JB

As far as I know, my power steering's got the same fluid in it GM put there 34 years ago. :eek: It strikes me that's a long time to expect a petroleum product to function as designed. Does power steering fluid wear out (like tranny fluid) or absorb water (like brake fluid)? If you change it, how do you change it (I assume you'd suck it out of the reservoir, but how do you get it out of the rest of the system?)?

Inquiring minds wanna know!:D

JB

edsalinas

I'd change it........ After all, it's only been 34 years......

P.S. So how many states can one (reside in) and still call them all TEXAS?

:lol: :lol: :lol:

PRNDL

I changed mine, along with all the other fluids, shortly after I purchased my vette, for the same reason - didn't know how long it had been in there and thought it would be a good idea to start fresh. I am not sure what the recommended interval is, I would guess pretty high, 25k miles or so?? I sucked it out with the same pump thing I used to empty the differential oil Later I discovered a more efficient method when I changed my p/s hoses..... just disconnect the hose at the bottom and drain it all out.... :) MJ

69er

I changed mine and if I remember correctly forum steering Guru Jim Shea recommended using GM fluid over others.
I used the GM fluid. :yesnod:

Brettmc

It's probably got all kinds of contaminants in it. Small metal particles, pieces of dirt, stuff like that. Go ahead and change it. Better yet, if you need to replace any steering components, change the fluid when you replace them. I replaced my fluid with Valvoline synthetic fluid when I put the Steeroids in this past summer.

Brett :thumbs:

wcsinx

Just use GM standard leaky ps parts, and you never need to change your fluid. You just top it off once a month. :D :thumbs:

page62

I'm a little surprised here. This is a question I expect from a bored person in the Great White North -- down here in Texas it's time to DRIVE, no fiddling until January, please! :jester

BTW: If you change the fluid, the system will likely start leaking. Murphy's Law. :yesnod:

JB

Semester's ending here, Page--I ain't got a helluva lot to do but drive and tinker. :D I'm headed out to Wimberley in the hill country right after lunch for a nice top-down cruise. It's great living in the Republic of Texas (otherwise known as God's own country) ain't it? :thumbs:

I have to admit I am a little worried about screwing with it. I've had bad luck with changing transmission fluid and having the tranny eat itself soon after, and the PS on the vette works perfectly right now with no leaks. One part of me wants to drain it and put in the synth, another part wants to leave it the hell alone!

JB



[Modified by JB, 9:55 AM 12/2/2003]

sb69coupe

JB, I have to vote with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" in this case. If your car is not leaking any PS fluid then just leave it be. Or soon you may be into the "if it ain't broke, 'fix' it 'til it is" camp :D

Shannon

comp

if your worried about removing the return line, go to store and get a $1 turkey
basster and suck out all you can and top it back off with new i do it to alot of
cars sometimes you can even feel a difference in the steering

JB

If I just suck out the old fluid that's in the reservoir, would it be OK to mix synthetic in with the old fluid? Are they compatible the way dino & synth motor oil are?

JB

comp

just read the label to see if it say's it's mixable, everthing i use is.. i never
know what someone behind me will add. get most of the old out and new in
even if not 100% syn. is ok, after a few days suck out again and top of, it'll
be a step ahead..

Wrecked82

PS units are kind of like a Corvair I had once (a 61 - yup, that old). Never changed the oil - - - it changed itself! :cry

edsalinas

That's what's good about having leaks, things are always getting fresh fluids..............

:lolg: :lolg: :lolg:

macx

Yes, it will carry wear particles from all parts of the system that
will accelerate wear, esp on seals, etc.

Especially if you put in a new pump or rack, change all the hoses -
it's nearly impossible to totally flush all the crud out of them.

As a former maintenance supervisor responsible for taking care of
over $100mil of heavy equipment, including over 300 heavy trucks
all with power steering, it definitely lengthens component life.
If you compare what's in there with new fluid, you'll readily
see the difference. Also good to change brake fluid periodically,
along with trans & diff fluids. Gets rid of the crud, parts last longer.
In my car, I've got 210k of all types of driving and never have
replaced any of the power steering or brake parts, like calipers.
I believe it's largely due to regular fluid changes and flushing.

For the steering, disconnect the return hose and drain the reservoir,
then plug the reservoir connection on the pump. Fill the reservoir
with new fluid and have someone briefly start the engine just long
enuf to turn the steering wheel all the way from lock to lock, draining
the old stuff coming out of the disconnected return hose into a container.
Then stop the engine, refill the reservoir, and repeat going the other
direction. That will flush everything out of the pump, the valves,
and the cylinder.

Wrencher

I'm with macx on this. Pick up one of those vacuum sucker thingys (looks like a grease gun) and put a 3/8" hose on it to suck the resevoir dry. Even the cheap gear lube pumps will work. Then add some good 'ol GM power steering fluid and run it for a bit, then repeat as needed till it's clean. It does make a difference. I do the same thing with my brake fluid before I bleed the brakes each spring.

Hans

comp

the $1 or less turkey baster works great, tool and fluid make a $5 fix