Power steering fluid in my PS reservoir?

[ascdesigns]

So this is slightly disturbing... When I went to check fluid levels, I noticed that the PS fluid is golden, not the translucent red tranny fluid.

 

Has anyone ever had issues running PS instead of AT fluid? Should I flush the entire system asap? I also notice a few very, very fine metal filings in the filter 'cup' - almost looked like silver dust.

 

FWIW, my steering has been working perfectly, no groaning, stiffness or otherwise arthritic symptoms.

 

If I need to do a flush, how many quarts of ATF DexIII should I purchase?

 

I anxiously await y'all's sage-like advice!

 

Thanks!

 

Al

Edited August 25, 2009 by ascdesigns

[nunya]

I run P/S fluid in my 88, not tranny fluid. My general thoughts always were power steering is not a automatic transmission(I know it can be used as P/S fluid though. I'm not against it, I just don't in my stuff)

[adamzan]

It says right in the manual to use ATF for the PS so that's what's in mine.

[ascdesigns]

Thanks all. I did flush my system tonight with a synthetic blend DexIII. Really easy to do, just a bit messy. It's amazing how quickly the PS pump pushes out the fluid. In case anyone's interested in how I did it, here's the basic steps:

 

- Jack up front end and place on jackstands. You want to be able to turn the wheels easily.

- Drain the reservoir as much as possible using a 'turkey baster'.

- Pull the return hose and plug the nozzle on the reservoir.

- Attach a male-to-male barbed fitting into the return hose.

- Attach an extension to the other end of the barb fitting and place it into a milk jug.

- Fill reservoir up the top with new ATF fluid.

- Start car, wait two seconds and turn it off. Any longer and you'll be sucking air.

- Fill reservoir again.

- Start car, wait two seconds and turn it off. Again, any longer and you'll be sucking air.

- Fill reservoir again.

- Inside the cabin, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Hold for a few seconds, then do the same for the left. Repeat. This exercise pushes fluid through and out of the system.

- Add more fluid to the reservoir.

- Do the steering wheel exercise again, but this time leave the fluid level lower since you'll want to put the return hose back on without fluid gushing out of the reservoir.

- Clean everything up, reconnect the return hose to the reservoir nozzle, lower the Pathy.

- Top off the reservoir now that the return hose is back on.

- Start the car, turn the wheels side to side. Check the levels again (I had to add a couple ounces before all was said and done.)

- Get a beer.

 

Cheers!

 

Al