Power sterring fluid for 1993 Q45

[Americain]

I did my research here and have found out that the power steering pump om my Q uses ATF Mercon instead of power steering fluid. I'm just double-checking on this to be sure. If true I'll use a turkey baster to get all the old stuff out and refill. One last question...how much ATF will I need for the refill? Thanks in advance.

Modified by Americain at 6:13 PM 9/2/2008
Modified by Americain at 6:22 PM 9/2/2008

[maxnix]

If true I'll use a turkey baster to get all the old stuff out and refill.

Unfortuantely like all simple solutions, it is not true. You can't extract the fluid from the rack. If your PS fluid is indistguishable from new, then the turkey baster might suffice. Perform the white paper towel test to check for dgradation. If discernible, then perform a simultaneous mechanical extraction and refill, being sure to crank the steeering lock to lock at least twice in each extreme and holding for 15 seconds each time. This will require about a gallon of ATF. If it is brownish at all, then a full system mechanical exhange is better to extract the sludge from the rack.

Since the fluid volume is so low, synthetic like Mobil 1 will bear some benefits. According to TexasOil, a seal conditioner is a good thing to use when using any ATF in this application. BG uses one when they perform their PS fluid exchange. Sun also makes an appropriate machine.

http://www.bgfindashop.com

http://www.bgprod.com

All of the above is in the previous posts.

[Americain]

My problem is that I put in regular power steering fluid as a top-up. I'm hoping I can extract most of the stuff from the cannister for it all to work properly.

[maxnix]

Too late.

Do the mechanical extraction and refill with at least 1 gallon of M1 ATF and then if the paper towel test reveals no difference, extract some ATF and add the BG seal conditioner.

If there is a difference, then another 2 qts. of ATF should do it.

[Q451990]

Or you could just turkey baster it daily for several days... the system circulates quickly.

(Did I just make "turkey baster" a verb? )

Heath

[Victor]

A mechanic told me not to worry about accidentally mixing power steering fluid and ATF in the power steering system. In fact they often look the same, might even be the same except for a few additives.

[Americain]

Or you could just turkey baster it daily for several days... the system circulates quickly.

(Did I just make "turkey baster" a verb? )

Heath

Thanks. Not only for the advice but for a good laugh.