98 buick where is Ps reservoir

[edwardh1]

A dumb question, mom has a 96 or 98 buick with the 3800 v6 engine. I can not find the Power steering fluid reservoir!!!
-Owners manual has a under hood layout diagram that shows everything else.
-index has a power steering fluid item- the page then shows a picture of the reservoir but u cant tell where it is.
- the picture shows the PS fluid container cap, saying use approved fluid!!! no mention of what that is
- the fluids and capacities page does not mention ps fluid or tell what kind.
no wonder people buy japanese
anyone help me???

 

[simple_gifts]

Well, if the car has a serpentine belt "chances are" the belt will @ some point, go around the PS drive pulley. I'm thinking backside of the engine REALLY low.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
Well, if the car has a serpentine belt "chances are" the belt will @ some point, go around the PS drive pulley. I'm thinking backside of the engine REALLY low.


^^This. It`s at the very bottom.

 

[Chris142]

Rear of the engine,belt side below the Alternator. Cant get to it unless you remove the ALT and whatever bracket is in the way.

 

[Trav]

You didn't say which model but it should be close on all with this engine.
Remove the two nut that hold the coolant over flow bottle on strut tower. Don't disconnect the hose just move it out of the way to the front.
The PS pump and reservoir unit is right there to the left of the bottle down low.

You usually don't need to pull the alt or any bracket.

 

[LeakySeals]

Yep, thats where mine is. Wish I'd taken the coolant expansion tank off, having nightmares that some junk from the hoses above it fell in when I topped off. It was very low. Makes sense, the PO either couldn't find it or didn't want to deal with it. Started making noises when the weather got cold recently.

 

[edwardh1]

lesabre is the model- owners manual shows a screw off lid (standard design) I just cant find the reservooir or the pump- will try again- I was looking at a grocery store parking lot- the pump most forward on the passenger side is the AC compressor.
are you saying the ps resevoir is on the pass side near the firewall but down low?
maybe thats why it does not show in the manual picture of the engine compartment with the hood up- its not listed in her book

 

[edwardh1]

Originally Posted By: Trav
You didn't say which model but it should be close on all with this engine.
Remove the two nut that hold the coolant over flow bottle on strut tower. Don't disconnect the hose just move it out of the way to the front.
The PS pump and reservoir unit is right there to the left of the bottle down low.

You usually don't need to pull the alt or any bracket.

------
Question - do you have to remove the coolant bottle just to check the ps level? if true what a design!!!????

 

[Kruse]

If this is the same design that I remember, it's WAY back there and underneath. I'm 6'6" and my knuckles about drag the ground, but I remember checking (and adding) fluid on a few of these GM cars and I wished my arms were longer. Plus, when I was done, my arms looked like I had been in a fight with a bobcat. Is this the same vehicle?

 

[edwardh1]

Thanks!
and the 3/4 inch thick owner s manual does not tell u what type fluid to use.
is there a second manual that comes with 98 lesabres or did they just leave it out?
many toyotas its written on top of the cap??

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: edwardh1
Thanks!
and the 3/4 inch thick owner s manual does not tell u what type fluid to use.
is there a second manual that comes with 98 lesabres or did they just leave it out?
many toyotas its written on top of the cap??

LeSabres all take the yellow PSF.

I know because where I live, Buick LeSabres are very common.

 

[Trav]

Quote:
Question - do you have to remove the coolant bottle just to check the ps level? if true what a design!!!????

Yep. 2 speed nuts (10mm IIRC) on top and pull the bottle up straight.

 

[Benzadmiral]

On my 3.8, a Park Avenue, the PS reservoir is down below some pipes that, if I recall right, are part of the A/C. I can't get even my average-sized hand down there. I have my regular mechanic check the fluid periodically and siphon/replace the fluid every couple of years.