1998 Buick LeSabre Power Steering Fluid?

Status
Not open for further replies.
1

10bears

Joined
Mar 3, 2010
Messages
223
Location
S. Colo
Hi, guys.

I've searched the archive and read some info saying Dex 6 maybe shouldn't be used in the power steering on my old Buick.

The problem is, even using advanced search and title only, I'm getting right near every topic in BITOG. Yeah, I've used Google as a workaround search... but mainly, I'm hoping to learn if one of the 2 ATF's I have on the shelf is advisable as a power steering fluid for this car.

Well, from my other exploits some will know that my shop vac is already drooling oil... so I thought I may as well use the same rig to vacuum out the power steering fluid for a partial change at OCI's.

What I have on the shelf: Valvoline High Mileage ATF (dex/merc) and also a few quarts of Valvoline Dex VI.

Would either of those be usable for power steering fluid? No leakage is apparent. No noise. It ain't broke, so I'm gonna fix it... ?? Yeah, I know... my BITOG OCD kicking in again.
wink.gif


If either of the above would be suitable, I'd like to use it since that's what's on my shelf. If both are NOT a good choice, please advise what you recommend.

Thank you,

Larry S.
10*bears
 
I have always used "Power Steering Fluid" in GM cars, be it Esso PSF, Castrol PSF or anything similar. I've never heard of anyone putting ATF in a GM power steering system.
 
xxch,

Thank you for the quick reply. I seemed to recall something like that but couldn't say where I saw it.

LS
10*b
 
silverrat,

Thank you for the quick reply.

It's an old school thing, but ATF was about all we put in older GM cars back in the 70's and such. Doesn't make it the right choice now.

Back then, most generic PSF's on the shelf were loaded with seal treatments and other problems. Again, old school. Things are probably different now.

LS
 
GM has their own specification for power steering fluids in late model cars. They haven't speced ATF for a long time if I recall correctly.

Most companies like Pennzoil and Valvoline have the correct fluid on the shelf at your local parts store.
 
Drew,

Thank you for the info. Looks like there is a consensus on this topic... and that has prevented an old school screw-up on my part.

Larry S.
 
From what I've seen, Valvoline is the most widespread name brand I've found at parts stores for GM approved power steering fluid.

PS., hope you're enjoying the warm weather in Walsenburg! I know I am to your north in CO Spgs. We've been hammered this winter with snow and cold.
cheers3.gif
 
Last edited:
Drew,

Thank you for the added info. I'll look for the Valvoline PSF and as per your other post make sure it's got GM listed on the back.

Larry
 
FWIW, the Pennzoil power steering fluid has better specifications per their data sheet compared to Valvoline, but I've never found it on the shelf. Most stores have Valvoline and other "off" brands like Champion (which I'd pass on).
 
Drew,

Much appreciated regarding the Pennz PSF. Knowing it's less available is also valuable since my small town auto parts stores probably won't have it... I live out in the sticks and so I order a lot of stuff from Amazon. I'll check price and availability on the Pennz.

Larry
 
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
FWIW, the Pennzoil power steering fluid has better specifications per their data sheet compared to Valvoline, but I've never found it on the shelf. Most stores have Valvoline and other "off" brands like Champion (which I'd pass on).


Drew,

Here is what I'm finding in Amazon. It's by SOPUS, but yet has "Gumout" prominently emblazoned on the label. As follows:

Sopus Products-pennzoil Acd 5072868 "Gumout"

Is this the right stuff?

Thanks again,

LS
 
Hmm, I'm using Dex/Merc ATF in my 1999 LeSabre's power steering. It's been in there for about a year, seems to be doing just fine.
 
Originally Posted By: sciphi
Hmm, I'm using Dex/Merc ATF in my 1999 LeSabre's power steering. It's been in there for about a year, seems to be doing just fine.


Sciphi,

Thank you for the info. I'll see if I can find owner's manual info, etc...

Larry
 
Originally Posted By: sciphi
Hmm, I'm using Dex/Merc ATF in my 1999 LeSabre's power steering. It's been in there for about a year, seems to be doing just fine.


SF,

I bought this car not too long ago and thought it had no owner's manual. Just did some digging and found it...

References jump around just to keep owner guessing, but finally found their rec. quote:

"Power Steering System" (fluid) GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No 1052884 - pint) 1050017 - quart or equivalent".

I'll see what I can Google on those pn's - probably in BITOG - to see what those fluids are defined as. Or more importantly, what GM sees as equivalent. That info might help round out this thread.

Larry
 
Here's info from another BITOG thread saying the above PN for a quart crossed to the below part number in pace performance dot com.

The description of "light mineral oil" may differentiate from ATF.

"89020661 - GM Goodwrench Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart 89020661
Pace Price Qty
$9.80

Detailed Description
An amber colored, light bodied mineral oil that contains a specially developed additive package to provide good performance in power steering systems. Reduces power steering noise. Specially formulated to provide anti-corrosive and non foaming qualities with excellent lubrication for year-round use."


So I'm guessing the SOPUS or Valvoline product will probably say it meets GM spec on the label front or back. It might be preferable to the high price of the GM stuff listed above.

I guess as for me, I'll look for PSF versus ATF for this though there can probably be arguments either way. Nice of GM to hide the reservoir under the alternator. I'll beat the thing with a rubber hose. Double entendre intentional, of course.
wink.gif


LS
 
GM wants $9.80 a quart for mineral oil. Redline gets $10.50 a quart for their PSF. Description in Amazon was vague, so I visited Redline's site. Here's the quote. Notice bolded info that says it meets the specs of the PN in the owner's manual.

Anyone using Redline PSF?

Here's the quote:

"MORE TECHNICAL INFORMATION

RED LINE POWER STEERING FLUID satisfies the service fill requirements of most auto manufacturers and can be used where the manufacturer calls for any automatic transmission fluid such as Dexron®, Dexron II-D®, II-E®, or Dexron III®, Ford Type-F, Mercon, or M2C138-CJ such as required by Ford, AMC, Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar, VW, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, SAAB, Subaru, Volvo, Porsche, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and many others.

This fluid also satisfies power steering units requiring GM PN 1050017 or 1052884 (Spec Number 9985010), Chrysler Spec Number 5931, and Ford Spec Number M2C33-F. It also satisfies the hydraulic specifications of Denison HF-O, Vickers vane pumps, and Sundstrand piston pumps."


LS
 
I've never used Redline products before but have read a lot of good stuff in BITOG.

Here is the primary sales pitch on their PSF. Sounds like it far exceeds mineral oil in some ways at least according to the ad.

LS

"Power Steering Fluid

* Improved wear protection, resists thermal breakdown, evaporation and foaming
* Provides continued high pump output, suitable for most power steering units
* Lightweight fluid avoids power losses
* 50% greater high-temp viscosity and 1/5 of the high-temp evaporation
* Greater heat resistance helps to prevent boil-over
* Helps to prevent high-temp steering fade and difficult effort steering at low temps
* Compatible with petroleums and synthetics
* 1/4 of the oxidation of petroleum power steering fluids
* Helps prevent leakage and squealing"
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Carlostrece
Power Steering Fluid Change Questions
2
Replies
20
Views
859
50yr Street Mech
69GTX
Dex VI ATF compatible with a 1999 Chevy Camaro PS system?
Replies
6
Views
429
ripcord
T
ATF for Power Steering?
Replies
18
Views
2K
wlk
91camarosRS
another question regarding PSF vs ATF. multi compatible fluids and etc.
Replies
6
Views
1K
nthach
D
Power Steering fluid bubbles up and out
Replies
8
Views
1K
JeffKeryk
Back
Top Bottom