Can you guys tell what kind of power steering fluid The C4 uses? I recently found mine empty

 

With the PS reservoir empty you may have a leak. Check around the inner tie rod end rubber boots for signs of leaks and also at the bottom of the PS pump. If you have wet areas, the chances are that a seal has gone away and you will be in the market for a new component. Did you hear any noises when you turned the steering wheel? That is usully you're first indication that the PS fluid level has got to the point where there is nothing in the reservoir.

Get a bottle of regular PS fluid at the local parts store and refill the reservoir and watch carefully for the level to go down again. If it does, you will most likely be replacing the leaking component.

If there is no loss of fluid level over a few days of driving, you can take a turkey baster and suck the old fluid out of the reservoir and refill with Valvoline SynPower PS fluid. Start the engine and turn the wheel left and right to full lock 5 or 6 times. Stop the motor, suck the fluid out and refill with fresh. Do this 3 or 4 times and you should have most all of the old fluid mix out.

 

I recommend you add some of the Lucas Power steering additive as well. I have put it in my C4 and my other vehicles and it keeps the steering running tops and the fluid nice and clean. You can get this at most auto stores such as Autozone, along with normal power steering fluid to balance out the fill. Lucas power steering can be gotten in a small bottle, around 12 oz I believe, and add this along with the regular PS fluid recommended by GM (see your C4 users manual).

http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...tid=2&loc=show

 

Lucas can add air to the oil, the site with the test is back working. Check it out.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/images/lucas/lucas.htm

 

Yes I have seen that site last year. I do not use the Lucas oil treatment in my vette. I do use the Power steering. I do not believe that the "lack of adequate anti air foaming ingredients in motor oils with the lucas oil additive" (presumably due to the fact that the Lucas additive does not also have anti air foaming additives ???) , is also the same scenario for the power steering fluid. PS is more of a hydraulic system than a gear motorized system such as an engine or rear differential (high rotational speeds in these latter gears, hence lots of air foaming potential). However, one of the local vet specialist used the Lucas tranny additive to my last (auto) transmission flush and change, and he races vettes. I think the tranny and PS stuff is value add. GM recommends its additive for anti slip in the differential. So all additives are not the same. My 2 cents. However I sent Lucas the site on Bob the oil guy and asked them for a response. I will post if I get one. thanks.

 

Thanks guys, I really need to check where it is leaking from....man, power steering and the slave leaking!!!!!

 

I use the Valvoline synthetic...works fine...

 

RAGOVET good idea, hope they respond with information!

 

Here is the response from Lucas Oil regarding the Bob the Oil site.

Ron,
Thanks for your interest in Lucas Oil Products. This demonstration in
no way replicates the actual environment of an engine, transmission or
differential. Our original demonstrator that you find in stores is
designed to highlight the increased surface tension our Heavy Duty Oil
Stabilizer brings to your common oil. It increases it to the point that
it will climb gears. In doing this it folds air into itself and looks a
lot like taffy being pulled and twisted. You will even see bubbles in
the base of our demonstrator as it is gathered and pulled around the
gears. This product works and that's the bottom line. It gives you
added lubricity and stronger surface tension. This combination enables
truckers to go 1 million miles plus without any major engine repairs and
even at that point technicians report that bearing wear is negligible.
If you want to learn more go to our website, www.lucasoil.com, and see what our customers have to say about the product line.
Thanks again,
John Mingus

My thoughts:
I tend to agree that using this demonstration simulator ( the ones you find in oil stores & used by Bob the Oil guy, is not representative of a real engine or tranny under operation....... Most folks that I know that work on vettes for a living recommend the Lucas products as being good (& they do not sell these products necessarily).

 

The original thread was asking what type of PS fluid to use....
Any well formulated PS fluid, whther it be mineral oil, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic meeting the GM specs is acceptable.
Like others, I use the Chevron Synthetic Blend. It works great, no creaks or groans or squeals.

As for after market additives. I don't use them. Oil manufacturers all use different additive technology. There are a number of different suppliers that use their own proprietary chemistry to create their approach to gaining API and manufacturers approvals. It would be difficult for an aftermarket supplier to guarantee compatibility with every oil company's product and a legal nightmare in the event there was a problem.
My recommendation keep it simple... buy an oil product that:
1. Is recommended for your car by its Manufacturer
2. Meets the performance duty of your car (where and how you drive it)
3. Is from a Brand you know (or trust) will stand behind their product in the event of a problem.

 

4. And change it when it's dirty!