Power Steering Fluid Condition
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge CA.
Power Steering Fluid Condition
My 1988 coupe has 50k miles on it and is just a weekend driver. I looked at the powersteering fluid over the weekend, and, while the system has been working flawlessly over the past (5) years that I have owned it, and doesnot leak a drop of anything, the fluid looked to be contaminated with a black, non gritty substance! Does any one have any experience with this? The most logical explanation I have heard is that the (3) hoes are decomposing and contaminating the fluid after (15) years. Unless told otherwise, I am thinking to replace the (3) hoses and then have the entiler ciruit flushed and refilled with new fluid. Any other experiences/suggestions?
Thanks
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: Henderson NV
Re: Power Steering Fluid Condition (1988C4)
That, my friend, is most likely just plain old dirt. Replacing the hoses is a bit expensive. I'd use a bulb baster and suck out the old fluid several times and replace it with clean stuff. I frankly have never heard of the hoses deteriorating and causing contamination.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: Power Steering Fluid Condition (vetteseniorcit)
...use a bulb baster and suck out the old fluid several times and replace it with clean stuff....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,141
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
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Re: Power Steering Fluid Condition (1988C4)
The PS hoses and stuff in the rack can deteriorate if the fluid is never changed. Putting in new fluid can put off a rack replacement for years.
Get a baster and suck out the old fluid, and replace it with new synthetic. Let the car warm up and drive it a mile or so, and then do it again, and eventually make sure the fluid is clean and new.
Get a baster and suck out the old fluid, and replace it with new synthetic. Let the car warm up and drive it a mile or so, and then do it again, and eventually make sure the fluid is clean and new.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Re: Power Steering Fluid Condition (silver & red CE)
Yup. I sucked all mine out with a turkey baster and replaced a leaking rack pipe hose. Good as new now! :thumbs:
