Redline PS fluid weeping from reservoir...

bfg9k · Nov 16, 2005

I changed the PS fluid in my '98 Subaru from the original factory Dexron III ATF (car has 113k miles) to the Redline PS fluid using the turkey baster method.

Steering has improved: less resistance, no noise when the steering is locked to left or right. But, there appears to be PS fluid leaking out of the top of the reservoir - the entire top of the reservoir is now oil stained while before it was completely dry.

What's going on?? The PS levels are 100% correct, there's no significant leakage.

TallPaul · Nov 16, 2005

Leaking out the top of the filler neck or out the top of the reservoir at the base of the filler neck?

No significant leakage, maybe a wait and see situation.

I had a PS system in a Ford (Type F 1992) and it was weeping with the Type F fluid. I put in Redline PS fluid and it now leaves spots on the pavement and needs a couple ounces every month or so. I put in some Lucas PS stop leak but no help. I'm just waiting for now and topping up. Sorry no help, but at least yours is not spotting the driveway.

bfg9k · Nov 16, 2005

Hm, I wonder if I should just switch over to a synthetic Dexron III ATF and dump the Redline.

V1 · Nov 16, 2005

My PS reservoir is actually two separate pieces crimped together: the filler neck and the reservoir itself.

When I changed out my PS fluid with a turkey baster, I had this same problem after each cycle. It was because the two pieces did not form a perfect seal, and the residual fluid that was sitting on the ledge in the filler neck seeped through the joint.

bfg9k · Nov 16, 2005

The PS reservoir on this car is a cylinder with the filler cap directly on top of it, mounted at the front of the engine. So there's no neck. I'll try sending Redline an email (am working under a deadline...hmmm...should get off BITOG

, no time to call) and I'll see what they think.

TallPaul · Nov 17, 2005

Well, given that Redline can take the heat, you could run it below the leakage point, provided it still covers the pumping mechanism under all conditions. Remember it will expand some when hot.

bulwnkl · Nov 17, 2005

Just for curiosity's sake, why did you use their PS fluid instead of their D4 (Dexron-spec fluid) when your car calls for Dexron?

bfg9k · Nov 17, 2005

quote:

Just for curiosity's sake, why did you use their PS fluid instead of their D4 (Dexron-spec fluid) when your car calls for Dexron?

Well, I was driving past the place that sells Redline near where I work, they had both, and I figured I'd give the Redline PS a shot. There's no really good reason here

I've also eyeballed the specs and its viscosity is a little lower than the ATF. I am awaiting word back from Redline from my email but am thinking I will just re-turkey baster it with the synthetic ATF.

TallPaul · Nov 17, 2005

I think the Redline may say it can be used in that situation. They list a whole lot of specs on the label.

TallPaul · Nov 17, 2005

Well, I hate to see it go to waste. I guess there is a chance the synthetic Dextron III would go back to not leaking. I just don't know. Would hate to toss the Redline. Why not call Dave in the tech dpt at Redline and discuss it with him?

MolaKule · Nov 17, 2005

SF carries a synthetic PS specific fluid with seal swell agents; might give it a try!

TallPaul · Nov 18, 2005

MolaKule, mine had 1.5 oz of AutoRx (about a year before I installed the Redline) and did not help the seepage, which I think is from the reservoir. I am willing to try your fluid if it is suitable for a system requiring Ford Type-F ATF.

Also, (because it never hurts to ask) what would you suspect the capacity of a PS system would be, about 1.5 qts? I usually order 2 quarts and with a suction pump get it changed in about 7 different transfers (with mixing in between). I tried pulling the hose once and it is near impossible without a hoist (Aerostar v6).

Thanks

bfg9k · Nov 18, 2005

Molakule, the Autoglide is kicking butt in the Subaru's transmission (the remaining 1.5 gallons is earmarked for my Saab, else I'd try it here!).

I was out today and snagged a quart of Royal Purple MaxATF (dexron III) and will try that out next week. I gotta buy a new turkey baster...

Since you're eyeballing the thread, does the SF HPSGlide work on systems requiring that CHSsomething spec? My Saab's power steering has a bit of noise which a fluid flush is supposed to cure, but their stuff is like $35/qt.

JAG · Nov 18, 2005

I had a 2002 Impreza RS. Used Redline Transmission fluid and it literally leaked (dripped) out of both transaxles (had no leakage with stock fluid). I then changed it to Valvoline synthetic transmission oil and leaking stopped. Also used Redline 10w30 motor oil in the engine (of course!) and the engine burnt it at about twice the rate of all other oils I used (.9 qt/1000 miles vs .5 qt/1000 miles).

Moral of the story: to me that's strong evidence that Redline's esters and Subaru's seal materials don't make a happy couple. Maybe that is also happening in your PS seals or if it's just weeping past the fill cap, maybe it's doing that due to the polar nature of the esters. I don't mess with Redline products anymore after my bad experiences. I concluded that they are great in some applications, but horrible in others.

moribundman · Nov 18, 2005

quote:

the entire top of the reservoir is now oil stained while before it was completely dry.

Get a new cap for the reservoir. Maybe the o-ring or seal in the old one went bad.

unDummy · Nov 18, 2005

I've used Redline ATFs/MTL/MT90/oils/waterwetter/SI1/........
Their products are GREAT.

But, I despise their leaky/noisey PS fluid.

Mobil1 ATF is what I like in my PS systems. On my leaky pumps(with over 200k miles), I like to add a littly Lucas mud(PS stop leak). Too much Lucas and you lose the power steering in the winter until it warms ups.

TallPaul · Nov 18, 2005

I have one bottle Lucas PS stop leak and winter performance so far is unaffected. Was thinking of going the second bottle as they recommend, but maybe I should just go back to Type F. I don't think most synthetics spec for Type F. Redline's does and that's why I tired it. I should have known better since the system already had seeps.

unDummy · Nov 19, 2005

Redline has a racing ATF that is also Type-F spec'd and is thicker. Might be a better choice.
Amsoil has the normal viscosity supershift type-F ATF.

And, SF has 2 fluids that might be worth looking into, a typeF and PS fluid:
http://specialtyformulations.com/index_file/product/SRFG.htm
http://specialtyformulations.com/index_file/product/HPSPS.htm

TallPaul · Nov 19, 2005

Of those you mentioned, I am leaning towards SF's Type F stuff.

bfg9k · Nov 21, 2005

The deed is done. I now have the Royal Purple MaxATF in the power steering system. Steering effort is a little higher, which is good since the Redline was making the steering feel overboosted. I suspect this is due to the Redline having a slightly lower viscosity than standard Dexron III ATF.

I will clean it tomorrow morning with some degreaser and keep an eyeball on it for leaks. I thoroughly wiped off the rubber gasket on the PS reservoir cap. Cheers!