Power steering fluid
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Joined: Mar 2019
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Power steering fluid
Should I change power steering fluid on my 1980? I bought this 37 years ago from the original owner. There is no problems with the unit and the fluid is the only one that I have not flushed and changed.
Race Director
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I just can't believe in 37 years you never had a leak!
this has got to be a record for these cars!
I agree, don't touch it!
this has got to be a record for these cars!
I agree, don't touch it!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
In the 35 years I've had mine. 2 power steering pumps. 3 low pressure return lines. 2 high pressure feed lines, 2 rams and 1 control valve.
And this is fairly normal from everything I read on here over 15 years and being in 3 car clubs at the present and several corvette clubs over the years.
So, I still say, you must have set some kind of record!
And this is fairly normal from everything I read on here over 15 years and being in 3 car clubs at the present and several corvette clubs over the years.
So, I still say, you must have set some kind of record!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Hermosa
In the 35 years I've had mine. 2 power steering pumps. 3 low pressure return lines. 2 high pressure feed lines, 2 rams and 1 control valve.
And this is fairly normal from everything I read on here over 15 years and being in 3 car clubs at the present and several corvette clubs over the years.
So, I still say, you must have set some kind of record!
And this is fairly normal from everything I read on here over 15 years and being in 3 car clubs at the present and several corvette clubs over the years.
So, I still say, you must have set some kind of record!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,039
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From: FL
I would not break any on the lines free. Remove the alternator for access and use a turkey baster to remove as much fluid as possible. Refill with fresh fluid. Do that a couple of times and your fluid should be pretty refreshed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
Lots & lots of C3s get their PS flushed on every road trip out and brought back into the garage.
(going to fix that leak one of these days)
(going to fix that leak one of these days)
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Feb 19, 2023 at 08:24 AM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 319
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From: Midwest
GM probably never intended for the PS fluid to ever be changed, but they were also probably not expecting a 1980 model to still be on the road 43 years later. I agree with the suggestions to pull the fluid and refill several times. 40 years is a long time.
Any PS system could certainly be excused for developing a few leaks over nearly a half century. So you have been blessed.
I changed out my leaking PS control valve, four PS hoses, and ram cylinder eight years ago and it has been great since. Of course, my `79 was about 35 years old at the time so I count my blessings.
Any PS system could certainly be excused for developing a few leaks over nearly a half century. So you have been blessed.
I changed out my leaking PS control valve, four PS hoses, and ram cylinder eight years ago and it has been great since. Of course, my `79 was about 35 years old at the time so I count my blessings.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: FL
Saw this fluid extractor at O’Reilly yesterday. Not cheap but I like the fact that you don’t have fluid running through the pump mechanism, so hopefully, it would be easier to clean and less chance of contamination.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...ge+pump&pos=18
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...ge+pump&pos=18
Melting Slicks
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Melting Slicks
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From: Wauconda IL
