Power steering fluid
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Las VEgas NV
Power steering fluid
FSM and owners manual call for synthetic. Can't find it any where, even the chevy dealer says they only carry non synthetic fluid and that is what has been in the new vetts since 2000.
I know royal purple and redline make some. Chevy dealer said today's power steering fluid better than what was available in 1994,
Have a small leak on the return hose on a 1994. Also hose has been discontinued.
Any comments on the fluid to use???
I know royal purple and redline make some. Chevy dealer said today's power steering fluid better than what was available in 1994,
Have a small leak on the return hose on a 1994. Also hose has been discontinued.
Any comments on the fluid to use???
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 61
From: New Jersey
I ran into the same problem. I purchased a couple of gallons of Valvoline power steering fluid on closeout from one of the parts stores and periodically siphoned out the fluid from the reservoir replacing it with the new fluid. I did over the course of last summer. This year, I am going to start siphoning again and replacing with a couple of 12 oz. bottles of Lucas Power steering fluid with conditioners.
As for the return hose - is this it?
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...FYEDOgodeQcABw
As for the return hose - is this it?
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...FYEDOgodeQcABw
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Las VEgas NV
I ran into the same problem. I purchased a couple of gallons of Valvoline power steering fluid on closeout from one of the parts stores and periodically siphoned out the fluid from the reservoir replacing it with the new fluid. I did over the course of last summer. This year, I am going to start siphoning again and replacing with a couple of 12 oz. bottles of Lucas Power steering fluid with conditioners.
As for the return hose - is this it?
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...FYEDOgodeQcABw
As for the return hose - is this it?
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...FYEDOgodeQcABw
So you are now running non synthetic Lucas PSF? No issues?
Last edited by rhinoevans; Feb 22, 2014 at 11:11 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 61
From: New Jersey
Currently it is the Valvoline non synthetic. No issues. I use the Lucas in my other vehicles and am going to start replacing with it in the vette this year. No issues with the Lucas in other vehicles. 
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 61
From: New Jersey
I should also add I used the Lucas to help quiet noisy pump on a 2004 Dodge Intrepid and used (one bottle) it in my 1994 F150 after I rebuilt the steering gear box. The F150 uses Ford tranny fluid but I added a bottle of the Lucas just as a safeguard after the rebuild.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I'm using Red Line PS fluid in my '87. The pump was making some nasty noises after track days so I thought I would try the Red Line fluid. The pump (original) quieted down and works fine. I did add a small fluid cooler which probably helped too. The early non-Z51 cars didn't have coolers.
Flushing the old fluid is fairly simple. Remove the return line and start the engine and let it idle. Slowly turn the steering wheel to the left and right to the full lock position. As the pump pushes the old fluid out, add new fluid to the reservoir. It probably needs to be a two person job to make sure that the old fluid doesn't spill anywhere or overflow a catch container and that the reservoir is kept at the "Full" line.
Once new fluid is coming out, shut the engine down and re-connect the return line. Start the engine again and turn the steering wheel to the let and right a few times. Check the fluid level and top off as needed.
Flushing the old fluid is fairly simple. Remove the return line and start the engine and let it idle. Slowly turn the steering wheel to the left and right to the full lock position. As the pump pushes the old fluid out, add new fluid to the reservoir. It probably needs to be a two person job to make sure that the old fluid doesn't spill anywhere or overflow a catch container and that the reservoir is kept at the "Full" line.
Once new fluid is coming out, shut the engine down and re-connect the return line. Start the engine again and turn the steering wheel to the let and right a few times. Check the fluid level and top off as needed.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 241
Likes: 3
From: Tampa FL
C4cruiser- that is great idea. I always did the turkey baster. Take a little out of the reservoir refill with clean. come back a day later do the same again until it looks clean. but that is a much better idea.
Thanks!!!!
Thanks!!!!
