Power Steering Fluid Questions

[56Nomad]

With 34000 miles on the truck I peeked in on the
power steering fluid level.......

WOW is was below the dip stick.

Questions:
1. I see no leaks, so is this just normal loss?
2. What is a good recommendation to top it off

[DmaxMaverick]

The power steering system, in most cases, is the most neglected, yet a very critical system. You could just use the Dex III (not II, it will be too old) you have, but I would caution against it. Our systems not only provide power for steering, but also for the brake booster. The loss of either system could be drastic. The system has no filter or cooling.

The dipstick has a range between full and low. If checked hot, it may show enough to not cause alarm, but if cold, could be off the stick. Don't fill it up to the "hot" mark if it is cold, as it could make a real mess. It is possible it was delivered low if you have no leaks. The fluid is not "used up" in any manor.

I would suggest a flush and fill with a high quality, synthetic Dexron III or IV fluid. Mobil, Redline, Amsoil, etc. will do well.

If it looses fluid, get it to the dealer before your warranty runs out. It will be covered under your 3/36.

Cheers

[56Nomad]

DmaxMaverick,

Still a little confused, you wrote:

"You could just use the Dex III ---- you have, but I would caution against it."
then you continue, "I would suggest a flush and fill with a high quality, synthetic Dexron III----"

Isn't all Dexron III

[DmaxMaverick]

They are not all the same. Dexron is a base standard for the weight and additive package of the oil (among other things). The base oil stock for the non synthetics is mineral. Chrysler's base requirement for ATF is a mineral/synthetic blend.

There are also different qualities and catagories for synthetics. Mobil 1, Amsoil, Redline, LE, etc. have a synthetic "standard" Dexron ATF. These are synthetic based regular ATF's. There are also other catagories of the oils, such as, Castrol Transynd and Amsoil TorqueDrive (new), which are specified for the TES 295 requirement designated by Allison for extended drain intervals in some models. These are Dexron III compatible, but go further with claims of performance, and are accordingly more expensive.

For power steering pumps, any brand of Dexron III or higher fluid is suitable. Using synthetic can give an edge on longevity of the components, and temp. and humidity extremes.

[56Nomad]

Got my question answered......

Dealer service manager says I gotta use GM part # 1052884, so he gave me a new bottle.

He said DO NOT use Dexron III

[jbplock]

Originally posted by DmaxMaverick: The (power steering) system has no filter or cooling...

I didn't realize that the new trucks donot have a PS cooler (my 98 K3500 had one next to the radiator)...

Also, anyone have any thoughts on adding a PS fluid filter? Any benefit to this? I've have been getting the itch to put another filter somewhere (already have three fuel filters, two oil filters and a coolant filter ). I've also been thinking about doing a flush and refill with synthetic PS fluid. Have heard that Redline synth is good (??).

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