Let's talk about power steering fluid - Again...

[gottarollwithit]

So my Mom's car is making a nasty friction like whining sound. The power steering fluid is definitely low. When i wiped off the dipstick, the fluid looked red, as if it was ATF.

I've read that the recommended fluid is CHF11s or some other Pentosin stuff. However, the Pentosin stuff is Greenish blue colored and does not mix with ATF. What should i do??? Refill with ATF?? Refill with Pentosin stuff? Dunno what to think here....

[2422Graham]

I just went through this SAME scenario with a 2000 xc.

When we bought it, some idiot had filled it with normal (red) ATF at some point and this was destroying the power steering parts. The fluid had little black plastic in it from the power steering seals breaking down. The rack was whining and making all kinds of noise. After I did some research I found you NEED to have the CHF 11. No if's and's or but's. I bit the bullet and bought 4 liters and used the "turkey baster method."

You suck out the power steering reservoir with a turkey baster, then refill it with the new fluid. Drive around turning the wheel lock to lock, then repeat. Over and over. 4 liters should eventually flush out all the old and replace with just the new stuff.

Power steering is like new. Pretty amazing what a difference in fluid makes.

[ecbsykes]

^ I disagree to some extent. Either ATF OR PS fluid will work. I've been running Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in my 2000 XC system for over 20,000 miles with no problems. I think the issues come up when the different fluids are mixed.

[Tiyal]

Flush it!
Lift the front wheels off and secure. remove the PS intake hose, add a simple drain pipe (PVC tube Clamps and a plastic hose conector). drain the old fluid and off while refilling with the ATF synthetic (Amsoil) of your choice. running the engine and moving the steering from Fully side to side at least 10 times, mine shook a a few times hydraulic lock maybe. just kept going till i was sure all the old fluid was gone the shaking went away and its been perfect for 18months! [thumbup]