Power steering fluid question
 

Heard a groaning/whining sound in the SE today while driving around town. Checked PS fluid level thinking it may be low, but I find plenty in the resevior. Problem is, its very bubbly with a froth on top. That can't be good, right? Get back in the car and everything is normal again. I have always used ATF dexronIII. YES, I know I should be using proper power steering fluid...

So I guess ill go ahead and put new fluid in, and maybe flush the system as well.

Any ideas on what happened here?

Mike

Sounds like you sucked some air into the steering gear from low fluid (or evil spirits). Iv'e also seen wet PS fluid freeze the ice out -- makes the fluid foam and the pump howl. that was a very cold morning, though, had to jumpstart the old Olds that day.

Peter

Have someone inspect the steering gear box and the power steering hoses for leaks.

Gilly

Thanks Fred and Gilly. I'll flush the system out and refill tomorrow. Filter is only 3 weeks old, as I did a major service 3 weeks ago. I only changed the filter- not the fluid. Can I just unhook the return line, drain while the car is idling, while at the same time pouring new fluid in the resevoir? Is there a better way? I don't find anything in the FSM CD.

Mike

I'd inspect for a leak BEFORE removing lines and all that stuff. Could create alot of confusion about what is/was a leak and what is "slop" from doing the change.

Gilly

there is a 12mm nut on the steering box that will drain the steering fluid, you have to turn the steering to just the right spot to get it to drain. These usually leak on the high pressure line but, because of the plastic outer casing it drips onto the steering box so check the high pressure line. When you refill, fill up the resevoir and turn the steering fully to each side a few times this will fill up the steering box and get rid of most of the air.