Power steering fluid

[Sonny]

I am installing a Borgenson power steering gear box but keeping my original PS pump. Will any PS fluid work?

 

[Bill Monk]

Any good conventional ps fluid, don't use atf

 

[Billccm]

Just out of habit I use valvoline power steering fluid. Claims to meet all Detroit three specs and not for use in Honda. Orielly sells it and it's not expensive.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I agree with bill & bill. I do suggest you flush out the p/s pump with p/s. My last one had transmission fluid it for testing I guess (was red fluid). In general, I don't like to mix fluids. I'm not sure that it matters much with p/s systems, but I like to find one cheap brand and stick with it. Valvoline is a good one and not too pricey as bill mentioned.

 

[Jackpot50]

Why not ATF. Always wondered

Any good conventional ps fluid, don't use atf

 

[Ranger16]

I remember always using A/T fluid in the P/S. I think the manufacturers even recommended it if I remember correctly. What changed? Why is that no longer recommended?

 

[Sonny]

I called Borgenson and they said any non- synthetic non- atf is recommended.

 

[Bill Monk]

Why not ATF. Always wondered

Borgenson recommends against it but also based on all that I've read, there are friction modifiers and detergents in ATF that don't agree with PS pumps

 

[powermyster]

I think some of the ATF’s can foam up if used. Saying that I’ve used ATF many times I’d modern cars without any issues.

Do you have to change hoses for the borgeson unit. I’m currently considering a borgeson or a steer and gear rebuild box and min is leaking and has a fair bit of slop.

 

[Billccm]

I recall reading the foaming issue too somewhere.

 

[Sonny]

I think some of the ATF’s can foam up if used. Saying that I’ve used ATF many times I’d modern cars without any issues.

Do you have to change hoses for the borgeson unit. I’m currently considering a borgeson or a steer and gear rebuild box and min is leaking and has a fair bit of slop.

Yes you need new hoses due to different fitting types on the gearbox. Same fitting for original ps pump though. They were $67 at Summit. Gearbox was $575. You also need custom coupler which was another $110. All at summit. Plus you have to cut the steering shaft a little and drill pin holes in it. Working on that tonight. I gave up trying to find a reman. Mine puked all over the driveway. Once I got over the sticker shock, I’m now excited to have modern day steering feel and more room for headers!

 

[PurpleBeeper]

OK, don't hold me to this....
1. I believe "some" p/s fluid is dextron without any dye
2. I've used dextron atf before in power steering systems
3. Not all p/s fluid OR dextron is the same. I believe they are both just "some type of base oil that meets certain specifications"....e.g. dextron is something that meets "dextron specs"
4. My step-father (40 yr diesel mechanic) told me that dextron II MIXED with type F would foam in a p/s system (or transmission I suppose too) and to run one or the other, but don't mix them, in the p/s system or transmission.
5. There are certainly additives that can be added to either p/s fluid or atf....the cheapest stuff has little or no additives (think gas station brands)

 

[powermyster]

Yes you need new hoses due to different fitting types on the gearbox. Same fitting for original ps pump though. They were $67 at Summit. Gearbox was $575. You also need custom coupler which was another $110. All at summit. Plus you have to cut the steering shaft a little and drill pin holes in it. Working on that tonight. I gave up trying to find a reman. Mine puked all over the driveway. Once I got over the sticker shock, I’m now excited to have modern day steering feel and more room for headers!

Please do let us know how it works out once you get it installed.

 

[Sonny]

Please do let us know how it works out once you get it installed.

I will.

 

[SDCoronet]

Bergman sells their custom coupler and line kit so you can use your original hoses and not have to cut your steering column.

 

[RJRENTON]

Gentlemen,
My recommendation is yo use a HYDRAULIC OIL not ATF. Power steering fluid is marketed under several brands. I use a ISOVIS 32 or 46 hydraulic oil. ISOVIS = Intentional Standards Organization VIScosity index #32 or #46. Hydraulic oil is manufactured to include an antifoam additive especiality blended for vane pump operation which includes an anti wear and extreme pressure components. 32 viscosity is equalivant to 10W lube oil; 46 viscosity is equalivant to 15W lube oil. Viscosity is measured in SSU (Saybolt Seconds Universal) which measures how long it takes for a given quantity of oil to drain thru a given size orifice. The oil should pass Vickers, Dennison, Commercial Shearing, and others' oil specs for mechanical and lubricating properties. If you want an authoritative source, just ask your next door neighbor's brother-in-law's cousin's best buddy who generally has no clue about these things but thinks he does.

 

[Sonny]

Spent a few hours installing the Borgeson gearbox in the car last night. Installation was straight forward and everything fit perfectly. Only had to cut about 1/2” off the shaft. Fortunately they supplied a quality drill bit to drill the 3 new roll pin holes thru the shaft.

Performance? Fantastic! Especially on the highway. All the 11 o’clock to 1 o’clock play is totally gone. Even a small vibration I had is gone. Literally every small wheel turn has a response. The one finger turning in a parking lot is gone too, so if you like that then it’s not for you. The feel is just like my 2017 Impala. Firm. Also, just 3.5 turns from hard right to hard left.

 

[Sonny]

Here’s the old one for size comparison.

 

[powermyster]

Sounds awesome, really as good as a brand new car? Sounds great! Looks a good bit smaller too.

Any issues during install or was it straight forward enough. Fitting the coupler looks like the hardest part

 

[Sonny]

Sounds awesome, really as good as a brand new car? Sounds great! Looks a good bit smaller too.

Any issues during install or was it straight forward enough. Fitting the coupler looks like the hardest part

Hardest part was removing the old box! Coupling wasn’t bad. Just take your time. The rest was gravy.