Power Steering Issues

[KDS_cars]

I am looking for thoughts on some power steering issues. I have a 1990 Z32 NA non-hicas. Their is no steering wheel return at all and when the fluid is changed it quickly changes from clear to amber (auto zone branded power steering fluid.) The power steering seems to be strongest when the car is first started and get worse slowly the longer the car is run. (heat issue maybe?). It does not seem to fail under any condition, at worse it is heavy with little assist. the pump has been replace but as far as i know, everything else in the system is original. it does have after market rims (17 inch) and a steering wheel (350mm). not sure what the issue is. Any thoughts?

[centralcoaster33]

An alignment might be needed. Proper alignment is what helps the wheels straighten out (return) after a turn.

[KDS_cars]

I'v had the car aligned and everything is to factory spec. the caster does seem high. I think if I recall right it was like 7 degrees positive?

[itsa300zx]

I am looking for thoughts on some power steering issues. I have a 1990 Z32 NA non-hicas. Their is no steering wheel return at all and when the fluid is changed it quickly changes from clear to amber (auto zone branded power steering fluid.) The power steering seems to be strongest when the car is first started and get worse slowly the longer the car is run. (heat issue maybe?). It does not seem to fail under any condition, at worse it is heavy with little assist. the pump has been replace but as far as i know, everything else in the system is original. it does have after market rims (17 inch) and a steering wheel (350mm). not sure what the issue is. Any thoughts?

These cars do not use typical ps fluid, aft dexron 3 fluid is the recommended fluid.( yes automatic transmission fluid, that is what Nissan designed these for.)

[KDS_cars]

i've heard people use ATF fluid as power steering fluid but i figured power steering specific fluid would work as well. ill make the swap and see if it helps. thank you!

[everpresentnoob]

ah crap... Mine was way low in the reservoir so I topped it off with standard PS fluid. Guess I get to drain everything out next weekend and refill with proper fluid.

[centralcoaster33]

Yeah, I switched to ATF a while ago in my 240sx and it does seem to work better. You can get a bottle for a reservoir, move the fill hose to that and run the engine to use the PS pump to pull the fluid from the car's reservoir (which you fill up with the new ATF) while having the old stuff get pumped into your side bottle for disposal. It moves pretty quick, especially when turning the wheel, so keep filling the reservoir as you go. They're different colors, so it should be easy to tell when to stop.

[amc49]

PS performance getting worse with heat says worn parts, the seals leak easier as the fluid thins from heat just like on an old ATX.

Uh, virtually ALL PS fluid is automatic trans fluid since like the late '50s. Only around now might that be changing. PS fluid they simply leave the dye out of ATF fluid and maybe certain additives not needed for PS parts as there are no clutches there. Most used type A fluid back when and it was for Chryslers but used in all other brands for PS fluid. Then the OEMs figured out why not just use the house brand ATF fluid since it's in the dealership for trannies anyway? And what many do now. I've mixed the fluids all over the map and sold ATF fluid for PS so many times (cheaper) I can't count when in parts and no damage done but pay attention...................certain Honda cars require a one off specialty fluid since they have plastic impellers in the PS pumps and they need that additive for them. Why when looking at PS fluid on the shelf you will see it for all models except Honda and another right next to it for Honda only........

[CurtupstateNY]

hi, I just got a '93 300ZX, and the power steering fluid is low. The local mechanic I go to, didn't want to mix it up with the wrong type, but the local dealership wasn't quite sure either. Is this correct, use Dexron 3, ATF fluid?, from an earlier comment, "These cars do not use typical ps fluid, aft dexron 3 fluid is the recommended fluid.( yes automatic transmission fluid, that is what Nissan designed these for.)"

[NolimitZ32]

MFG recommended fluid is ATF Dex3, if the fluid is red you're probably safe to top off with Dex3.