2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power Steering Fluid

[KAlder]

We have had about 7 - 15 degree mornings here in E-burg Washington. Me and the wifes power steering pumps will whine horribly. I know there is nothing wrong with the trucks as all three 2nd gens Ive had have done it. But I know that it can't be good. It sounds like they are cavitating due to the cold fluid being to thick. Does anyone make a lower viscosity P/S fluid?

 

[DavidC]

Check local auto places including wal-mart. Valvoline makes a semi synthetic power steering fluid. I removed as much fluid as I could with a turkey baster and replaced the extracted fluid with the Valvoline. I did this twice and never had a problem again, even at -20 degrees.



Dave

 

[DieselDoghouse]

I've often wondered if these sorts of things are entirely due to the fluid or the fact that our P/S fluid is also a brake hydraulic fluid. whatever…I did replace several years ago with Synpower, being warned it would find leakpoints the oem fluid didn't—hasn't happened. I did add a rail cooler for the P/S return due to the heat generated in the brake booster (it was easier than trying to cool the booster return—the direct method), again no leaks and no squealing.

 

[CumminsPower98]

SynPower here and it works great. I have been as low as -23 driving and started as cold as -10 and no problems. It's not normal for them to make a lot of noise IMHO.

 

[fest3er]

PS pumps can do that at very low temps. Question: have you ever changed the fluid? It's probably not a bad idea to replace the PS fluid every 100K miles or 5 years; ideally, do it when you replace the brake fluid. First-hand experience says that brake fluid with 120K miles on it does not work very well, and hardly works at all when it gets hot. I really should change my PS fluid, too.

 

[Diesel Nut]

Amsoil ATF. Should pretty much eliminate your issues, and keep temps down in the summer when doing a bunch of slow speed manuevering.

 

[DMcLeod]

Diesel Nut - Why does my shop manual say "DO NOT USE ATF!" ? I understand the newer trucks use ATF, but many of the 2nd gens do not. Even TSB 19-005-03 says that I should use the Mopar stuff. Please explain.

 

[Diesel Nut]

I have had a few customers with noisy powersteering pumps switch and the noise has gone away and not had any ill effects.



As for the TSB listed, it lists the approved part number MS9602 for Rams (DR), which is Mopar ATF+4

 

[SMorneau]

I have been using amsoil ATF for years and it stopped my whining pump. No problem with seals or hoses or anything else. Not all ATF is PS rated (whatever that means) but the amsoil says it is approved for power steering.



Just use a vacuum pump to suck it all out of the reservoir and then refill with ATF, and then run the truck for awhile. Do this several times and you'll be good to go.



Scott

 

[wildmanben]

Amsoil ATF is working good for me up here...

 

[KAlder]

Thanks guys. I was wondering if synthetic would be the way to go-guess I ought to try it!