power steering fluid
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 3
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power steering fluid
new crate 383 stroker, 450 H.P....mechanic said hybrid P.S. pump and uses trans. fluid. got home from first oil change and noticed fluid leak. reservoir now empty. read on another forum about gold eagle no leak p.s. fluid and 3 users, (C3 owners), swear by it. any advice about not using trans. fluid and stopping the leak with gold eagle? thanks y'all!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
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From: PHX AZ
If you are trying to stop a leak with ANY magic lotion... you will be disappointed. If you have a leaking seal...replace the seal. If you have leaking components replace the component.
Says a Senior Mechanical Engineer...not some internet drivel.
Unkahal
Says a Senior Mechanical Engineer...not some internet drivel.
Unkahal
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I just use prestone power steering fluid...no issues, no leaks for 2 years
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Nothing beats weasel squeezings 
M
(Jim Shea was more or less adamant that this was one of the few places where actual GM power steering fluid would be preferred. I've been using it now for whatever amount of years with no issues, works as it should and even compatible with my hydroboost system. Plus since it's clear instead of red you can identify the leak easier
M
M
(Jim Shea was more or less adamant that this was one of the few places where actual GM power steering fluid would be preferred. I've been using it now for whatever amount of years with no issues, works as it should and even compatible with my hydroboost system. Plus since it's clear instead of red you can identify the leak easier
M
Race Director
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
You should NOT use automatic transmission fluid in your power steering.
Automatic transmission fluid is for your automatic transmission if your car is so equipped. Power Steering fluid is for your power steering. No, they are NOT the same stuff.
As per leaks. There are no magic fixes. replace the defective part.
Automatic transmission fluid is for your automatic transmission if your car is so equipped. Power Steering fluid is for your power steering. No, they are NOT the same stuff.
As per leaks. There are no magic fixes. replace the defective part.
Last edited by 4-vettes; Jul 20, 2021 at 06:02 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Correct. Years ago, it was somewhat common to put ATF in the PS as a emergency situation until proper repair or proper fluid could be obtained.
Today, each fluid has its own modifiers and cleansers for their specific purposes.
GM has their own. Ford has a couple different ATFs. Its not all the same stuff.
Today, each fluid has its own modifiers and cleansers for their specific purposes.
GM has their own. Ford has a couple different ATFs. Its not all the same stuff.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jul 21, 2021 at 08:26 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 2,468
From: Indiana
just did this..
power steering control valve leak rebuild question - Page 2 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
and here
power steering pump leak 79 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
which simply means my power steering piston is next to leak..
call around dealers.. price varied tremendously for a 32 ounce bottle.. i think i went 12 bucks a bottle.. cheaper online but i could not wait
power steering control valve leak rebuild question - Page 2 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
and here
power steering pump leak 79 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
which simply means my power steering piston is next to leak..
call around dealers.. price varied tremendously for a 32 ounce bottle.. i think i went 12 bucks a bottle.. cheaper online but i could not wait
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 981
From: Wauconda IL
You should NOT use automatic transmission fluid in your power steering.
Automatic transmission fluid is for your automatic transmission if your car is so equipped. Power Steering fluid is for your power steering. No, they are NOT the same stuff.
As per leaks. There are no magic fixes. replace the defective part.
Automatic transmission fluid is for your automatic transmission if your car is so equipped. Power Steering fluid is for your power steering. No, they are NOT the same stuff.
As per leaks. There are no magic fixes. replace the defective part.
Perhaps someone can explain why GM recommends DEXRON for the power steering?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Indiana
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: Wauconda IL
Race Director
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I see small overpriced bottles of power steering fluid for sale in most gas stations next to the overpriced motor oil. If you had a very slow leak far from home, maybe.
I did have a power steering emergency a few years back. blew the high pressure line coming out of the pump. emptied all the fluid onto the road very quickly. I cut the V belt to the pump so as not to burn it up as well. Drove home without power assistance and yes a bit of slop in the steering. But drivable.
I did have a power steering emergency a few years back. blew the high pressure line coming out of the pump. emptied all the fluid onto the road very quickly. I cut the V belt to the pump so as not to burn it up as well. Drove home without power assistance and yes a bit of slop in the steering. But drivable.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 981
From: Wauconda IL
new crate 383 stroker, 450 H.P....mechanic said hybrid P.S. pump and uses trans. fluid. got home from first oil change and noticed fluid leak. reservoir now empty. read on another forum about gold eagle no leak p.s. fluid and 3 users, (C3 owners), swear by it. any advice about not using trans. fluid and stopping the leak with gold eagle? thanks y'all!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 2,468
From: Indiana
Having spent 45 years in the GM Parts business (35 years as a Parts Manager), I am WELL AWARE that in later years GM developed a hydraulic fluid dedicated strictly for power steering systems. I'm questioning that you can't summarily state that you should NEVER use automatic transmission fluid in power steering systems when IN FACT GM RECOMMENDED DEXRON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID "back in the day" for their power steering systems. If I was stuck somewhere today and there was no "Power Steering Fluid" available, I would not hesitate to use Dexron Transmission Fluid.