My power steering has gotten stiffer over the last 2 yrs, with occasional binding. Did not really realize it till Big Blue drove my truck and mentioned it. I have regularly recycled the fluid twice a yr but still it got progressively harder to turn.
Finally found some Valvoline Synthetic Power Steering Fluid at my local Auto Zone. Read about it here but never could find it. After 2 times of sucking old fluid out of pump reservoir and replacing with the synthetic, my steering is much smoother and turns more easily
I use a $2.00 battery filler and can pull about 12 oz out of the reservoir. I let it circulate and redo 100+/- miles later. My Service Manual does not list system capacity, but I will keep replacing reservoir fluid till it starts to clear up (Valvoline fluid is clear).
Other option is drain entire system, but this way is easier to schedule... 5 min at a time.

Anyone having stiff steering might want to try Valvolines synthetic PS fluid. Worked for me!

RJ

 

Interesting.....thanks for the tip.

 

Has it gotten very cold yet since you swapped it out? Mine has been very cranky ever since it was new if the temp dropped below about 20 or so. I've been meaning to change it for a while now, but I sort of have to do it now since SWMBO bought a new turkey baster and let me have the old one. I just can't ignore a perfectly good turkey baster sort of falling in my lap like that!

 

Cold is a relative thing. I have been through a couple of 30* early mornings but nothing like you guys get. I never experienced a cold weather difference...just stiff all the time.

Synthetic oil should be particularly good in the cold, IMO. Better than anything else.

Rj

 

Did the same with my 02. Valvoline synthetic made a BIG difference.

 

what about lucas additive?
mine is stiff too...

 

I used the lucas additive in my jeep. It's too thick.