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Power steering fluid advice

craiginuk

craiginuk

Member
Just before Bedford track day i checked all fluids and noticed power steering fluid was a bit low. No visible leak but just a little low on dipstick in filler tank.

I knew they take atf so bought some "Halfords automatic transmission and power steering fluid Dll GM-6137M"

Added maybe 50 ml. On the track day I noticed a few creaking noises from rack. Now there seems to be a pretty serious leak. Haven't traced exactly where from but seems to be peeing out. Have I used wrong fluid and made things worse? Is it possible to flush fluid and replace with correct stuff. If so, what do i need?

Discuss :)
 
I understand you can use any of the GM type fluids BEFORE Dexron type 5. I use the regular Type 2 (or 3) red stuff and no issues so far - my leak is the return hose at the reservoir which keeps coming loose.

I doubt that this fluid caused your leak - probably a coincidence - so I suspect you have a seal gone. The groaning could have been a bit of air in the line which can be cleared by turning the wheel lock to lock a couple of times but I would think you would need to be lower than 50ml to introduce air through the reservoir. My 2008 Infiniti had a slight groan in the power steering also, seems there was a slight leak and the dealer replaced the rack (under warranty - yipee!). Good Luck.
 
i had a serious power steering leak and went i went to Shell garage the said to put the ATF. But another garage actually had proper power steering fluid. Also red but not marked as ATF. Any place that does MOTs will have the proper stuff. My leak turned out to be from the pressure hose. Could only see where from when the car was on a ramp. it was very strong meaning the fluid emptied out almost immediately when trying to park. it usually happened when trying to park. creaking noises might be from the actual pump but that doesn't mean it is not working. hope this helps
 
Thanks all, will try and trace the leak then. Had a good second hand rack fitted about 3 yrs ago so hope that's still holding.
 

ORIGINAL: soli

i had a serious power steering leak and went i went to Shell garage the said to put the ATF. But another garage actually had proper power steering fluid. Also red but not marked as ATF. ...
Click to expand...

The "new" power steering fluid - usually clear or slightly golden in color is indeed the modern stuff and even has "European" compatibility- but back when our cars were built, it was Dexron formula ATF. It had the "right stuff" to keep seals in good shape. I found references (of course can't remember where now) about compatibility with modern fluids and as previously mentioned, Dexron type 5 and newer fluids aren't as friendly to the seal materials etc that were used when our cars were built.
 
This is the one I used. Is Dll Dextron 2 then?

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/power-steering-fluid/halfords-automatic-transmission-power-steering-fluid-dii-1l#tab1
 
That's what I've been using. I think I've been topping up with the same stuff for years [;)]

The pump gets noisy when the reservoir is low and air gets in.

Mine is just out of the garage tonight with new PAS cooler line ... no leaks so far for the first time in years .... (foolish statement). Then I stuck it back in the garage with a clean piece of cardboard underneath!

 
Hope no leaks! When our youngest was potty training i nicked a couple of his "dry nights" sheet protectors to put under the car to check some oil leaks. He was most amused that Daddy's "Porch car" and he had both had dry nights!

Where did you get the hose from? New or made up somewhere?
 
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