Power steering fluid

[Leif A.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Does anyone have a phone number for Lone Star?

(903) 829-8400

[Joe L.]

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

Don------


Yes, GM #12345698 is discontinued. I only mentioned that part number because aftermarket power steering fluids may still refer to that number and that's fine.

[Bill B.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Don, are you sure you have the right P/N for the fluid you seek? I don't see a 12345698, but do see 12345867. GMPartsDirect has that in stock for $14.07 a qt.

[Donald O.]

Re: Power steering fluid

You are probably right on my mistyping of the p/n.
RockAuto has the standard temp for more than 50% less, and less shipping charges.

I just add t need to confirm with Lone Star that it is a preferred pump fluid

[Duke 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

No disassembly should be necessary.

I've not done a vintage Corvette power steering system flush, but I have done others and it goes something like this.

1. Raise the front wheels off the ground on jackstands.

2. Have a supply of PS fluid at least double the system capacity on hand.

3. Siphon the old fluid out of the reservoir and fill with fresh fluid

4. Remove the return hose at the pump and direct it firmly to a suitable container, like a gallon plastic milk jug.

5, Fill reservoir with fresh fluid

6. Have a helper start the engine and slowly roll the steering wheel back and forth about one-eighth turn either way.

7. Meanwhile, you pour fluid into the reservoir, and try to keep it from going dry, but if it does it will self bleed. It goes pretty fast so you need to be quick. It will only take about 30 seconds.

8. When you've used close to double the system capacity, stop the engine and connect the return hose

9. restart the engine and roll the steering wheel again for 10-30 seconds to ensure that any air is purged, and check for leaks.

10. Stop engine, lower car back on the tires and check and correct fluid level as required.

Some PS systems have a filter and, if so, this is a good time to change it.

Duke

[Ralph E.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Don,
I suggest you just take a ride to your local Chevy Dealer. Get the 12345867 fluid. The ACDelco 10-5043(16oz bottle) is the same stuff.
Had a major PS failure a few years back and this is what I used as recommended by John Hinckley and Joe Lucia.

[James W.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Amazon has GM #19329448 available for $11.61 per bottle with free shipping for Prime members.

James

[Donald O.]

Re: Power steering fluid

I was finally able to talk with the Lone Star tech guru and asked what P/S fluid I should used, the original (obsolete) type A, or what?
His response:
Do not use type A, it is not compatible with the seals. Just use any P/S fluid; Castrol, Prestone, etc.
Then I asked about using the AC Delco, standard of cold temp. His response was don’t , it’s still just an auto trans fluid. Then he added “We use Prestone fluid without any stop leak additives”.
PS
Draw your own conclusions.

As for me, I’ll just get the Prestone. They rebuilt it all, that’s what they use to test with, and what they recommend.

[Joe L.]

Re: Power steering fluid

I was finally able to talk with the Lone Star tech guru and asked what P/S fluid I should used, the original (obsolete) type A, or what?
His response:
Do not use type A, it is not compatible with the seals. Just use any P/S fluid; Castrol, Prestone, etc.
Then I asked about using the AC Delco, standard of cold temp. His response was don’t , it’s still just an auto trans fluid. Then he added “We use Prestone fluid without any stop leak additives”.
PS
Draw your own conclusions.

As for me, I’ll just get the Prestone. They rebuilt it all, that’s what they use to test with, and what they recommend.

Don------


The information you got regarding the GM cold climate power steering fluid is NUTS.

[Mark E.]

Re: Power steering fluid

Threads debating which fluids to use are my favorite- oil and brake fluids seem the most spirited.

After rebuilding the entire PS system in my '70, I bit the bullet and used Red Line "All-Synthetic" PS fluid. About $18/quart from Amazon so not cheap.

The bottle says "satisfies power steering units requiring GM PN 1050017, or 1052884 (Spec Number 9985010)". The 1970 CSM just says use GM power steering fluid or Dexron ATF. No PNs or specs given.

Claimed benefits include "...prevents high temperature steering fade, improves difficult low- temperature steering, greater heat resistance, one-fourth the evaporation, helps prevent leakage and squealing..." and more.

After about 1,000 miles, PS works smoothly with just a hint of groaning while turning to the stops when cold. No leaks other than a sloooow drip from the rebuilt valve (but don't they all leak?).

Just one more data point.