'97 Saturn S-Series P/S capacity?

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Hello!

I'm in the process of getting ready to do a complete drain (including residual expunging via lock to lock twist) and refill of the P/S system on my '97 Saturn SW2 and can't find the capacity anywhere. If it's in the mechanic's manual, I can't find it...

How many quarts should I expect to need to have on hand?

Thanks!
 
I did this once in an SL2 but I don't remember exactly how much was in there. My guess would be just over a quart if you can get it all out,probably no more than 1.5 quarts with the reservoir. Better get some extra and return any you don't use. Depending on how dirty it looks you might want to do it again after a week or so to get rid of any garbage the fresh fluid has loosened up. I don't think it was too dirty in mine so I didn't do it more than once. Those are some great little cars!
 
Awesome!

I'll do a complete drain with the two that have been purchased and use any excess to clean up the system a bit further during the following oil change.
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Thank you again for your assistance.
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That they are! Modding and working on them is a joy with even a standard garage.
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A pity that GM smothered them...
 
I have never seen any car company state the total capacity of a power steering system. However, in most cars, 2 quarts is enough to complete the task of replacing all fluid.

Look in your manual for fluid specs. Some cars would call for PSF, others would call for ATF, and I don't remember what the Saturn S-series used.
 
How are you going about flushing the P/S fluid? As of last night, I have inherited my MIL 1995 SL2 with 75,600 miles on the odometer. I'm planning on servicing this vehicle from top to bottom. I normally do my P/S flush by loosing the return line method, but may be difficult to achieve with this SL2.
 
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Look in your manual for fluid specs. Some cars would call for PSF, others would call for ATF, and I don't remember what the Saturn S-series used.

It calls for power steering fluids meeting GM spec 9985010. I've been reading that TES-295-spec ATF is acceptable, but... am not quite sold on that idea yet.

Originally Posted By: i812
How are you going about flushing the P/S fluid?

I'm looking at doing a return line method as well, but am still mulling it over and may choose to do something different at the last moment depending upon how it looks under the car.

For what it's worth, the '97 service manual states in the P/S unit removal instructions, one is to pump out the fluid from the reservoir, and DO place a shop towel over the generator. Do not allow power steering fluid to contact the generator.

Originally Posted By: i812
As of last night, I have inherited my MIL 1995 SL2 with 75,600 miles on the odometer. I'm planning on servicing this vehicle from top to bottom. I normally do my P/S flush by loosing the return line method, but may be difficult to achieve with this SL2.

You're not alone with that! I'm doing everything for my 200k+ that sat for far too long and is soon going to have a rather extreme commute.

This thread has some good pointers and ideas on how to do it: http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164871

Kinda mulling over returning the Valvoline P/S and switching over to Schaeffer ATF #204SAT due to it meeting TES-295, but can honestly not recommend anything due to the lack of knowledge. If done, I'm going to purge it nearly entirely of P/S fluid. YMMV.
 
I called Schaeffer earlier and they do not recommend using it in said application. Am going to fall back upon Valvoline MaxLife for this change.
 
Well, bad news. Noticed the power steering was whining a little bit and the fluid in the reservoir was down to the "ADD" line. Topped off fluid and inspected the power steering system. I found the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. Local cheapest junkyard wanted $80 for a used one. I found an A/C Delco reman from Rockauto for $75 shipped to my doorstep. Also, 28 ounces is the fluid capacity for a complete power steering system. Good luck!
 
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