1963 power steering fluid

[Richard L.]

The cap of my 63 SWC power steering reservoir, which I assume is original, says to use ATF. Is that still applicable today and, if so, which brand/type is recommended?

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 power steering fluid

You should use Type A Dexron ATF in your power steering system.

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 power steering fluid

The cap of my 63 SWC power steering reservoir, which I assume is original, says to use ATF. Is that still applicable today and, if so, which brand/type is recommended?

Richard------


As mentioned, the Dexron A fluid is fine.

What do I use? I use GM Cold Climate power steering fluid (even though I don't live in a cold climate). This fluid, while somewhat expensive, has additives which help with power steering system seal longevity. Pints are available under GM #12345866 and quarts under GM #12345867.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 power steering fluid

Richard------


As mentioned, the Dexron A fluid is fine.

What do I use? I use GM Cold Climate power steering fluid (even though I don't live in a cold climate). This fluid, while somewhat expensive, has additives which help with power steering system seal longevity. Pints are available under GM #12345866 and quarts under GM #12345867.

I agree with Joe, I keep a quart of 12345867 in the garage.

[Richard L.]

Re: 1963 power steering fluid

Thanks fellows.
I'll either go to my local GM dealer or order it sitting down in front of my laptop from Amazon. I'm assuming it'll also work in my '67 s/b roadster as well as my '71 s/b coupe?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 power steering fluid

Thanks fellows.
I'll either go to my local GM dealer or order it sitting down in front of my laptop from Amazon. I'm assuming it'll also work in my '67 s/b roadster as well as my '71 s/b coupe?

Richard------

Yes, in fact, the power steering systems for 1963-82 Corvettes are essentially the same.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 power steering fluid

For decades I have used nothing but Dexron ATF in GM power steering systems.
They have to be one of the most reliable systems on the cars as I have rarely had any issues with these systems.
IMHO if the GM quarts is more than $6 bucks Id just go to my local parts store and pick up a quart.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 power steering fluid

For decades I have used nothing but Dexron ATF in GM power steering systems.
They have to be one of the most reliable systems on the cars as I have rarely had any issues with these systems.
IMHO if the GM quarts is more than $6 bucks Id just go to my local parts store and pick up a quart.

Richard------


Are you saying that you've never had any problem with fluid leakage on these systems?

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 power steering fluid

Joe;
I didn't say never!
I understand the early systems with the slave cylinder can be problematic.
What I meant to convey is; I really doubt the type of fluid will change the underlining leakage issue.
The later systems. without the cylinder. I have had almost zero issues with.
Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 power steering fluid

Joe;
I didn't say never!
I understand the early systems with the slave cylinder can be problematic.
What I meant to convey is; I really doubt the type of fluid will change the underlining leakage issue.
The later systems. without the cylinder. I have had almost zero issues with.
Rick

Rick------

The GM #12345866/12345867 is a synthetic power steering fluid. It is the only power steering fluid which GM specified for at least later C4 and, probably, C5, C6 and C7.

Is it going to eliminate the leakage problem for C2/C3 systems? I don't think so. However, to me, it's superiority and the fact that it's specifically designed for power steering systems is worth the cost premium over Dexron. Of course, if one has a C2/C3 system that leaks like crazy, I'd go with the Dexron.