What power steering fluid would you use in a GM hydroboost unit? I know some guys use ATF and some say not to. The manual calls for GM Power Steering Fluid, part no. 19329450.
The vehicles in question are a 2016 LML Duramax 3500 HD and a 2017 L5P Duramax 3500 HD.
The PS fluid on the 2016 is getting pretty nasty looking and the brakes and steering have been feeling pretty slow lately. At the last oil change on the 2016, I sucked out the reservoir and refilled it with Valvoline PS fluid and it improved the steering and braking feel some. I'd like to get a synthetic fluid of some sort in there that will hopefully hold up a little better than regular PS fluid. A synthetic would also flow better in these cold temps we've been having lately, which would be easier on the PS pump at startup.
If anyone has long term experience with using ATF in a GM hydroboost unit, please chime in with your experiences.
What is the best way to flush the PS system on these trucks?
I've always had good luck raising my past vehicles off the ground, removing the reservoir return hose and turning the wheels from lock to lock while adding fresh fluid, those vehicles were all rack and pinion steering though.
I've seen people on other forums and in YouTube videos flushing hydroboost units by removing the HB return hose and running a hose from the HB to a bucket or drain pan and then pumping/holding the brake (engine running) while turning the steering wheel to get fluid to circulate, obviously keeping the reservoir topped off while doing this.
Is there a better way to do this? How much fluid flows through the second return hose that comes off of the steering box and goes to the PS cooler and then back to the reservoir? How much pressure is that line under? I suspect not much, it's just a rubber hose with a clamp just like the return hose coming from the HB.
Would lifting the vehicle off the ground and cranking the wheels from lock to lock result in any fluid flow at either return line with the engine off? I'm not very familiar with this setup, just looking for ideas here.
The vehicles in question are a 2016 LML Duramax 3500 HD and a 2017 L5P Duramax 3500 HD.
The PS fluid on the 2016 is getting pretty nasty looking and the brakes and steering have been feeling pretty slow lately. At the last oil change on the 2016, I sucked out the reservoir and refilled it with Valvoline PS fluid and it improved the steering and braking feel some. I'd like to get a synthetic fluid of some sort in there that will hopefully hold up a little better than regular PS fluid. A synthetic would also flow better in these cold temps we've been having lately, which would be easier on the PS pump at startup.
If anyone has long term experience with using ATF in a GM hydroboost unit, please chime in with your experiences.
What is the best way to flush the PS system on these trucks?
I've always had good luck raising my past vehicles off the ground, removing the reservoir return hose and turning the wheels from lock to lock while adding fresh fluid, those vehicles were all rack and pinion steering though.
I've seen people on other forums and in YouTube videos flushing hydroboost units by removing the HB return hose and running a hose from the HB to a bucket or drain pan and then pumping/holding the brake (engine running) while turning the steering wheel to get fluid to circulate, obviously keeping the reservoir topped off while doing this.
Is there a better way to do this? How much fluid flows through the second return hose that comes off of the steering box and goes to the PS cooler and then back to the reservoir? How much pressure is that line under? I suspect not much, it's just a rubber hose with a clamp just like the return hose coming from the HB.
Would lifting the vehicle off the ground and cranking the wheels from lock to lock result in any fluid flow at either return line with the engine off? I'm not very familiar with this setup, just looking for ideas here.
