2002 Chevy Malibu PS fluid

[FL-400S]

GM part no 1052884 or 1050017 according to owners manual

I think I turkey basted the original fluid out about 4 years ago and put in synthetic. I can't remember if it is ATF or actual PS fluid. The car is making a bit of a whiny noise when I steer, kind of like when they are tuning an old school radio in the movies. No grinding, difficulty steering, or leaks. What should I replace this fluid with and could it make the whining noise clear up? Only 60k on this car, im the original owner.

 

[xxch4osxx]

I would use the Amsoil Universal Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. Works well in my Silverado. Far as I know, you can't use ATF in the Malibu power steering, you have to use power steering fluid.

 

[HTSS_TR]

My 2000 MB E430 was making whining noise when steered at more than 10-15 degrees after driving more than 10-15 minutes. I tried several power steering fluid and ATF, none was able to eliminate the noise until I tried Valvoline MaxLife Power Steering Fluid with turkey baster method over several days until the full quart was in. The steering is quiet as new with Valvoline MaxLife Power Steering Fluid, it costs less than $5/qt at Kragen.

 

[tig1]

I use the turkey baster to draw fluid out every oil change.(Brake master cyl. as well) Mobil 1 ATF has worked well for me for many years but changing is important no matter what fluid you go with.

 

[WishIhadatruck]

I've never had a noise issue but my wagon had a cold morning issue a couple of times where I would get zero power steering for a few minutes. I put some auto RX in it for a couple of thousand miles then flushed with Redline power steering which claims to meet the GM specs. No problems since and it has been about 2 years now.

My GP gets some older stock of Valvoline Power Steering Fluid that is a synthetic blend. It works just fine. I'll probably just buy Redline from now on.

 

[Herz]

Maxlife PS fluid is what I use in most of my cars.

 

[FL-400S]

ok ive drained and filled it with valvoline maxlife 2x now. old fluid coming out coke brown, new fluid clear, so easy do know if it is mostly old or new. squeak still there. I think its in the steering column. im not taking it all apart to find out either. I guess just live with it!

 

[JHZR2]

+1 for redline PSF

 

[Ryan]

How is the Maxlife working for your GM power steering box? I have an 02 Olds Intrigue, probably the exact same power steering system as your car... Just worried about getting the correct power steering fluid for the car when I complete the 1,000 miles with Auto Rx in it.

 

[FL-400S]

Originally Posted By: Ryan
How is the Maxlife working for your GM power steering box? I have an 02 Olds Intrigue, probably the exact same power steering system as your car... Just worried about getting the correct power steering fluid for the car when I complete the 1,000 miles with Auto Rx in it.


no problems. i will probably baste it again this weekend for the third time. I get about 9 ounces out it seems. filled a mountain dew bottle half way. hope it starts coming out clearer.