Power steering fluid - if no GM P/N 1052884 is available

[falloutboy]

Hi folks,
as I'm about to change my Power steering hoses I flush and renew the fluid. The problem is, here in Germany I cant get a hold of the PSF GM P/N 1052884 mentioned in the manual.
I wonder if you could suggest me other brands or products that serve that specs for rack & pinion and can be used.

Thanks
Julian

[widbyj]

Any good quality power steering fluid will work fine. This is just a basic hydraulic system, no fancy parts are involved. I've even seen people use brake fluid to top off.... Pennzoil works fine. No worries...

[Redog]

Except for the motor oil part I agree

[falloutboy]

Hmm alright.

I kinda tend to this one (http://www.liqui-moly.de/liquimoly/produktdb.nsf/id/e_1127.html)
http://www.liqui-moly.de/liquimoly/mediendb.nsf/gfx2/1127_200_100.jpg/$file/1127_200_100.jpg

What about Lucas (http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=273&catid=9&loc=show&headTitle=%20-%20Lucas%20Oil%20Power%20Steering%20Fluid%20w/Conditioners)?? But they dont mention the GM Spec -- so I'm a little bit worried.

[Lucalare]

Power-steering fluid is pretty much universal. At least, I've never heard of any car that needs a special kind, and I'm fairly certain there isn't, certainly not an alero.

[DUSTIN0285]

Could use ATF also.

[Redog]

Power-steering fluid is pretty much universal. At least, I've never heard of any car that needs a special kind, and I'm fairly certain there isn't, certainly not an alero.

I think that pretty much every American car uses regular steering fluid, including the Corvette.

Maybe very high end cars like Lamborghini's and high end MB's use a speical fluid, but not an Alero

If that stuff in the pic is streeing fluid, it's fine.

[[ion] C2]

Power-steering fluid is pretty much universal. At least, I've never heard of any car that needs a special kind, and I'm fairly certain there isn't
Honda's require specific fluid, but they seem to be the only ones.

[Lucalare]

regular fluid would probably work in a Honda anyway. They also recommend you replace the drain plug with every oil change :lol:

[Cliff8928]

Definitely don't want to use brake fluid...

[QUOTE=Redog;566675]Maybe very high end cars like Lamborghini's and high end MB's use a speical fluid, but not an Alero

One thing i've noticed is that when the cars get more expensive/exotic, usually the fluids and even other stuff becomes more generic. Like C2 posted, Honda is the only one that appears to have their own specific fluid.

MB and BMW use Dexron III.

I myself use Mobil1 synthetic ATF in the power steering on my 3400.

[falloutboy]

damn why dont I get mails after my last response??? Happens quite often in this Forum.

Ok, thanks for the info and all the input.
I'll scrounge a little bit more through the German sites of the big oil companies like Castrol and see if I find some recommendation.
Then I'll ask the guys at Liqui Moly again what they mean is the appropriate with all the Specs from Lucas, Royal Purple and so on.

But I'll bet I end up with using the 'normal' hydraulic/ steering fluid or good ATF :)

Thanks folks.

[robalero]

STP is a great brand also

[falloutboy]

ohh right, forget about them.

Hopefully they have their specs on the Homepage.

[Beholder88]

Could use ATF also.

I've had a few mechanics actually tell me that transmission fluid is actually better for your steering system. I can't say that I totally agree, but it is pretty much the same stuff.