Synth ATF for P/S in a new car

[MarioT]

I got a car that makes a whining noise at startup in low temps (-20C and under). I'm considering replacing the OEM AFT Dexron III fluid with synth Dexron III.

Is doing the "turkey baster" method 2 times enough to get the Synthetic fluid advantages? As I don't want to mess too much flushing it, to avoid possible warranty issues.

For the small difference is price, should I go for the M1 ATF (9$CAN/L), or is the Generic Wally SuperTech synth is enough (6$CAN/L)?

Car is a Chevrolet Optra 2005, aka Suzuki Forenza in USA.

 

[Islandvic]

Take your car to dealer for warranty inspection before changing the fluid.

 

[Pablo]

If it's new and making a noise do as Islevic says. Makes no sense for you to swap fluid at your nickel.

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

Well, I'd use AMSOIL ATF. But Mobil 1 ATF would be my next choice.

Normally, I'd figure about 3 times with the turkey baster (and don't put it back in the drawer!).

 

[Mike_dup1]

Replacing the fluid with a turket baster is useless IMO. Best to leave it alone it thats your plan because all you are doing it mxing good with the bad and it will never be 100% what you want it to be. Its like changing only 1/2 of the oil in the engine, waste of time.

Go see the dealer and have them flush if you must. Flushing the PS system requires a procedure be followed or you could damage the system.

If there is a problem with it and you do this, you could only make it worse or give them a reason to blame you for aggravating it.

 

[MarioT]

Well... as you said, I might ask the dealer before to check for this. But the thing is, I don't feel it's a defect, since it last only for 10-45 secs at really low temps. Well, I would probably whine too at these temps if I had to suck this cold fluid

I just wanted to give it a chance with a more stable viscosity fluid.

Is Amsoil ATF available somewhere in Canada?

As for the fluid change, I might also opt for the solution I read here about turning wheels from side to side with the car jacked while the engine is off. I just don't want risking getting air in the system.

 

[unDummy]

Use a synthetic or blend ATF.
For testing purposes, try quakerstate/pennzoil multivehicle ATF. Its got one of the lowest brookfield viscosity -40c specs.
http://www.pzlqs.com/Tech/Pdsheet/D...df/MultiVehicleAutomaticTransmissionFluid.pdf
vs:
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/atf.aspx

And, Redline/Mobil1 have some of the lowest brookfield visc's at -40:
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.asp
http://www.redlineoil.com/pdf/3.pdf

I also wonder how well the Pentosin fluids will work in normal ATF/PSF vehicles.
http://www.pentosin.de/eng/products/chf/body_hydraulic.html

 

[99]

The pump is probably going bad or some noise is "normal" for this particular pump. Go to the dealer first before messing with it.

 

[Big Jim]

I have used Mobil 1 ATF (which is Dexron III/Mercon rated) many times in power steering systems on cars that call for Dexron III or Mercon. It works great. It should not cause any warranty concerns either.

 

[Mike_dup1]

GM has a service bulletin about PS fluid and cold climates. They had a special PS fluid (made in Canada) to use. I had the TSB but I can't find it now so I don't know all the years its covers but I would consider this first.

 

[MarioT]

Thanks for all inputs on this.

Like I said, I'll probably ask the dealer his opinion on the noise at my next OCI in febuary, then I'll replace the fluid in the spring for future protection.

I'm already disapointed to learn that the car has Esso LT 71141 (supposedly lifetime) in the trans, with no compatible synthetic fluid avalaible for it :-(

 

[Hajoca]

Amsoil ATF should be available at Canadian Tire.

Try and ask the dealer NOW. In February, when it comes around, it may be hard to repeat the same noise again.