[dtsimpala]

Hello Folks,

I'd like to flush the power steering fluid on my car since I'm running into "stiff steering while at low RPM" issue (it also seems to be more prominent when going from Reverse to Drive so I'm going to change my serpentine belt and tensioner tomorrow). On the Youtube videos, their reservoirs have a return line, but mine only seems to have a single line going to it. So I have two questions.

1. Am I stuck with the turkey baster method? Or is there a line of some sort that I can take advantage of? For one model of Impala, the guy just redirected the return line to a pan, and turned the wheel back and forth while refilling.

2. Is is still okay to use transmission fluid instead of Power Steering fluid? I'm worried about leaks since my system is so old, and I think it would be easier if the fluid were reddish than the usual burnt brown.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Big Buford]

Both ATF and PSF are hydraulic fluids, so they're certainly related. Many do use them interchangeably without issue. I don't use ATF for power steering, since the additives to ensure sealing and temperature ranges expected are not the same. Most likely you could use ATF for power steering and not notice any immediate difference. The issue "might" be that the ATF won't seal the system as effectively as PSF and you will see leakage sooner than if you had used PSF. I would definitely change the fluid if it's still original.....286k miles is rather a lot!

 

[sheila]

Hello Folks,

I'd like to flush the power steering fluid on my car since I'm running into "stiff steering while at low RPM" issue (it also seems to be more prominent when going from Reverse to Drive so I'm going to change my serpentine belt and tensioner tomorrow). On the Youtube videos, their reservoirs have a return line, but mine only seems to have a single line going to it. So I have two questions.

1. Am I stuck with the turkey baster method? Or is there a line of some sort that I can take advantage of? For one model of Impala, the guy just redirected the return line to a pan, and turned the wheel back and forth while refilling.

2. Is is still okay to use transmission fluid instead of Power Steering fluid? I'm worried about leaks since my system is so old, and I think it would be easier if the fluid were reddish than the usual burnt brown.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Fwiw, I've been using the turkey baster method ea. year using Dexron 6 atf since 2013 with no issues. This is on my '12, '13 and '16 Limited LT's. In your case, if the fluid is black, smells burnt, I'd swap it weekly 'til it remains red.

 

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

Hello Folks,

I'd like to flush the power steering fluid on my car since I'm running into "stiff steering while at low RPM" issue (it also seems to be more prominent when going from Reverse to Drive so I'm going to change my serpentine belt and tensioner tomorrow). On the Youtube videos, their reservoirs have a return line, but mine only seems to have a single line going to it. So I have two questions.

1. Am I stuck with the turkey baster method? Or is there a line of some sort that I can take advantage of? For one model of Impala, the guy just redirected the return line to a pan, and turned the wheel back and forth while refilling.

2. Is is still okay to use transmission fluid instead of Power Steering fluid? I'm worried about leaks since my system is so old, and I think it would be easier if the fluid were reddish than the usual burnt brown.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

You should use the type of power steering fluid mentioned in your vehicle owner’s manual.

You did not mention if you live in an very cold area - but GM had issued a special cold-weather power steering fluid to eliminate noises and “stiff” operation. Here is a link to it: https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-10-5044-Climate-Power-Steering/dp/B007Q10PTW

GM had issued a TSB (I don’t have a copy) which stated the cold weather power steering fluid could be used in place of the fluid recommended in the owner’s manual.

 

[Bill58]

You should use the type of power steering fluid mentioned in your vehicle owner’s manual.

You did not mention if you live in an very cold area - but GM had issued a special cold-weather power steering fluid to eliminate noises and “stiff” operation. Here is a link to it: https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-10-5044-Climate-Power-Steering/dp/B007Q10PTW

GM had issued a TSB (I don’t have a copy) which stated the cold weather power steering fluid could be used in place of the fluid recommended in the owner’s manual.

@$23 a quart?

 

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

@$23 a quart?

I’m not selling it - just posted the link which has information about the product and the part numbers.

GM developed the fluid for cold climates and to improve the stiff power steering feel. I do not know if the OP lives in a cold climate - but gave him another option.

 

[firestk]

Sorry if this is late, I might have a solution. If you have the 3.6 set up, the power steering cooler has both ends on the return side. (Based on the fittings) Youcan get to it pretty easily by loosening the 3 bolts holding up the back of the air dam.

I'll be trying this myself this weekend but for a complete flush you should be able to get some tubing and fittings from your local hardware store and get it done from there.

Sidenote: as far as I can see, this is the lowest point in the whole system so there's a risk it will continuously drain without your action so be careful not to go through all your fluid before you button it back up.

 

[dtsimpala]

Thanks! I ended up using the turkey baster method. It worked a lot faster than expected and the fluid started to appear relatively clear at around 4 basting sessions (that sounds weird).

Here is what my fluid looked like before I changed it out.

 

[firestk]

ok so that works but for an easier job, ignore what I said before. Take off the passenger side side wheel. You can access the power steering hoses there with less work.

 

[firestk]

Thanks! I ended up using the turkey baster method. It worked a lot faster than expected and the fluid started to appear relatively clear at around 4 basting sessions (that sounds weird).

Here is what my fluid looked like before I changed it out.

View attachment 167032

How was your handling after the fluid swap? I did a full flush and holy crap it's so much lighter now.

 

[dtsimpala]

How was your handling after the fluid swap? I did a full flush and holy crap it's so much lighter now.

Well, since the pump was on it's way out, the fluid in the rack and pump still looked like molasses ='(. I assume I will have to do another basting once I get the new pump back on.

 

[firestk]

Well, since the pump was on it's way out, the fluid in the rack and pump still looked like molasses ='(. I assume I will have to do another basting once I get the new pump back on.

If you're replacing it, you should go ahead and do the full flush anyway. Give the new pump it's best shot at life.