j3studio

Folks,

What are early C4 folks using for power steering fluid? I was checking my 1985's fluids today, and the power steering shows low ...

Cruisinfanatic

I use power steering fluid myself

WVZR-1

GM branded product certainly was the most desirable for years and I'd still think so but I believe all of the GM product is now ACD branded so who knows. If you had issues with a noisy system and used the car for daily transportation year round I'd try the GM "Cold Climate" product. Regardless of the climate it did very well. I'd buy the "cold climate" stuff.

j3studio

Looking for specifics, if there are any. I guess you are saying it really doesn't matter.

WVZR-1

Cardone says it "does matter" here's their suggestions of OE product for most:

https://www.cardone.com/docs/default....pdf?sfvrsn=16

GM - Cold Climate for no problems - take advantage of it being low and after checking for "the reason" why, correcting that then do a simple flush and use your choice but GM spec and the CC does well.

j3studio

Thanks for the link. That helped me, and I was able to find a couple of third party products that are listed as compatible with part number 1050017/specification 9985010.

ex-x-fire

Me, I use dextron III.

Cruisinfanatic

I flushed mine years ago and did not use anything fancy to refill

Cliff Harris

I was using synthetic until the last flush. Couldn't find synthetic at AutoZone so I bought what they had (Valvoline, I think).

c4cruiser

After doing a few track days with my '87, the PS pump started to squeal when the fluid go hot. I bought Red Line Full Synthetic PS Fliud and did a complete flush and refill of the PS system.

That was 6 years ago and have done a good dozen track days since and the squealing noise has never come back.

The Red Line fluid isn't typically available at the chain parts stores but it can be ordered from places like Summit Racing or Amazon. It can be found on eBay too.

tbirdsps

The FSM and owners manual specifically says not to use transmission fluid. (1990)

vader86

I use Valvoline

thecatmac

My 85 was leaking fluid, especially in the cold weather for some reason. I put Lucas Power steering stop leak in,(The whole bottle, I sucked out all the old fluid and topped it off with new fluid after I put Lucas in) and it hasn't leaked since.

VikingTrad3r

i did the same thing. when its cold i get a bad sound from my pump i think for anout 5 seconds. i think the lucas is too thick and the pump is cavitating or something.

86C4Z51

There are no real "cures in a bottle" for leaks. They can get you by for a while, but the only cure is to replace seals. Hey, swapping out the rack on a C4 isn't THAT bad, you can do it yourself then drive straight to the alignment shop.

TorchTarga94

Redline with a little bit of Lucas conditioner in mine. Usually don't buy into the snake oils too much but the Lucas quieted the pump down even after switching to Redline Synthetic. A lot of people like it. No scientific data to back it up but it worked well for me.