Adding Power Steering Fluid

SVXcellent · #1 04-13-2007, 12:51 AM

Okay, here goes another dumb question!

Obviously I still feel very uncomfortable anytime I have to work on my car. So that's why I'd like to just throw a dumb question out there:

My power steering fluid is very low. So I bought a quart of ATF (Valvoline DEX/MERC) as I noticed that ATF should be used instead of power steering fluid. But, can I just pour it straight into the power steering tank, or should I flush the system / empty the tank first? I know the owner's manual states "Never use any fluid other than that recommended, and never use different brands together." Unfortunately I don't know what was previously used.

I'd much rather just add it straight in because I know I'll have problems trying to work on it (even following the how-to guidelines...).

Thanks all!

Trevor · #2 04-13-2007, 01:38 AM

You are most certainly not asking a dumb question and there is bound to be conjecture.

In my humble opinion, and in honesty the action i would take if it was my car, would be to simply add what you have. I am always extremely suspicioas of manufacturers instructions which state "don't add our brand with that", as it is one good sales pitch.

That said there are some instances where this is relevant.

Manarius · #3 04-13-2007, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor

You are most certainly not asking a dumb question and there is bound to be conjecture.

In my humble opinion, and in honesty the action i would take if it was my car, would be to simply add what you have. I am always extremely suspicioas of manufacturers instructions which state "don't add our brand with that", as it is one good sales pitch.

That said there are some instances where this is relevant.

Trevor's right - a lot of manufacturers just try to get you to buy their brand name stuff. Just add what you have.

I wouldn't really mix two different types of brake fluid though (different types - not different brands).

ensteele · #4 04-13-2007, 08:55 AM

I agree with the above posts. I would consider however, removing what is in the tank now and then filling it. That will give you a partial change. I like to do this once in a while to keep it fresh. It would not be required though.

Any question asked here (unless it is intended to be dumb) is not a dumb question. We expect members who don't know things to ask so they can learn. That is why we have the How-To Documents and help each other to save money on maintenance. Good luck.

msvx95 · #5 04-13-2007, 10:08 AM

Looks like you are doing the right thing though by reading what fluids are required....Anyone who doesn't know the SVX may think to use Power steering fluid....but ATF is what it calls for....just add a little at a time and periodically check the levels.

dcarrb · #6 04-13-2007, 10:24 AM

I second the previous posts. As long as the fluid in the reservior is bright red and not opaque, topping-off should be fine. However, if it looks like molasses, you really should drain the reservoir and refill. You can use a turkey baster to suck-out the old fluid, or disconnect the return line where it attaches to the cooler and let it drain into a pan beneath the car. I've done both and prefer the turkey baster method. If what comes out looks truly awful, repeat the procedure in a week or two.

Be careful not to overfill. I know from experience that the fluid will force past the cap when hot and go everywhere.

dcb

Hop · #7 04-13-2007, 02:45 PM

Hey SVXcellent,

I vote for the drain and refill with the turkey baster. Plus, I'd go ahead and replace the O-ring under your power steering reservoir. It might be the reason why your fluid is low and it's an easy, cheap fix. I recently did it and if I can do it, you can too.

All that you need is a t40 torx wrench, a turkey baster, a couple of metric wrenches and a new O-ring. There's an awesome write up in the how to section:

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/How-To/14304.pdf

Good luck, Greg

SVXcellent · #8 04-16-2007, 11:13 PM

Just wanted to say thanks for all the info. It's kinda weird; I checked the power steering fluid again, and it seemed fine... Maybe I wasn't getting a good reading, but I'm going to keep a closer eye on it. The steering still feels a little tight though.

I'll definitely have to address the issue again when given some more time. Thanks again all!

JaySVX · #9 04-17-2007, 06:34 AM

Keep in mind hte dipstick has 2 sides, one for engine hot and one for engine cold. If you were looking at the hot side while it was cold, it could have thrown your reading.

angrydan · #10 04-18-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msvx95

Looks like you are doing the right thing though by reading what fluids are required....Anyone who doesn't know the SVX may think to use Power steering fluid....but ATF is what it calls for....just add a little at a time and periodically check the levels.

I actually stuck a label on the dipstick that says "ATF ONLY" just in case some enterprising service guy wants to go the extra mile...