1996 Power Steering Fluid??

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Jul 30, 2004 | 01:33 PM

McGaffin

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From: Dallas TX

1996 Power Steering Fluid??

Hey guys...I feel pretty dumb asking this question but I have no idea what to do. I just noticed that my power steering went out so I naturally checked the fluid. It was bone dry. So, I obviously need to refill it. I called GM and they say that GM# 12345866 can be purchased from them for $9.20. Do I have any other options like going to O'reilly or Autozone and picking up an alternative? What do you guys use and recommend? Thanks in advance.

Jul 30, 2004 | 02:02 PM

all4c4lt4

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From: Cincinnati Oh

Well if its bone dry you should first find out where the leak is. I use, and some others here seem to like, the Valvoline synthetic fluid.

Jul 30, 2004 | 03:22 PM

McGaffin

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From: Dallas TX

Thanks for the info. Yes I do intend to find out exactly where the leak is coming from. But first I need to get it home to my garage, and in order to do that, I have to put fluid in it temporarily. I am going to guess it is a hose or something...but you never know. I will find out in the morning. Thanks again.

Jul 30, 2004 | 06:27 PM

bogus

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From: San Pedro CA

I agree with the Valvoline Synpower. Use it in my 92.

Also check the tank itself, there may be a crack in it... and the most difficult one to find

the cap! My friends daughter had a Ford Taurus, the powersteering kept going dry. Upon checking, the cap was cracked and not sealing right, all the fluid came out the top!

Jul 30, 2004 | 07:47 PM

Mr Mojo

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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo

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I also used a bottle of Lucas Oil Power Steering lubricant/sealer.
My pump was whining like crazy and I had no power steering below 100 RPM. After the Lucas treatment, no more problems.

Jul 30, 2004 | 08:19 PM

xs650

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From: Northern CA

My 96 is doing great on Redline PS fluid. Dale at Redline did say that Redline D4 is a better match to the Corvete PS than the PS fluid, so that goes in next time.

Jul 30, 2004 | 09:03 PM

Texas CE

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From: Helotes TX

I have been using Royal Purple Synthetic from the local NAPA store for 3 years with no problems.

Be careful on the GM stuff. I took my owners manual in to show the local Chevy dealer the exact part number and they pulled out a bottle that was 1. at least 4 years old judging by the coating of dust and 2. said on the bottle "petroleum based".

You want to run synthetic definitely.

Good Luck!

Jul 30, 2004 | 10:32 PM

avtt94

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I dont know how many people know this,but Valvoline is not a true synthetic.They make their synthetics by refining crude oil.They refine it more than regular oil to take out more impurities,so this oil is just really,really refined Dino oil.Just thought I let everyone know about this.
Most of the synthetic oil out there is like this.I know Mobil One and Amsoil is a true synthetic,but I dont know about others like Redline and Royal Purple.

Last edited by avtt94; Jul 30, 2004 at 10:34 PM.