Power Steering - Smells BAD!!!!!!!!
Hi Guys - I took my car for a drive the other day and I smelled a burning smell like burning plastic. Turns out it is the power steering fluid. The pump has made noise for a while but works ok. First time with this smell. Fluid level is fine and the color is a light brown. Should I just change the fluid or should I just change the pump since it is making some noise and eventually may fail?Thanks
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Re: Power Steering - Smells BAD!!!!!!!!
You shouldn't be smelling oxidized power steering fluid. There must be a malfunction in the pump or there is a restriction in the lines or control valve causing the pump to overheat. Even if the original fluid is over 40 years old, I doubt that the fluid itself is the cause of your pump making noise. If all you do is change the fluid you are not getting at the source of your problem. (Although as part of replacing any of your steering components, I would certainly refill with genuine GM power steering fluid.) GM 89020661 32 oz, AC Delco 89021182 32 oz. I do not recommend the GM Dexron-VI "universal" power steering and automatic trans fluid.
Jim -
Re: Power Steering - Smells BAD!!!!!!!!
Jim,
I always used Dexron II auto transmission fluid, what's the difference in the power steering fluid.Comment
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Re: Power Steering - Smells BAD!!!!!!!!
Sorry, this paper is in Microsoft Word format. It is one of many that requires a format change to pdf.
Anyway, here is the background information as to why there is/was a unique power steering fluid developed rather than a common fluid. Please note that Saginaw Steering Gear used to be a Division of General Motors and was steering responsible along with the Oldsmobile Division. With Oldsmobile gone and Saginaw now independently owned (Nexteer), GM is now touting Dexron VI as the "universal" automatic trans and power steering fluid. My contacts indicate that Dex VI does NOT perform as well as genuine GM power steering fluid.
Without Saginaw to "ride heard" on the power steering fluid issue, I wonder just how long genuine GM power steering fluid will even be available.
GM PS Fluid 32 fl oz (amber colored) 89020661
AC Delco PS Fluid 32 fl oz (same as above) 89021182
JimComment
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