PSF quieted down my steering

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bigmike

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I know that many times around here we only post when we're in need of help and advice, so I wanted to say thanks to everyone around here that gives their time to help out guys like me.

When I first came here I thought I was pretty smart, but I've been humbled to say the least. I never changed PSF before in any vehicle I owned - not sure why, but it never occurred to me I guess. Yesterday I went to the local GM parts store and bought some GM PSF. I never thought it was that dirty and it only had 48k miles on it. However, I went ahead and changed my FF on my GM and it made a world of difference. The steering is better and it makes no noise at all now. I never knew it made so much noise until I changed it!

I never would have done this if I hadn't of read these forums. Thanks again for all the suggestions on here. When you help out someone, you never know how many people might read it and pass it on.
 
Bigmike:
I feel exactly like you. I had always considered myself a guy who took care of my car but I never thought of changing PSF until coming to BITOG. Maybe its because several of my earlier cars had manual steering. At any rate I didn't change the PSF until > 70K in my Buick and it was squeeling like a pig. After a few 'turkey baster' changes (over 20 or 30K) it still squeeled.
When I added 2 ozs. of Auto-RX the squeeling stopped. I TB'd it 1000 miles later and a couple of more times a month or so apart and the PS system is as quiet as when new. I can honestly say that Auto-RX made my PS system perform like new.
 
Here's my experience... and since I waited until I had >200k on my car you know I wasn't very swift about auto fluids until recently. My steering system wasn't making any obvious noises although had gradually been getting stiffer.

I started off with the Auto-Rx treatment and then commenced the TB changeout method as I am (now) a poor fella. I went through a quart of the regular Prestone PSF and noticed that a whirring/rubbing sound was becoming evident during some small steering wheel movements. Hmmm... So, after the Prestone I continued on with Royal Purple PSF and after 2/3rds of the first bottle things are much quieter now. I plan on going through (2) bottles of the RP before I call it complete.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Auto-Rx cleaned the system rather well, but wonder why the Prestone was not up to the task. Thankfully, the RP is getting the job done.

I also wonder what way the brake system can best be addressed by a poor fella as well...! What fluid is best to use??
 
Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Good work!
Now it's time to flush your brakes!
You have many options.


Did that last month and it the brakes feel great! I didn't go extravagant, just used Prestone DOT 3.

I did it twice (drove around a bit before doing it the second time). It took about 2 quarts total to flush it.

Now for the antifreeze and transmission....
 
Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Good work!
Now it's time to flush your brakes!
You have many options.


I've flushed my brake fluid several times because I read that brake fluid is 'hydrosomethingorother' (absorbs water). I'm surprised that I never thought too much about the PS system.
 
The most neglected maintenance items in a car, specially cars in California, are: brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant fluid and transmission fluid in that order. Most of 7-8 years old or older cars I saw at the repair shop had blacker than black ink brake fluid in the reservoir and dark brown coolant fluid too.

The mechanics at the shop were very reluctant in telling owners about these maintenance items, because they were afraid of being accused of recommending "unnecessary repairs" to make extra profits. To the owners, the only "real maintenance" is oil change.
 
Originally Posted By: pbm
Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Good work!
Now it's time to flush your brakes!
You have many options.


I've flushed my brake fluid several times because I read that brake fluid is 'hydrosomethingorother' (absorbs water). I'm surprised that I never thought too much about the PS system.


That would be Hydroscopic!! 30,000 miles brake fluid changes will do wonder for your master cylinder and calipers
 
Every couple of years I put MMO in my P/S and then after winter will flush everything out. Once a year I drain and refill the reservoir. It only holds like a cup or two of fluid. Toyota use Dex II or better for P/S so I can put almost anyting in their in terms of ATF.
 
I would highly recomend people with GM and Ford powersteering system add 5-10 onces of MMO to their units each year and change once a year. Nothing elabrate to changine it out no need to flush. What happens is the flow control valve will get gummed up over time by oxidation of the fluid to the point that it will stay in a bypassed mode making all kinds of noise and producing erratic feeling to the steering. THe MMO keeps the varnish off the parts and draining and refilling keeps you ahead of oxidation issues. Plus it makes for better winter driving because it thins the fluid a tad.
 
I have found in GM units a flush with Redline P/S fluid will keep them clean for as long as you own the vehicle. I would expect the same results with ford. In units that have been neglected or history is unknown I use ARX and flush. Never used MMO for P/S though it would prob work well.
 
You Gents speak of "flush" rather casually...!

But what are the easiest flush method(s) for a gravel driveway make-believe tech (that's me) to perform? That is, for both the P/S and brakes? Can a single person get these done or is another pair of hands required?

Thanks!
 
Originally Posted By: JohnBrowning
I would highly recomend people with GM and Ford powersteering system add 5-10 onces of MMO to their units each year and change once a year. Nothing elabrate to changine it out no need to flush. What happens is the flow control valve will get gummed up over time by oxidation of the fluid to the point that it will stay in a bypassed mode making all kinds of noise and producing erratic feeling to the steering. THe MMO keeps the varnish off the parts and draining and refilling keeps you ahead of oxidation issues. Plus it makes for better winter driving because it thins the fluid a tad.


John, that's a good idea. I'm a big believer in MMO and use it regularly, but never thought about using it in the PS.
 
If you use a high quality PSF/ATF with a reasonable maintenance interval, then no additives are ever needed.

Simple maintenance will make most components perform better and last longer.

If anything is gumming up in the PSF system anywhere, then the change interval isn't short enough, or the fluid is garbage.

Besides Autorx/MMO/Lucas, Lubegard has PS flush, fluid, and additive products.
 
RnR

A simple way to exchange/flush your P/S:

1. Locate the return line ( feeds fluid back to the P/S reservoir)
2. Drain the reservoir.
3. Disconnect the return line.
4. Find a suitable clear hose 3/8 or 5/16 depending, but usually 3/8 in most cars.
5. Connect the clear hose to the return hose using a male to male hose barb and clamps.
6. Find a suitable bolt and cut about a 3 inch section of spare hose. Plug one end with the bolt. Place this on the nipple of the reservoir (return, it will act as a plug.
7. Fill the reservoir with fluid.
8. Place clear flush hose in suitable container.
9. Jack vehicle up until both tires are off the ground.
10. With vehicle off turn the wheel from side to side. Stop, fill reservoir. Repeat. Do this until the fluid is clear (about a quart and a half is more that enough for most vehicles).
11. Once complete, Start vehicle, check fluid level and bleed the system by turning the wheels from lock to lock several times. Lower vehicle, and check for leaks.
cheers3.gif
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: RnR

I also wonder what way the brake system can best be addressed by a poor fella as well...! What fluid is best to use??

Buy a nice DOT4 and use it. It tends to last longer, and it only costs a few dollars more.
 
Originally Posted By: AzFireGuy79

RnR

A simple way to exchange/flush your P/S:

1. Locate the return line ( feeds fluid back to the P/S reservoir)
2. Drain the reservoir.
3. Disconnect the return line.


Easier said than done.

If I wanted to remove the return line on the Saturn, that means I'd have to unbolt unbolt and remove the power steering pump!
 
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