My car recently started to leak power steering fluid, atleast it smelled like it and it was thinner than engine oil, and tranny oil... im sure it wasnt coolant. I even poped the top off to see how much i had left... and it was nearly empty. I had a couple of questions that came to mind which i obiviously dunno the answers to... so if you guys can help me out that would be nice.

1. What happens if i would of eventually run out of steering fluid while im driving?
2. What type of fluid should i refill it with? (brand, specs, and how much of it?)
2a. When i do refill it, do i fill it completely? half? or 3/4's ?
3. What would be the easiest way to determine where the leak is coming from?

These may be noOb questions... Im just trying to take care of my fc, Thanks in advance! have a good day!

 

1. system eventually overheats and seals in pump are ruined
2. I dont know? I never gave it any thought but I dont think it is different than regular PS fluid like the Hondas have a special type.
2a. do not overfill. anywhere between the lines
3. power wash then watch.

 

Can you please explain this some more? Thanks =)

 

1. Most likely, its the front seal or one of the lines leaking. If you run it low, it will burn up the pump. If you dont have time to fix it right now, and you are worried about it, just take the belt off for the time being.
2. It uses transmission fluid actually. Mercon III
3. It really depends on how bad it is leaking. If it is really bad, you can probably just look down in there and see where it is coming from. Or, like tinvestor said, you could clean the area real well and then look for the leak. That would probably be the easyest way.

 

ok, thanks! (although im scared now) haha~

 

just don't put PS fluid the the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER!!! LOL i did that once... i was tried... don't ask, anyway it was a nice excuse to upgrade to steel braided brake lines

 

[QUOTE=
3. What would be the easiest way to determine where the leak is coming from?
[/QUOTE]


The system pressure is much higher (you can hear the pump strain) when you turn the wheel to full lock in either direction, and can cause the fluid to spurt out of any leak. So, it's possible to find the leak by having a helper turn the wheels all the way while you look.

Cautions: Re-fill the fluid first, and don't hold it at full lock for more than a FEW SECONDS; otherwise you can destroy your pump!

 

i think u need atf for powersteering fluid

 

ATF Type F or Dexron II or M III

 

why does it use transmission fluid, and are you playing jokes on me?

 

No were serious. THe FSM says to use Automatic Transmission Fluid Type F.

 

whats fsm? and does it have to be type f? even if its a n/a? thanks i appreciate it.

 

additional note...:

did you say automatic?? i dunno this but... is there a "manual/standard transmission Type F" fluid?

 

Alright, here's the deal. You can use type F, dexron II or III, any of those will work. All of those are automatic transmission fluids. That is just what we use as power steering fluid. Everycar is different. As far as i know, there is not a type f fluid for manual transmissions, but like i said different cars use differnt fluids.

FSM stands for Factory service Manuel. You can down load if for free. Do a little searching and you should be able to find them.

 

ooo all right thanks! Your input on this was written well... I will look for that manuel you mentioned. I didnt think it was a manuel, or i can even download. Thanks u so much... now i see that FC's have to be taken care of in such a manner. I would of dun ruined my car if i did not join this. Thanks again, have a good day! =)

babam~
_Luis

Thanks everyone who responded to this thread. Bye!

 

I bought some Brake fluid at a gas station where the guy had to get from behind the counter and the power steering fluid was right next to it and the same size shape and color bottle. I didnt notice that he handed me the wrong one till I filled it to the line. I tried to soak it out with rags. Thought I had it but a week later the entire brake system seized. Cost me $600 between time off work and rebuilding the entire system.

I didnt kill him but I should have