Power Steering Fluid in my PS reservoir? Shouldn't it be DexIII (ATF)?

[ascdesigns]

So this is slightly disturbing... When I went to check fluid levels, I noticed that the PS fluid is golden, not the translucent red transmission fluid. The manual calls for DexII/DexIII (or equivalent).

Has anyone ever had issues running PS instead of AT fluid? Should I flush the entire system asap? I also notice a few very, very fine metal filings in the filter 'cup' - almost looked like silver dust.

FWIW, my steering has been working perfectly, no groaning, stiffness or otherwise arthritic symptoms.

If I need to do a flush, how many quarts of ATF DexIII should I purchase?

Thanks!

Al

[elwesso]

The ATF is just worn out, its still ATF but the system TOTAL only holds about a quart, with the res. holding about 1/3 of a quart at the most.

IMO the easiest way to change the fluid is to just suck the fluid out with like a turkey baster, replace it to level and keep doing it like every day for a week and it will be nice and red...

[ascdesigns]

Thanks elwesso. I don't think it's worn out though. Old, tired ATF looks dark red/brown, not the honey-gold color like new/good PS fluid.

Nevertheless, since it takes a quart, I may just flush it out by doing the "lock-to-lock' method with the return hose in a small container. ATF is a little thicker than the PS fluid (or so it seems) and I think it has better seal conditioners.

I'm still open to opinions though.

Thanks,

Al

[elwesso]

that works too and would allow you to change the fluid in one session....

Ive run PS fluid and ATF and I cant really tell much of a difference to be honest, so I dont know if its even worth changing?

[W O T]

I stick to ATF in my PS system, just easier to have a big 20 gallon jug of ATF, flushing it is a breeze with a turkey baster

[ascdesigns]

Thanks all. I did flush my system tonight with a synthetic blend DexIII. Really easy to do, just a bit messy. It's amazing how quickly the PS pump pushes out the fluid. In case anyone's interested in how I did it, here's the basic steps:

- Jack up front end and place on jackstands. You want to be able to turn the wheels easily.- Drain the reservoir as much as possible using a 'turkey baster'.- Pull the return hose and plug the nozzle on the reservoir.- Attach a male-to-male barbed fitting into the return hose.- Attach an extension to the other end of the barb fitting and place it into a milk jug.- Fill reservoir up the top with new ATF fluid.- Start car, wait two seconds and turn it off. Any longer and you'll be sucking air.- Fill reservoir again.- Start car, wait two seconds and turn it off. Again, any longer and you'll be sucking air. - Fill reservoir again.- Inside the cabin, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Hold for a few seconds, then do the same for the left. Repeat. This exercise pushes fluid through and out of the system.- Add more fluid to the reservoir.- Do the steering wheel exercise again, but this time leave the fluid level lower since you'll want to put the return hose back on without fluid gushing out of the reservoir.- Clean everything up, reconnect the return hose to the reservoir nozzle, lower the Pathy. - Top off the reservoir now that the return hose is back on. - Start the car, turn the wheels side to side. Check the levels again (I had to add a couple ounces before all was said and done.)- Get a beer.

Cheers!

Al

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Why is it that the FSM suggests ATF for Canada only? I don't get it.

[W O T]

Viscosity @ -40 would be my guess