Wrong power steering fluid
 

Hi, I left my 92 Lsl sitting outside over winter (Canadian). She started up first turn of the key a few days ago, but here was no power steering, and I found the reservoir was empty. I needed the car and without thinking, I found I had a can of regular power steering fluid, the kind that suits Gm, Ford, Chrysler etc (no other specification was on the container), and filled up the reservoir. I have only run a few miles since and the steering is moaning somewhat but working, so I guess the fluid is still leaking out.
My questions: 1) Have I done any damage because of using the wrong fluid? 2) Will just flushing out the system with ATF be sufficient?
Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Wrong power steering fluid
 

I would be more concerned about running it dry. How long was it running before you put the fluid in?

Re: Wrong power steering fluid
 

Your O-ring is bad on the bottom of the tank. Look in the How-To Docs and it will show how to replace it. Cheap fix. Flush the system and go fom there. :)

Re: Wrong power steering fluid
 

Just drain it out and put good fluid in. One of my cars had the wrong fluid in when I bought it. I ran it like that for a long time. After I replaced it, the pump is a bit noisy and the steering feels a bit vague sometimes, but not bad enough to warrant fixing.

There is a hose join you can get at from underneath that is a good point for draining the steering fluid. Just separate it and run the engine for a couple of seconds and all the fluid will gush out. It's useful to have some kind of container to catch it in.:rolleyes:

Re: Wrong power steering fluid
 

Thanks for all your help guys.