Power Steering Oil Change Capacity

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althelodger

New user
Hi all, I’m just going through my 1978 C3 and noticed the power steering fluid was a little low but still on the dipstick.
The fluid is red but when I’ve checked to see what type of fluid it takes it turns out it should not be red!(I’m thinking it’s probably ATF)
I’m using the spec GM 9985010 which seems to be the correct one and I’ve found Westway Oils in the UK that have an oil with that spec.
Does anyone use this oil or do you have any other suppliers that you have used?
Westway oil is £35 for 5L for comparison purposes.
I’ve found a YouTube video which shows how to replace the fluid and it appears pretty straightforward. The quantity of oil you use depends on how thorough you want to be but the poster used 4 litres and then some to get to a pretty acceptable mix of old and new going by the colour.
 
Steven Smith

Steven Smith

CCCUK Member
When I did my C4 I removed as much oil from the reservoir as possible and filled it with the new oil, then removed the return pipe to the reservoir and put that into a container and with the front of the car on axle stands got someone to turn the wheels lock to lock until the new fluid was coming out.
This oil is also compatible:
www.ravenol-direct.uk

RAVENOL PSF-Y Power Steering Fluid - 1 Litre

Ravenol PSF-Y Fluid is a fully synthetic power steering fluid designed for use in Volkswagen, Mercedes, Chrysler, Honda and General Motors vehicles.
www.ravenol-direct.uk
 
A

althelodger

New user
Hi Steve, yes that’s pretty much how the guy on YouTube did it. He started out by saying his 4L should be more than enough but eventually he had to buy another due to the old fluid still evident. It could work out an expensive exercise if I use 6-7L. I suppose I have to weigh the cost of the fluid against a potential full seal replacement on the whole system which could be a PITA😂
The Westway fluid is cheaper though and it does have that GM 9985010 spec though
 
Steven Smith

Steven Smith

CCCUK Member
althelodger said:
Hi Steve, yes that’s pretty much how the guy on YouTube did it. He started out by saying his 4L should be more than enough but eventually he had to buy another due to the old fluid still evident. It could work out an expensive exercise if I use 6-7L. I suppose I have to weigh the cost of the fluid against a potential full seal replacement on the whole system which could be a PITA😂
The Westway fluid is cheaper though and it does have that GM 9985010 spec though
Click to expand...
So long as it meets the GM spec it should be fine, and cheaper is a bonus.
 
Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump

CCCUK regional rep
althelodger said:
Hi all, I’m just going through my 1978 C3 and noticed the power steering fluid was a little low but still on the dipstick.
The fluid is red but when I’ve checked to see what type of fluid it takes it turns out it should not be red!(I’m thinking it’s probably ATF)
I’m using the spec GM 9985010 which seems to be the correct one and I’ve found Westway Oils in the UK that have an oil with that spec.
Does anyone use this oil or do you have any other suppliers that you have used?
Westway oil is £35 for 5L for comparison purposes.
I’ve found a YouTube video which shows how to replace the fluid and it appears pretty straightforward. The quantity of oil you use depends on how thorough you want to be but the poster used 4 litres and then some to get to a pretty acceptable mix of old and new going by the colour.
Click to expand...
You may currently have Lucasoil power steering fluid in there which is red in colour. There’s nothing wrong with using this product for a C3, it is often used because of its leak-stopping characteristics (up to a point). Beware if you use another regular PSF you might start getting a leak, and they do like to leak given half a chance!
Easy to get Lucasoil in the UK.

Power Steering Fluid – Lucas Oil Products, Inc. – Keep That Engine Alive!

www.lucasoil.com www.lucasoil.com
 
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