Power Steering Problems in Cold Weather

[GIT-R-DONE]

Last winter I had some problems with my power steering in cold weather. By cold weather, temperatures, I mean 0* to -20*. Now the problem..... for some reason I get air in the line/system, and I don't know why or how. Its almost as if it partially freezes or something. Last winter I had it to the dealer twice to get the lines bled off and then it was OK until it got really cold again.



I did remove the fluid completely and refilled with new, thinking moisture or age had gotten to it, but even after that, it still did it. The dealer had put dye in it to see if/where it was leaking but it was not. Is there a possibility of the fluid freezing? Or is there anything that can be added to the fluid to keep it from freezing, if that is the problem. The rest of the year I have absolutely no problem with it. Ideas and suggestions?



Thanks, Don

 

[redram]

The pwr steering fluid will not 'freeze' although if it is a low quality mineral product, opt to buy a higher end product such as Royal Purple's MaxEZ Power steering Fluid (a synthetic).



If your fluid has water in it, the water could freeze and cause air to get into the lines fromt the pump.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

I'd second that last opinon... in fact, I've subjected mine to as cold as -50*F (only once) and more than once to -10*F to -20*F without problem... other than being a bit stiff for a few miles...



I'd be curious if a homemade "thermal" blanket cured the problem... just a thought, and certainly not the best fix I admit...



bob.

 

[Greenleaf]

I use the Valvoline SynPower Steering fluid. Auto-Zone has it.



Scott

 

[CDegner]

I'm using the Valvoline SynPower fluid as well. I have changed my fluid out ... 10-11 oz. at a time. I went from a thick, almost black goop to a nice light brown color. It took 3 qts and 3 weeks to get where it is now.



Carl

 

[MFalkinham]

Carl,



I'm glad to hear there is some more progress I can make in my Valvoline fluid flush process. I've done two quarts of SynPower so far, and the overall color has gone from black to medium brown. I'll buy some more and keep flushing 10oz at a time, but I suppose it is unreasonable to keep trying for "as clear as new fluid" status (much as I'd like that).



- Mike

 

[Greenleaf]

Flush & Fill

Changed my old fluid out when the ps pump pooped out then, did it again when I installed the Borgeson/new seals. It's sorta pinkish in color now. Works well too.



Here is food for thought. Tie back the shut-off lever,remove the return line from the gear TO the pump [ps pump]and crank it over till reservoir gets low. Refill and do it again. Be sure to catch the old brown stuff in a can. This is how I bled the system when installing the replacement pump. And another thing, Jack up the front of truck so as you can turn the steering gear stop to stop. This pushes out the old goop and admits the fresh clean fluid. Rotate the gear back/forth several times while bleeding the system. Good luck



Scott