Red Line Power Steering Fluid - Need Advice

[Titanium_Alloy]

Hi, guys.

I bought Red Line Power Steering Fluid recently. Opened it yesterday and discovered that it looks exactly like ATF (color, smell, viscosity).

My 2002 Grand Am calls for GM fluid spec. # 9985010, not ATF.

Redline lists every possible speciation on a bottle. It looks kind of fishy that one fluid can satisfy every requirement especially so different. They list Dexron, Dexron II-D, II-E, Dexron III, Ford Type-F, Mercon, Chrysler, GM 9985010, and etc.

It seems it was designed for units requiring ATF fluid.

Have any of you used that Red Line in GM cars? What are the results?

I don't want to use fluid which was not designed for GM units. Is it possible it will harm my PS system in a long term? I'm also worried with warranty issues.

Do you think I should ask for refund?

Thanks,

 

[MolaKule]

Power Steering Fluids and ATF Transmission fluids are all Hydraulic Fluids, differing only in viscosity and additive packages, including the dye or coloring.

Most PS fluids are of the same viscosity (and viscosity spread) as ATF's. Most GM vehicle's require the same type of fluid in both the PS and ATF.

I would use it without hesitation, but call Redline and see if this fluid specifically covers the GM spec numbers you mentioned, since you seem to have a warranty issue here.

[ August 20, 2003, 05:09 PM: Message edited by: MolaKule ]

 

[digitaldrifter91]

what is the difference between redline power steering fluid and normal OEM psf? is it worth to swap out the old fluid for redline, or just go with OEM...

 

[Titanium_Alloy]

I talked to Red Line. They said that their fluid meets (they didn't say exceed) posted GM specs, but it wasn't formally evaluated/approved by GM. I'm pretty sure that GM uses mineral based PS fluid. I just wanted to get extra protection and lifetime fill with synthetics.

Not formally approved, but meets specs? Seems kind of strange. Sounds like "If you have warranty, performance, or leak problems due to our fluid its not our problem, we already got your money." I think that any respectable company would go a little step of getting a formal approval from GM, especially if their PS fluid is "so good and meets specifications."

By not getting the approval they show disrespect to customers and try to get rid of any liability/performance issues. Look at any significant company (Mobil, Valvoline, Chevron, Castrol) they will NEVER list any specifications which is not approved by manufacturer, even if product meets requirements.

 

[mph]

It is quite likely that the cost to obtain certification would exceed the difference in sales. The market for Redline power steering fluid is a heck of a lot smaller than for Mobil engine oil, so expecting the same level of financial committment for certification is kind of unreasonable.