Synthetic power steering fluid.... Where'd it go?

[mrsilv04]

I spent some time this afternoon trying to find synthetic power steering fluid, and couldn't find any. None to be had at AutoZone, Advance, O'Reilly's......

Did Valvoline stop making it? Are there any other manufacturers out there making synthetic?

Thanks.

 

[MolaKule]

What vehicle are we speaking about?

Chryslers and Honda's have different requirements than do most other's but I think that this fluid will work http://www.redlineoil.com/pdf/8.pdf in most vehicles listed or any other modern synthetic MV ATF.

 

[Spector]

All of mine (except a Mercury that still uses type F), say ATF is fine and I have been using Amsoil ATF in them for years now.
GM, Toyota, Izusu, Mitsubishi

 

[mrsilv04]

This is for my 2004 Silverado. It is still under warranty, so I need to be using something that won't cause me grief.

Also, I need to use something that will be compatible with what is in there, because with a PS cooler, there's a real good chance that I won't get all of what is in there out.

 

[sciphi]

How about for those of us with GM products who want extra protection in the PS system? that PS fluid I poured in sure was thin-looking.

 

[MolaKule]

Use the Turkey Baster method and refill with the fluids suggested above.

 

[Cup of Joe]

My supposed special PSF looked, smelled and tasted just like transmission fluid. In went amsoil ATF and out went the warranty. I haven't lost any sleep.

 

[onion]

This may be controversial for GM p/s systems that call for p/s fluid... but I've been running synthetic ATF in both of mine for years.

 

[WishIhadatruck]

My GM cars have all said to use a powersteering fluid that meets a GM spec. #. I don't ever recall that they said to use ATF. I also noticed on my GM Vehicle Care Dex VI it says it is NOT to be used in power steering systems or manual transmissions. I was suprised to see the power steering warning.

In my wagon I've currently got the Redline Power Steering fluid that MolaKule mentions above. From the document linked above for Redline power steering fluid: "This fluid also
satisfies power steering units requiring GM Part Number 1050017 or 1052884(Spec Number 9985010)". This is the spec. # called out in my owners manual (part # too).

 

[dwendt44]

Local store didn't have synthetic PS fluid so he said they'd order me a bottle; another store in the state had some.
(older GM, noisy pump).
Said it's Amsoil.
When it came in, it ended up Royal Purple PS fluid.
Used an extactor and removed as much as I could. fill it up, ran car for a couple of minutes, repeated it twice.

After a week, I did the three procedures again.
Pump's now quiet.

 

[ARB1977]

When ever i drain my ATF any left over fresh stuff is used in my PS...I use Amsoil Universal ATF.

 

[rumple]

Just to add to the general noise, my 2002 Ford Explorer calls for Mercon ATF as power steering fluid. Since Mercon is no more, Mercon V is what many people use for the X's power steering fluid.

Rumple

 

[Tempest]

I use Amsoil ATF in all the cars I maintain.

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

GM's "Cold Weather" p/s fluid is a synthetic blend. I can't remember whether I bought it at a dealership or an AC Delco store. AC Delco should be cheaper if they stock it.

On a 2wd Silverado, it's pretty easy to flush the system. I emptied the reservoir with a pump that screws onto a quart botttle--less messy than a turkey baster. Then you can remove the return line at the reservoir, cap the connection, and put the hose into a container. Jack up the front so the tires clear the ground, fill the reservoir,and turn the wheel all the way to one lock. Check/fill the fluid and turn the other way, etc. Just remember to put everything back together with the reservoir empty--I wasn't thinking the first time, and tried to connect the return line with the fluid full.

 

[panthermike]

Redline also makes a synthetic power steering fluid.

 

[johnnyo4]

I was able to find Royal Purple synthetic power steering fluid at the local Napa store. It works great in below 9 temps. The steering is much easier.

 

[Audi Junkie]

I head bad things about the GM "Canadian" Synthetic PSF. Beware, it causes failures. I use ATF+4 in everything because it's cheap and good.

 

[RichR]

I would use a sponsor for Amsoil p/s fluid.
I tried Redline in a Hydoboost p/s brake set in a '98 Cummins Ram.
The fluid was scorched in six months.

 

[dwendt44]

None of the local auto parts stores had any synthetic PS fluid when I was looking.
I had to order a quart.
Was told it would be Amsoil, so I reluctantly agreed to the order.
When it arrived is was Royal Purple.
Helped quiet the GM pump on my old beater.

 

[brianl703]

Vavoline's fluid was a semi-synthetic, not a full synthetic. They no longer make it.