Power Steering Fluid in 01 Tahoe

[mjk]

Noticed when I had the Tahoe at my mechanic's shop, that there is a small PS leak. Wiped it down, and will be inspecting it when i do a drivetrain fluid exchange in a month or 2. Since I just bought it, I have no idea what the extent of the leak really is. Anyhow, I'd like to use my Turkey Baster, and exchange some fluid this week. I was thinking of getting a quart of Valvoline Maxlife ATF, and seeing if this would work some magic. I've used ATF on older vehicles, is this still safe to do on a 01 Tahoe? If not, what approaches might you take?

 

[Rolla07]

Check the user manual. If it says ATF then sure otherwise id stick to what is recommended. Did you check the hoses? Best bet is to find out where the leak is coming from..it might be a hose= easy fix.

 

[barkingspider]

I believe the manual says GM power steering fluid. I would fix the leak first then use a synthetic PS fluid.

 

[mcrn]

Yep...I had an 03.....spec is power steering fluid.

 

[dailydriver]

Yes, I would use the Max Life FULL synthetic power steering fluid (which I do now until I can replace my leaking p.s. rack).

 

[Falcon_LS]

Fix the leak, flush out the system and get some CHF 11S in there and don't look back. GM Power Steering Fluid is nothing special.

 

[artificialist]

If you can't afford a steering system repair right now, you can use Lucas PSF additive combines with generic PSF.

 

[mjk]

Bought a quart of Maxlife PS fluid today. Will be looking at it later this week.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: artificialist

If you can't afford a steering system repair right now, you can use Lucas PSF additive combines with generic PSF.

This stuff does slow down leaks, but ONLY because it adds SO MUCH viscosity to the fluid in the system, not because of any chemical reasons. BTW; I would NOT NEVER EVER use this stuff in the winter, especially in the north country where mjk is located. :no-no;

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS

Fix the leak, flush out the system and get some CHF 11S in there and don't look back. GM Power Steering Fluid is nothing special.

AGREED! This (the Pentosin product) is what I use when my system is leak free and healthy. But I was giving the advice to use the Max Life based on mjk NOT fixing the leak/replacing the rack/etc.

 

[mjk]

I did an initial turkey baster drain today (16oz) and put in my 1st round of Maxlife. i want to note -- I have NO idea if this leak is even an issue. There was a bit of residue that my mechanic saw when it was on his rack. The PS reservoir was filled to the proper capacity this morning, before extracting it. Thus, it can't be much of an issue at all. I will say, it looked like motor oil, so I am glad I am doing this. Will be doing 2 more rounds, over the next 2 weeks. It doesn't get driven very often.

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: mjk

I did an initial turkey baster drain today (16oz) and put in my 1st round of Maxlife. i want to note -- I have NO idea if this leak is even an issue. There was a bit of residue that my mechanic saw when it was on his rack. The PS reservoir was filled to the proper capacity this morning, before extracting it. Thus, it can't be much of an issue at all. I will say, it looked like motor oil, so I am glad I am doing this. Will be doing 2 more rounds, over the next 2 weeks. It doesn't get driven very often.

I change out one reservoir fill of PS fluid on all of my vehicles every 30k. Keeps them clean enough to make it to 200k. BTW if the PS reservoir was full..and it's not dripping on the ground...it's not leaking.