Power Steering Fluid

[Mariposa Mike]

What power steering fluid do we use in a 1966 Charger or a Mopar in general. Seems they would all be the same. At least in the 60's. The 66 shop manual says to use part no 2084329. That doesn't help much. I recall many of the older units used ATF but I cannot find any info on what we should use now. Fluid looks red and I need to top off. May have a leak too. Slow but oil present below the unit. I need to know what I can pick up at O'reillys but I don't trust their info. Appreciate a reply.

 

[ckessel]

For my old stuff, I've been using the generic one size fits most fluid from the stores. However, when I switch to the Borgeson boxes, they require specific fluid/s.

 

[R413]

Don't use ATF, not good for the hoses and makes noise. I've blown 2 hoses in different cars on freeway road trips in summer temperatures.

I have been using NAPA brand power steering fluid for 25 years.
I buy the gallon jug. The stuff without the stop leak in it.
Works good, hoses don't fail. Pump is quiet even on 90's Fords with the groaning pumps.
Color is clear when new.

If it's red then flush out the system. Extend the return line and run it into a gallon jug. Disable ignition, crank engine and keep reservoir full, don't let air in the system.
Slowly turn side to side until fluid is clear.

 

[Mariposa Mike]

Appreciate the replies. I have a NAPA about 40 miles from me. Will check with them.

 

[Mariposa Mike]

They still have the fluid. Will be picking up a gallon. May change out the return hose as well. It does not look stock. Has a rough exterior canvas like texture rather than being smooth. Still trying to determine if I have a leak or seepage from the steering box. Hard to see in that area from below with the suspension and oil filter, etc in the way. But it looked like there was a bit of oil below on the unit. Might remove the battery and tray to get a closer look if I continue to see oil or lose oil. Removed the battery, etc. last year to adjust the excessive play in the steering wheel.

Have not had the car quite one year and have been trouble shooting it since buying. Would like to drive it more than work on it. : ( First car meet for the season is coming up this weekend and now rain is in the forecast. Rats!!! Looks great in the garage though.

 

[ckessel]

Welcome to the world of stuff to fix on an old car purchase. I'm doing that too. Drive it, see what's goofed up, fix it, on to the next issue. I was going to hit the NSRA show in Bakersfield last week end but rain was forecasted here and there. Stayed put. And it did rain here. This weekend is Spring Fling and the weather will be fine.

 

[Mariposa Mike]

I miss going to the Spring Fling. Used to live in SoCal so always went. Found some good parts there and sold some as well. But now nowhere to stay if I drove a collectable MOPAR down there. Not even sure where to stay if I drove my RAM truck and expected it to still be in the parking lot the next morning. I still have an LA TV feed and this morning rain was in the forecast for this weekend so you might check again in a couple days. Seems we are in a seven day cycle that keeps hitting the weekends. And keeps my weeds growing.

 

[Billccm]

O'Reilly's generic power steering fluid actually meets Chrysler specs.

 

[ckessel]

So far it looks fine. Sunday shows rain there but I'm coming back home on Saturday afternoon. Fingers crossed.

 

[Mariposa Mike]

Our O'Reillys used to give me a discount on products because I buy so many even though not a dealer/shop. Not any more. So I go to NAPA whenever I can. They quoted me $22 a gallon over the phone. I would wager O'Reillys will be a lot more than that but I will check to see if it's the clear fluid. Only because they are nearby and I might not be able to see the color anyway. The staff there mentioned they have lost a lot of business to locals who now use the internet if they do not need a part right away.

If it's generic then it's probably red but thanks for the tip.

 

[RemCharger]

What power steering fluid do we use in a 1966 Charger or a Mopar in general. Seems they would all be the same. At least in the 60's. The 66 shop manual says to use part no 2084329. That doesn't help much. I recall many of the older units used ATF but I cannot find any info on what we should use now. Fluid looks red and I need to top off. May have a leak too. Slow but oil present below the unit. I need to know what I can pick up at O'reillys but I don't trust their info. Appreciate a reply.

You recall correctly, ATF was/ is used. Just about every manufacturer continues to use ATF in fact, except gm. But their PSF is pretty much the same minus the red dye.

 

[Billccm]

Our O'Reillys used to give me a discount on products because I buy so many even though not a dealer/shop. Not any more. So I go to NAPA whenever I can. They quoted me $22 a gallon over the phone. I would wager O'Reillys will be a lot more than that but I will check to see if it's the clear fluid. Only because they are nearby and I might not be able to see the color anyway. The staff there mentioned they have lost a lot of business to locals who now use the internet if they do not need a part right away.

If it's generic then it's probably red but thanks for the tip.

Last quart I bought from O'Reilly's was clear.

 

[Mariposa Mike]

Also good to know. Thanks.