluid

My 1972 Corvette Owner's Manual states that I should use DEXRON Automatic Transmission Fluid for my power steering system. Where do I find this? Could I just use something like Valvoline MaxLife Power Steering Fluid instead? What does everyone else use? Also, approximately how much fluid is required to fill the power steering system?

Apr 25, 2005 | 11:50 PM

Jclgodale3

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2004

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From: North Alabama

don't have any answers but good to find another C3 owner close...I own a 71 (just set the body back on the frame) and I live off of Wall Triana in Harvest...welcome to the board

oh...someone will chime in shortly with the correct ifo your looking for...this board is full of @! er uh...knowledge!

Apr 25, 2005 | 11:56 PM

wildman378

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2004

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From: n/a SC

a lot of people still use ATF in their new cars and without problems but most new cars call for POWER STEERING FLUID but if your manual says ATF then use trans fluid...should be fine.

Apr 26, 2005 | 12:37 AM

rihwoods

Race Director

Joined: Feb 2005

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Chiltons Corvette 63-82 repair manual:Page 1-51
"Avoid using automatic transmission fluid in power steering units except in an emergency".

Apr 26, 2005 | 01:44 AM

Brettmc

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2002

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From: St Louis MO

I use Valvoline Synthetic PS fluid.

Brett

Apr 26, 2005 | 06:42 AM

ffas23

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

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From: Somerset, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by bama_warbonnet72

The Dexron Automatic Transmission Fluid they are talking about is called Dexron/Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid today. This is all I use in my early Corvettes power steering reservoir. You should be ok with the Valvoline Power Steering Fluid or any other brand of powering steering fluid available though. It should mix ok. If you don't feel you want to chance it just go out an buy a quart of Dexron/Mercon trans fluid at any of your local part stores. It is actually cheaper to use then power steering fluid cost wise per ounce.

Apr 26, 2005 | 04:09 PM

ruby76

Drifting

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From: Fairview Heights Illinois, near Saint Louis MO, STL C3 Shark

I always thought the only diff b/n ATF and PS fluid was a red dye in the ATF.

Apr 26, 2005 | 09:36 PM

ffas23

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 2,817

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From: Somerset, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruby76

I always thought the only diff b/n ATF and PS fluid was a red dye in the ATF.

They are both hydraulic oils but the additive package is different. I would use what GM recommends in these older Vettes but I am sure just about any brand of Power Steering fluid will work and not cause any problems. What ever you do don't put brake fluid in the system