Power Steering Fluid Problems

[mountainbeagle]

On my girlfriends 94 explorer I noticed that the power steering was too full and looked like it had oil in it. I removed all the brown fluid and put in clear steering fluid. 2 months later the fluid is all brown again and was too low. I definitely noticed a burned smell. There was also fluid that had was sitting in the cap, usually this is from fluid getting shot out of the pump from it being too full. Any ideas? I'm thinking of putting in the Lucas Stop Leak but I don't know if that would make things worse at this point.

 

[Tony H]

My guess is that there was fluid still in the Steering Box. You only replaced what was in the Pump. You clean fluid circulated and mixed and the dirty Box fluid.

Leaking: Check the Hi pressure hose with the ridiculous Swivel fitting on it (the one closest to the fender). That hose is prone to failure. Is that hose all wet with fluid?

 

[little x]

The fluid should be red, not clear. Our trucks use ATF for the steering system.

 

[Carguy3J]

The fluid should be red, not clear. Our trucks use ATF for the steering system.

While most people use tranny fluid in the power steering system, it's really not ideal. Actual power steering fluid is better for the p/s system. It isn't as "harsh" on seals, and I believe it actually lubricates the pump/gear internals better.

 

[little x]

While most people use tranny fluid in the power steering system, it's really not ideal. Actual power steering fluid is better for the p/s system. It isn't as "harsh" on seals, and I believe it actually lubricates the pump/gear internals better.

According to the Haynes manual ATF is the proper fluid, although Mr. Haynes has lied to me before

 

[Tony H]

Most people use Power Steering fluid which is red. But 'real' power steering fluid is clear. I just replaced a Pump and bought the 'real' stuff.

 

[mountainbeagle]

The power steering fluid is clear, it is not ATF, I don't mess around with putting in different fluids that aren't designed for that purpose. I took a turkey baster and siphoned all the brown fluid out. Put a little clear in and siphoned more until the brown was pretty much gone. Two months later the clear turned to brown oil like fluid again. I also forgot to mention that oil was not accidentally put in the power steering pump. There are not any leaks of the upper hose I can see, I am beginning to think that the pump is burning fluid and needs to be replaced. Any help is appreciated.

 

[aldive]

While most people use tranny fluid in the power steering system, it's really not ideal. Actual power steering fluid is better for the p/s system. It isn't as "harsh" on seals, and I believe it actually lubricates the pump/gear internals better.

Yes.

Real PS fluid is clear.