wrong power steering fluid???

[porshapower]

Ive been having a power steering noise coming from the power steering pump area. Kind of a whhhhishhhing noise:) I check the fluid today and its got the regular clear power steering fluid in it. Its a 92...isnt it supposed to be dextron like the transmission fluid? If so how am I going to drain this thing? Thanks!

[superuber]

My 95 calls for dex II or equal. Your 92 is probably the same. Have you had the power steering serviced recently? Has the fluid always been clear? Sounds like the pump maybe is going out. I have seen some power steering fluids which do look more clear. Unless the fluid has recently been put in I can't imagine it going a long time with the wrong fluid.

[porshapower]

Just purchased the car and it had no owners manual and no records and I think the previous owner had no idea because the cap doesnt say to use dextron. Its definately the clear power steering fluid you would use on a normal car.

[superuber]

I guess you can try to flush it out. Without a flush machine it may be hard to do. You have to drain all the lines and the pump and the resevoir. I have seen some generic clear power steering fluids that claim to cover all applications, but that may not be the case in your situation. If you do flush it or get it flushed you may still have a pump problem. I don't know if the Q's are weak in the pump area. Maybe someone else can tell us.

[redmanfx]

Yikes! The PS pump is a classic sun gear and crescent design and will definitly howl if starved. Cold weather may be making you present PS fluid too thick. Try changing to either OEM stuff or Mobil 1 ATF fluid. Low temperature properties are very important and some oils "just" make the old ATF specs, and nowhere close to that of the OEM PS fluid or Mobile 1 ATF. Dextron is EVIL. Check for leaks and when you refill after a flush, turn the steering wheel a few times to make sure you're full.

red

[DrewQ45]

Buy a small hand siphoner at any auto parts store...

This is an object with two hoses attached to a rubber bulb which sits in the middle between the hoses. First suck the reservoir tank dry by siphoning into a container which you place on the ground (of course the bottle must be lower than the reservior for the gravity siphon to work)... You must buy a siphon with a nice thin hose. Hopefully folks know how to use a siphon?

Once the reservior tank is empty, look for the hole in the bottom which is the supply hose leading to the steering rack. Stick the siphon hose down into the hole and push it as far as it will go....it will be inside the main hose leading to the rack (this is why a thin hose is important)... then siphon until you get air. Fill up with ATF then turn steering lock to lock with the car on a few times. Check fluid again and add if necessary. Do this about three times for 1 week (for initial flush) then every 3 oil changes/ once a year and you should be fine. Personally I use el cheapo Dextron III ATF fluid and replenish as described. Nothing wrong with expensive Mobil for peace of mind and lightness of pocket though.

...Drew...
Modified by DrewQ45 at 10:52 PM 5/4/2006