Power steering fluid for a 2002 LS 1

[02 formula]

I have new-to-me 2002 Formula LS 1 and I continue to try to find the correct fluids.

I need to add some power steering fluid.

I picked up some of the valvoline synthetic ps fluid (with sealer). It says it meets the requirements of the GM part number called out in the manual - hmmmm

OK - Maybe it does - but does anyone know if the original PS fluid is synthetic?

Regardless of that, what is a correct PS to use - anything at all? Anything to look for on the bottle?

Thanks -

 

[1maniac]

I personally love Redline synthetic PS fluid.

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by 02 Formula:

I picked up some of the valvoline synthetic ps fluid (with sealer). It says it meets the requirements of the GM part number called out in the manual - hmmmm

OK - Maybe it does - but does anyone know if the original PS fluid is synthetic?

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What is the GM part number?

If it's 12345866 or 12345867 (same fluid, different containers) it is synthetic according to my Corvette owners manual.

I found that in the owners manual Part D Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.

I also checked with Redline and they recommend their D4 fluid instead of their PS fluid if those GM fluids are specced.

I have used Valvoline Synthetic and Redline PS fluid. I made several changes of the resevoir fluid over a period of acouple of months because the fluid that came in the car (it had 39,500 miles when I got it) was dark brown to black and smelled burnt.

I finally used some ARx in it and think it helped get rid of the burt smell that was still there after several resevoir fluid changes with Valvoline that left the fluid looking clean but still a little stinky. Burnt smell is hard to get rid of.

I will eventually write ARx in PS, trans, diff and engine up in a bit more detail when the ARx engine rinse cycle is finished in a couple of weeks and I get the UOA data for the engine back.

It presently has Redline PS but will get Redline D4 after I take the rack off to install new bushings.

 

[sprintman]

I have RL D4 in our Outbacks p/s but was thinking of trying RL PSF. What made you go from PSF to D4?

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by sprintman:
I have RL D4 in our Outbacks p/s but was thinking of trying RL PSF. What made you go from PSF to D4?

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Redline's recomendation. When I noticed that their PS fluid didn't meet my cars GM specs, I emailed Redline and they recommended D4. That's only for the GM 12345866 or 12345867 AFAIK. Those GM numbers are for cold weathe PS fluid IIRC, but are recommended all the time in my car.

I haven't noticed any problems with Valvoline Synthetic Or Redline PS, but C-4 Corvettes have areputation for being fussy about which PS fluid you feed them. They often get Moaning Sickness if the wrong fluid is used.

 

[Tremo]

I have a high mileage Camaro and I use a 50/50 mix of the Valvoline Synpower and Valvoline Maxlife in my PS system, both contain sealer and conditioners. Works just fine. I did completely flush all the old brown smelly stuff out, it's totally clean looking now.

For the flush, I used the generic PS fluid from the local Napa store, a full quart of it, and a half a quart of my 50/50 mix. I flushed by removing the return hose from the pump and letting it pump from the reservoir into a bucket. Once the stuff coming from the hose looked clear, I reconnected it and filled the thing with the 50/50 mix. I had to let it settle for a while, it was full of bubbles at first, but after it settled and I topped it off again, all has been good.

The guys on the Camaro board specifically told me NOT to use ATF in the thing.