Power steering fluid

[Donald O.]

[Duke W.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Type A ATF is long obsolete. Current Dexron is probably okay to use, but I haven't researched it.

FWIW a few years ago I wanted to change the PS fluid in another vintage car I own. I researched both industrial hydraulic fluids and PS fluids you find at auto parts stores. Basically the PS system is a hydraulic system. Hydraulic fluids are light to medium weight oils with anti-wear additives, but lack the detergents and dispersants found in engine oil.

Most PS fluids say they are okay to use in most cars other than Hondas. I never figured out what was "special" about PS fluids for Hondas, but didn't really need to know. I was just curious.

So I was left with generic parts store fluid and a whole spectrum of industrial hydraulic fluids. In the end I went with the former. That was at least ten years ago and no problems.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: Power steering fluid

This about the N40 hydraulic steering for a 1967.
The owners manual says it should be Type A, but when I look at the fluids at autozone, or orielly’s or Napa, none of them say it’s for Type A and have an included anti-leak property. So, what brand and where to get the correct fluid?

Don

Don-------


The original power steering fluid for your 1967 was GM #1050017. The current day successor to that part number is GM #19329448 still available at your GM or AC Delco dealer. Use that fluid and you'd be using a fully GM-approved fluid for your application. Might other fluids be equally as good? Of course, but if you use the 19329448 you're certain you have a correct and approved fluid.

[Don H.]

Re: Power steering fluid

What fluid you use depends on the age of your components. A few years ago I sent the valve and slave cylinder from my '65 to Lonestar for rebuild. I re-assembled and used automatic transmission fluid (like I have for many years), it gradually started leaking worse & worse. Since it had a 5 year guarantee I sent it back. Lonestar called and said the ATF caused the leak but they fixed it for free (originally nothing came with the parts specifying what fluid to use). I flushed the system before re-installing and used power steering fluid this time - no leaks so far.

[David M.]

Re: Power steering fluid

X2 what Joe said...

https://www.amazon.com/Acdelco-DCH10.../dp/B019S1WI2E

Steer (pun) clear of the 7-Eleven general purpose fluid and ATF.

When I rebuilt the front end and power steering systems in the vette and 442, Marty said use the Delco fluid ONLY.

[Ralph S.]

Re: Power steering fluid

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[Bill B.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Five years ago, I was in the same situation of determining the best PS fluid to use. I opted for the GM 19329448 as well. Then, I was reading a thread on this discussion board a while back that the GM 12345867 (Cold Climate) was preferred over the 448 fluid. I had to do some work on my steering system, so I drained the 448 and filled with the 867. I can't tell any performance difference and I'm not in a cold climate (North Carolina).

Does anyone know the difference and why the preference of some members recommending the GM 12345867 fluid?

** Late input ** I found the 2021 thread from Joe Lucia, indicating the Cold Climate 867 fluid is partially synthetic, and was what he personally preferred regardless of climate. Thanks Joe!

[Joe L.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Five years ago, I was in the same situation of determining the best PS fluid to use. I opted for the GM 19329448 as well. Then, I was reading a thread on this discussion board a while back that the GM 12345867 (Cold Climate) was preferred over the 448 fluid. I had to do some work on my steering system, so I drained the 448 and filled with the 867. I can't tell any performance difference and I'm not in a cold climate (North Carolina).

Does anyone know the difference and why the preference of some members recommending the GM 12345867 fluid?

** Late input ** I found the 2021 thread from Joe Lucia, indicating the Cold Climate 867 fluid is partially synthetic, and was what he personally preferred regardless of climate. Thanks Joe!

Bill------

Yes, I do use and prefer the cold climate PS fluid, GM #12345867 even though I certainly do not live or operate any of my cars in cold climate conditions. I did not mention that in this post because I could not say that the 12345867 is the "direct descendant" of the fluid originally specified by GM for the 1967 application.

[Duke W.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Hydraulic fluids for cold climates (like Alaska North Slope oil rigs) are usually lower viscosity and likely blended with all or partial "synthetic" stocks that have less viscosity variation with temperature than "conventional" stocks. I recall reading about them when I was doing the research on PS fluids.

Duke

[Donald O.]

Re: Power steering fluid

What fluid you use depends on the age of your components. A few years ago I sent the valve and slave cylinder from my '65 to Lonestar for rebuild. I re-assembled and used automatic transmission fluid (like I have for many years), it gradually started leaking worse & worse. Since it had a 5 year guarantee I sent it back. Lonestar called and said the ATF caused the leak but they fixed it for free (originally nothing came with the parts specifying what fluid to use). I flushed the system before re-installing and used power steering fluid this time - no leaks so far.

Did Lonestar give a recommendation for which to use?

[Don H.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Did Lonestar give a recommendation for which to use?

I don't remember ever getting any recommendation from Lonestar other than DON'T use ATF. I used Valvoline Power Steering Fluid because the local GM dealer did not have any in stock.

[Joe L.]

Re: Power steering fluid

I don't remember ever getting any recommendation from Lonestar other than DON'T use ATF. I used Valvoline Power Steering Fluid because the local GM dealer did not have any in stock.

Don------


If I were using a non-GM power steering fluid I'd check the label to see if it references meeting the GM standard for GM #89021185 or GM #19329448.

[Donald O.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Just tried to order the p/n 12345698 from gmpartsdirect.com and this is no longer available, obsolete.

the p/n 19329448 is still available

[Donald O.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Does anyone have a phone number for Lone Star?

[James W.]

Re: Power steering fluid

To perform a complete flush/fluid change with the GM 19329448 power steering fluid, would you have to disassemble the system? This would be for a 1965 Corvette.

James