PS Fluid for 1987 Celica

[Anse]

My daughter drives a 1987 Celica GTS. The rack and pinion just blew out on this car and fluid is pouring out of the right boot when the engine is running. I plan to replace the rack, but my question is about which fluid to use in this car. The PS reservior calls for Dexron II type PS fluid. The PS system on this Celica has been leaking for some time now, and I think she has been putting Dexron VI in there to fill the reservior.

I've read in some places that you should not use Dexron VI in a power steering system that calls for Dexron type fluid because it can cause seal failure such as what we have experienced on this car. Is this factual, or is this bogus information? If it is true, then what should I use in this car? I can't find Dexron III anywhere around here.

 

[HTSS_TR]

My '00 MB E430 specs DIII as PSF, I used several different fluids including DIII and could not stop PS from whining. The last and current PS fluid is Valvoline MaxLife Power Steering Fluid and it cures the noise.

 

[Gary Allan]

Amsoil recommends their ATF and ATD. That is, they don't specify their power steering fluid (PSF). They also don't spec the thinner ATL.

That was just to confirm, more or less, that Amsoil wouldn't recommend a Dex VI (like) product for this application nor a dedicated power steering fluid that wasn't formulated as a auto-trans fluid.

For whatever reasons

 

[paulo57509]

I would just stick with Dexron III or its equivalent and sleep well at night.

 

[Anse]

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions and feedback.

 

[MonumentOiler]

An in-line filter is a good idea after a rack change.

Is it a "classic 87" or a "get me through college 87"? One gets Amsoil ATF the other Walmart ST.

 

[Anse]

Definitely not a classic

. After all I have had to repair on this car, if it gets her through college, I'll be happy man. Definitely Walmart ST. Good advice on the in-line filter.

 

[MonumentOiler]

Sounds Like a candidate for the "NAPA fuel filter as a power steering filter" test we have going on this thread ...

NAPA fuel filter as a power steering filter

 

[artificialist]

I have put DEX-VI in Dexron power steering systems with no problems. In fact, it works extremely well.