Another PS fluid Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Another PS fluid Question
I've done some serious reading from the forum and still lost. I did a complete re-built on the PS system: new pump, actuator and lines. From several post some recommends ATF (this days ATF is both Dextron III/Mercor) and some say what GM recommends. What over the counter fluid from local parts can I use to fill the system.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 308
Likes: 2
From: South Italy
I have rebuilted mine 3 week ago,I'm using power steering fluid from GM (mineral oil),no dextron it can melt the gasket.
I have switched from dextron to AC delco and no more leaks.
I have asked the same think time ago,there is the link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ing-fluid.html
I hope this can help.
Take care and happy new year.
I have switched from dextron to AC delco and no more leaks.
I have asked the same think time ago,there is the link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ing-fluid.html
I hope this can help.
Take care and happy new year.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
Automatic transmission fluid is NOT the same as power steering fluid. In the 1960s, the fluids were the same. In fact, the power steering reservoir cap indicated ATF fluid. However, through the years the two fluids were formulated differently.
You might be interested in reading some of the history on PS fluid.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...drev18oc07.doc
Jim
You might be interested in reading some of the history on PS fluid.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...drev18oc07.doc
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Automatic transmission fluid is NOT the same as power steering fluid. In the 1960s, the fluids were the same. In fact, the power steering reservoir cap indicated ATF fluid. However, through the years the two fluids were formulated differently.
You might be interested in reading some of the history on PS fluid.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...drev18oc07.doc
Jim
You might be interested in reading some of the history on PS fluid.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...drev18oc07.doc
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
What part of "today the fluids are not the same" don't you understand. Just because ATF Type A suffix A transmission fluid (1960s and 1970s) was originally specified does not mean that the ATF fluids sitting on the shelf today are even the same fluid. If you fill a 40 year old Saginaw power steering system with today's ATF fluid, MAYBE it will operate better; Maybe it will operate the same; MAYBE it will operate worse. Who knows!
In all honesty, ATF (which brand, which refiner, ?) probably will be OK but who tested it in a Saginaw power steering system? The GM power steering fluid has been laboratory tested, vehicle tested, and the fluid tested for compatibility with the ALL rubber parts in the Saginaw power steering systems. (Yes, the entire C2/C3 Corvette steering systems were manufactured by Saginaw Steering Gear Division.)
The GM power steering fluid is specifically formulated to operate with Saginaw power steering pumps. ATF fluids are specifically formulated to operate with today's automatic transmissions.
Jim Shea
In all honesty, ATF (which brand, which refiner, ?) probably will be OK but who tested it in a Saginaw power steering system? The GM power steering fluid has been laboratory tested, vehicle tested, and the fluid tested for compatibility with the ALL rubber parts in the Saginaw power steering systems. (Yes, the entire C2/C3 Corvette steering systems were manufactured by Saginaw Steering Gear Division.)
The GM power steering fluid is specifically formulated to operate with Saginaw power steering pumps. ATF fluids are specifically formulated to operate with today's automatic transmissions.
Jim Shea
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Jim,
I very much respect your expertise in this area. But at the same time, the Dexron ATFs are back compatible. So, if they worked back then, they will continue to work, and there are no seals in that system that are harmed by anything in ATF. Maybe PS fluid is better in some way, but 45 years of experience tells me that you will not know the difference in use, except the color of the fluid leak on your floor.
I very much respect your expertise in this area. But at the same time, the Dexron ATFs are back compatible. So, if they worked back then, they will continue to work, and there are no seals in that system that are harmed by anything in ATF. Maybe PS fluid is better in some way, but 45 years of experience tells me that you will not know the difference in use, except the color of the fluid leak on your floor.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
I am curious as to how well the Royal Purple power steering fluid will work? Nearest GM dealer is 20 miles away and autozone is right down the street. Im doing the hydroboost conversion so i am going to have to drain it all out.