Power Steering Fluid Question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
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From: MANDEVILLE, LA La
Power Steering Fluid Question
I need to know which P.S. Fluid(s) we can use to meet our GM Spec. 9985835.? I believe the GM fluid is no longer produced. 12345866 & 12345867.I do know the Valvoline is no longer a Synthetic which might not mean much.
Thanx
Thanx
Le Mans Master
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I use Valvoline but I thought it said synthetic on the side.... Are they lying?
Might want to try this:
Might want to try this:
Thread Starter
Safety Car
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From: MANDEVILLE, LA La
I use Valvoline but I thought it said synthetic on the side.... Are they lying?
Might want to try this:
Might want to try this:
Does Amsoil meet the Spec.(9985835)? I couldn't find it on their Web Site.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I dont know what spec specifically but I run all their other oils and it is great stuff.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
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From: MANDEVILLE, LA La
"AMSOIL Synthetic Universal Power Steering Fluid meets or exceeds motor vehicle specifications for use in GM, Chrysler, Honda, Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Saab, Subaru and Audi applications."
I dont know what spec specifically but I run all their other oils and it is great stuff.
I dont know what spec specifically but I run all their other oils and it is great stuff.
see http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/psf.aspx
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,682
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
The Spec. Stated is 9985010, Saginaw Units
see http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/psf.aspx
see http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/psf.aspx
How does it compare to the 9985835 spec?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
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From: MANDEVILLE, LA La
Safety Car
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GM still has the power steering fluid for the Corvette. You can get it at your local GM dealer.
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...&ProdID=189832
You have to watch out for that Amsoil. I've read about them putting up a fake API symbol on some of their bottles.
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...&ProdID=189832
You have to watch out for that Amsoil. I've read about them putting up a fake API symbol on some of their bottles.
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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I also use Red Line in my 87. Track days can heat up fluid if you don't have a cooler and that can eventually hurt the pump.
The pump on my car is the original and it started to howl some after a track day. I had to replaced the rack and I used Red Line synthetic for refiling the system. The pump is now quiet and there is no real indication of aeration of the fluid as there had been.
Summit Racing and JEG's carry it at reasonable prices.
The pump on my car is the original and it started to howl some after a track day. I had to replaced the rack and I used Red Line synthetic for refiling the system. The pump is now quiet and there is no real indication of aeration of the fluid as there had been.
Summit Racing and JEG's carry it at reasonable prices.
Race Director
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Son of a buck. Redid my steering pump recently and bought a quart of regular old O'Reilly's power steering fluid. But, I haven't dumped it in yet.
Do I need to go with different stuff...like the GM?
Do I need to go with different stuff...like the GM?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
A partially synthetic power steering fluid with exceptional low-temperature properties and increased oxidation stability.
This product is reccomended for extreme cold climate conditions with temperatures below -20 F. Excellent low temperature fluidity.
- Minimizes pump squeel
- Inhibits corrosion
- Non foaming
- Improves power steerin responce in cold weather
- Required for Corvettes 1985 and up
Mostly sounds like a cold-weather solution that would be particularly effective/necessary with the vette's big-azz front tires. If in warm weather, I wonder if this really does anything over the aftermarket over-the-counter stuff.
Le Mans Master
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
I changed over to Valvoline High Millage PS fluid about 4 years ago and it has worked great. I was more concerned about age of the seals rather than miles. I also now use Valvoline High Millage 5w-30 synthetic blend oil for the same reason.
Safety Car
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From: Jacksonville FL
Per the Pace link provided in JoshWilson's post above....
A partially synthetic power steering fluid with exceptional low-temperature properties and increased oxidation stability.
This product is reccomended for extreme cold climate conditions with temperatures below -20 F. Excellent low temperature fluidity.
Mostly sounds like a cold-weather solution that would be particularly effective/necessary with the vette's big-azz front tires. If in warm weather, I wonder if this really does anything over the aftermarket over-the-counter stuff.
A partially synthetic power steering fluid with exceptional low-temperature properties and increased oxidation stability.
This product is reccomended for extreme cold climate conditions with temperatures below -20 F. Excellent low temperature fluidity.
- Minimizes pump squeel
- Inhibits corrosion
- Non foaming
- Improves power steerin responce in cold weather
- Required for Corvettes 1985 and up
Mostly sounds like a cold-weather solution that would be particularly effective/necessary with the vette's big-azz front tires. If in warm weather, I wonder if this really does anything over the aftermarket over-the-counter stuff.
aaahhhh........climate change brings cooler weather to the deep south. Since its in the mid 90's today, that would be a good thing. 
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: WI
No you don't need anything special. It's a simple pump! There are guys that just use ATF forever and that even works fine. I switched mine to Redline synthetic because of track use. If you'd like more advice give Turn One a call.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
If you switch over to Redline or some other synthetic steering fluid, do you have to completely flush out the old fluid? If so, what is the best way to do this without removing all the hoses to assure that the old fluid is gone (or does it even matter) ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
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Take loose at least one fitting on the rack, let it drain for a while. Reattach fitting, find the low pressure hose that goes to the reservoir, this will go into a catch pan using a long hose, cap the reservoir nipple, fill w/ new fluid. Have some one start it up briefly while adding new fluid. Thats the best way to do it w/ out a fancy flushing machine. Just be quick when adding fluid b/c it flows fast.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Take loose at least one fitting on the rack, let it drain for a while. Reattach fitting, find the low pressure hose that goes to the reservoir, this will go into a catch pan using a long hose, cap the reservoir nipple, fill w/ new fluid. Have some one start it up briefly while adding new fluid. Thats the best way to do it w/ out a fancy flushing machine. Just be quick when adding fluid b/c it flows fast.
