RowJ

I always like the idea of synthetic power steering fluid with 35" tires!
When I could no longer find Valvoline's synthetic PS fluid, I switched to Royal Purples synthetic.
It's been about 6 months and my PS pump started groaning badly! Checked the fluid and it was black. Figured I had expensive repair coming.... but decided to try switching back to Valvoline (non synthetic) first.

After one month, steering was quietier but fluid was black again. Replaced with new Valvoline and so far.... noise in way down, power steering is improved, and fluid is staying cleaner.

Beware the Royal Purple PS fluid!!

RJ

dieselfreak21

IMHO it is the same stuff everyone else makes with 300% premium. There isn't anything premium about their products but the price. If i recal the the pump are designed to run off of ATF. I put in the ATF4(synthetic) in my 99 and did notice an improvement, if you can't find the valvoline stuff that has worked for you before.

Pinkston

I need to replace mine. What have you guys found to be the easiest way to drain the old fluid?

Danderson

I just used a turkey baster on my '98.5, 5-6 times over a couple of weeks. Replaced the fluid each time. I figure I got 90% of it. Stayed clean for a long time after that.

Homestead

Royal Purple in every vehicle I own, zero issues over hundreds of thousands of miles.

And there is a difference between ATF and power steering fluid. Use power steering fluid.

Jeff

RowJ

Every other vehicle I've owned was ATF.... but not the CTD. It is expressly recommended NOT to use ATF, because of the hydro boost system.
I always thought they were good products also. But the company has changed hands twice I know of in the last few yrs so......?
I too usually just suck out the 12 oz in the reservoir three times over a couple of weeks... till the fluid stays clear!

RJ

dieselfreak21

RowJ. Don't doubt you at all but my 99 came with ATF3 from the factory and the book even says ATF3 with no specification difference for the CTD. Can't get ATF3 any more so had not choice to put 4 in it and haven't noticed difference yet. They might have changed it for 02 I guess so if you book says something different then disregard.

06RAM2500

Everything is pretty much in the owners manual on what to use. GM and Honda are the only ones I know of to use PS fluid and not ATF.

klcammie

I used Red Line power steering fluid. It is full syn. 1 month and so far everything great. no more moaing easier turning.

Riverbound

Not sure why it turned black, there might have been a reaction with the old and new fluid. It really shouldn't have done that. I have seen a couple instances where it has has always been some sort of outside contamination causing it.