Redline Power Steering Fluid 4k miles

[unixguru]

A little background. Car Pontiac Grand AM 2002. A couple of years after I bought it, I decided to switch to synthetic PSF (all other fluids were synthetic already). Since the only choice back in 2004 was Redline I decided to go with it. Factory system was pitch black at the time I changed it at 18k miles. Flushed the system with 2 quarts of Redline PSF hoping it would provide better protection and longer drain intervals.

Well... as you can see from this UOA this decision backfired on me

Just a week after change power steering system started to make abnormal noises and whine especially in the mornings. It was just generally loud and unpleasant feeling. After about 5-6 months in service I decided to go back to approved GM fluid - Valvoline (at that time it was called Valvoline Synpower - semi-synthetic). After 2 quart flash again, PS was absolutely amazing - quiet, smooth, just as it supposed to be. For the last 6 years I've been using only Valvoline Power Steering Fluid replaced bi-annually. For the last 2 changes also added Lubegard PSF protectant which made the system feel even better.

Please note: this UOA is from 6 years ago. Found it on my backup few months back and decided to post.

Time in service: 01/2004-06/2004

Blackstone actually thought that this might be a factory filled fluid which was not the case.

Condition after 4k miles was so bad that I've never used any Redline products (except fuel system cleaner) from that point on.

 

[unDummy]

Should get a used oil analysis of the current fill for comparison.

For a full synthetic PSF, the specs are underwhelming for cold weather performance:
Specs of Redline/Amsoil
ViscIndex 143/204
cst@-40c 18000/8560

 

[shpankey]

amsoil all the way

 

[saberz]

Yeah I switched to the GM synthetic PSF in my G6 and no matter how many times and how often I change it(could be a day) its black. If the car is driven for extended periods the steering feels kinda wonky/stiff too :|. Never did this before I flushed and filled with the synthetic(GM approved) and dealer recommended fill). I also hear the PS whine in the cold cold mornings :|

 

[azsynthetic]

What you are seeing is the cleaning ability of the POE base stock. You need to run a couple of drain and refills to really see the benefit of Red Line. The reason for underwhelming cold weather performance are these:

• Helps prevent high-temperature steering fade
• Greater heat resistance
• Helps prevent high-temperature boil-over
• 50% greater high-temperature viscosity
• One-fifth the high-temperature evaporation

It is a racing PSF that satisfies the service fill requirements of most auto manufacturers. Here in Arizona, I have no problem with Red Line PSF in my race cars and work trucks and I never need top off.