Power Steering fluid Qwestion??

[tollbooth]

My auto parts store person said to use Dextron tranny fluid in my PS system. 2001 Safari. I know the guys here will know whats best for it. Help me before a woman behind a part counter ruins my van!
Thanks
Tollbooth

[chevymaher]

This is what I use.I have no problems.I had a leak in a seal and this stuff does work.Fix it later syndrome.I have heard you can use tranny fluid and know people who do with no problems.For me it cheap enough just use the right stuff designed for it.Its different for a reason I am sure.And I dont really feel like doing a scientific paper to prove anything.Sorry had to add that disclaimer alot of drama lately.

[redfury]

Tranny fluid is hydraulic fluid, so yes it can be used since the power steering system is another hydraulic system in your van. Due to hydroboost brakes, I'm not entirely sure of the ramifications of using regular power steering fluid over dex/merc in it. I flushed my system and put power steering fluid in it, but my van has a whining PS pump and a noisy hydroboost, so take that how you want to.

[Lumpy]

I use Lucas. I was having a bit of leakage with my old pump/gearbox. Lucas
slowed or stopped it till I could eventually replace the parts.


Lump

[chevymaher]

Tranny fluid is hydraulic fluid, so yes it can be used since the power steering system is another hydraulic system in your van. Due to hydroboost brakes, I'm not entirely sure of the ramifications of using regular power steering fluid over dex/merc in it. I flushed my system and put power steering fluid in it, but my van has a whining PS pump and a noisy hydroboost, so take that how you want to.

When mine started leaking I had no clue what to use due to it being hydroboost.I ask at work,Parts places,Generally no one I ask was sure what was really supposed to go in there.Anyway this stuff works no leaks now and no squealing.I been using it about a year now.Or shall I say I stopped using it because it quit leaking now.

[Phantom]

My auto parts store person said to use Dextron tranny fluid in my PS system. 2001 Safari. I know the guys here will know whats best for it. Help me before a woman behind a part counter ruins my van!
Thanks
Tollbooth

That was common for many years to use tranny fluid in power steering systems,
but nowadays you would be better to use actual power steering fluid because these systems now have some changes in their design and you are better off using a fluid designed for modern day systems
I started using valvoline SYN Power power steering fluid and it is quieter and operates more smoothly ,,

[RECox286]

Look in your owners' manual. You will find a list of fluids, that are GM recommended, to use in your particular truck. It has been my experience that (most) counter people at the LAPS are tuned in enough that you can
usually trust their recommendations. However, there are no stupid questions here, well, possibly only the ones that go unasked.

Good qwestion ! Some good answers.

Bob

[tollbooth]

Do you guys think I should flush it? There is a mix in it now!

[Phantom]

Do you guys think I should flush it? There is a mix in it now!

I would just to be sure there is no problem later down the road , as you would not know if it caused a problem , The mixture of fluids can cause deterioration to the seals and may cause the pump to leak , I would flush it just to be sure that it was fresh fluid and the proper fluid , it promotes a longer healthier life for the parts and system as a whole

[RECox286]

X2. Flush and refill is a recommended maintenance item for any component that has a fluid, lives in a nasty envoirnment and creates heat. Especially so if there is known contamination.

Bob

[tollbooth]

Did the flush and ran 3 qt's before it was clean. Suprised to see that the darkest fluid came out after the brake pedal was released. Moving the steering stop to stop produced half as dirty old fluid. Hope this helps others. thanks, Tollbooth . PS great site!!!!