fluid "fixes"

["jsadowski" <jsadowski@xxxxxxx>]

Often the fluid leaks are caused by lack of fluid from sitting for lengthy periods of time & the seals dry out. Many times, power steering fluid with conditioners will help keep seals soft since many of us don't use our Imperial on a regular basis.

 

       I used to have a 63 that had ATF in the power steering & it developed a leak that traveled up the steering column & leaked all over my feet. I flushed the ATF out & started using power steering fluid. Most power steering fluids have a conditioner in them anyway. After a short time, the leak went away & I had that 63 for 10-11 years after that without further problem. I don't encourage any additives to the tranny, but wouldn't hesitate to use in the steering.

John

     

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: W Bell

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 6:54 PM

Subject: IML: fluid "fixes"

I believe that any "seal expander" that's in ATF will only cause the seal to swell about 5% and suspect that similar things in commercially available power steering fluid will do similar.  No doubt, the brake fluid will do similar things.

 

One thing to be cognizant of is that the same fluid that goes through the power steering pump also goes through the steering gear which also has rubber o-rings/seals in it and in the valve body of the gear.  You're not affecting just the seals in the power steering pump, but the whole system.  Something about fixing the leaks the correct way instead of "something else" seems more cost effective to me in the long run, but your orientations might vary from mine, which I respect.

 

The 20W-50 motor oil can work too, but a lighter grade might more closely match that of the power steering fluid's viscosity and take less horsepower to run the pump.

 

Just some thoughts,

W Bell