Power steering Questions!

[CollinBoz]

Hey guys,

Recently my 96 N/A has been making a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel. I believe this means I'm in need of more fluid. I know that Dextron ATF is what I should use, but I have been told that mixing PS and ATF is a No No. Obviously I am very low on fluid, but how do I flush what's left of my old ps fluid? I need the car running ASAP (daily driver atm) so gonna flush today!

Thanks,
Collin

[t.mcginley.jr]

Why do you need to flush out the old fluid? It should all be ATF unless someone put in regular PS fluid by accident. As far as I know there's no drain plug on the rack, but you can disconnect one of the lines going coming off the reservoir and then turn the wheel lock to lock. That should get a lot of it out, but it wall probably be messy lol

[CollinBoz]

Well I agree, it SHOULD be ATF but I have no idea what the previous owner has done. The car has 140K miles, so it's entirely possible that the wrong fluid has been put in at some point in time. Is there any way to tell the fluids apart?

[CollinBoz]

Think I should just risk it and put ATF? What would happen if ps and ATF are mixed?

[t.mcginley.jr]

PS fluid and ATF are somewhat similar since they are both hydraulic fluids, and they will mix, but I wouldn't do it. Is the rack already leaking?

[CollinBoz]

Well I havnt noticed a leak but there must be some sort of leak due to my lack of fluid. Again, 17 yr old car, the leak could be very slow and just now getting to the point where it's a problem. Idk . I took a sample of what's in the reservoir now and the fluid is red. That's ATF right?

[t.mcginley.jr]

Yep red is ATF, regular PS fluid is clear. If you don't see any visible leaks I would just fill it up with some ATF and call it a day. Usually if there is too much regular PS fluid it will cause leaks because it was meant to have ATF which I believe is somewhat thicker.

[CollinBoz]

Just put some more ATF in and there is no more grinding noise! Problem solved! Thanks for the help, I had an idea of what I was doing but kept 2nd guessing myself. I'm gonna tighten up the throttle cable while I'm here and go for a drive!
Again, thanks got the quick reply!

Collin

[t.mcginley.jr]

Awesome! good to hear you got it fixed so easily. Having to replace a PS pump is a pain, replacing a whole rack is even worse.

[CollinBoz]

A month or two after buying it I had to replace the water pump, bypass hoses, and a few other related parts. That was a PAIN! I'm praying to never need to do any more major engine repairs! Now that my Z32 is fixed I can continue with the 240z! Cheers!