Resolved. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

HRD_WRK · 08-04-2014, 12:47 PM

Resolved.
Thanks

LimaCharlie · 08-05-2014, 12:05 AM

I would just run the fluid recommended by GM. I don't see advantages by using something else, especially for a simple hydraulic system.

HRD_WRK · 08-05-2014, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LimaCharlie

I would just run the fluid recommended by GM. I don't see advantages by using something else, especially for a simple hydraulic system.

Thank you for comments. Unfortunately the stock fluid is insufficient in quality to handle the driving style use that it fails to endure.
It is fine for the typical driver.

I will look at a full synthetic PS fluid also.

Still looking for comments from those that have switched

wakespeak · 08-05-2014, 10:49 AM

I haven't done it with the Camaro, but agree you could use the added heat protection of the synthetic. In another car I used Mobil synthetic ATF in the power steering. The problem I had was that it was slightly thicker than the stock fluid. In the winter, the belt would slip trying to move the pump.

Sounds like the GM fluid is similar with the current fluid in viscosity. Dex6 is thinner than the Mobil 1 Multi Vehicle formula I used. Mobil 1 makes a Dex 6 ATF as well.

White_SS/RS · 08-05-2014, 11:04 AM

What do you mean it fails to endure? It just gets hot, or it gets hot and stops working right?

HRD_WRK · 08-05-2014, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White_SS/RS

What do you mean it fails to endure? It just gets hot, or it gets hot and stops working right?

It gets aerated beyond drivable.

Wakespeed-
good point on too thick-had that issue on a older car in iowa cold ass winters. Luckily my 5th Gen doesnt see freezing temps.
Similar to Dexos motor oils for anti foaming, I wonder if the synthetic PS fluid would be better against heat and anti aerate than ATF/Dex6?

White_SS/RS · 08-05-2014, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRD_WRK

It gets aerated beyond drivable.

Wakespeed-
good point on too thick-had that issue on a older car in iowa cold ass winters. Luckily my 5th Gen doesnt see freezing temps.
Similar to Dexos motor oils for anti foaming, I wonder if the synthetic PS fluid would be better against heat and anti aerate than ATF/Dex6?

That sucks, wonder if a larger fluid reservoir would help, or try over filling a little.

wakespeak · 08-05-2014, 01:58 PM

ATF/Dex6 is usually a synthetic to my knowledge due to the requirements. Synthetic PS fluid should work fine too. Redline might be a good option as their base stock (if same as their motor oil) is ester based synthetic which tolerates heat well. http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=79&pcid=27

As a means of comparison:

Mobil 1 Dexron VI viscosity at 100C: 5.83cSt
Redline PS Fluid viscosity at 100C: 6.4cSt

Both similar, Mobil 1 Dexron VI slightly thinner.

Mobil 1 Multi Vehicle ATF viscosity at 100C: 7.4cSt

Mobil 1 5w-20 Motor Oil viscosity at 100C: 8.9 cSt

X25 · 08-05-2014, 01:59 PM

Do the electric steering cars (2013+?) also have any kind of steering fluid?

White_SS/RS · 08-05-2014, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X25

Do the electric steering cars (2013+?) also have any kind of steering fluid?

No, 100% electric

hcsi99 · 08-05-2014, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRD_WRK

Good day.

I am needing to upgrade my power steering fluid on my '11 SS.

It has been recommended to me by my Service manager to change to an ATF Dex6 semi-synthetic. This was an approved GM service note and has been done on other cars such as the Traverse.

Has anyone done this before?
If so, have you gotten some miles/time on it?

What Manufacturer Brand of choice?

Thanks,
Tim

I have a 2014, so no PS fluid for me, but my last autocross car, a 2004 WRX would aerate the fluid in some situations, like long slaloms. The fluid was original, and I work at a dealership with a power steering flush machine. I flushed the fluid out and put in a fluid and conditioner from a company called BG. It worked great! I was a little skeptical that it would fix my problem, but I never had any steering stiffness on long runs or long slaloms after that.

Synner · 08-05-2014, 05:02 PM

Redline works fine for me. If that doesn't work then a cooler is needed. Or try the Turn One pump.

HRD_WRK · 08-05-2014, 08:26 PM

Yesterday-Cycled steering right/left on blocks with car running and strong vacuum for about an hour. No issues felt this time on blocks like last year.
Left vacuum on all night till after work today. Fluid level still normal.
Backed car out after work. Vibration as bad as saturday under weighted load.drove around declined streets in neutral turning steering wheel. Seemed less stutter occurred at higher rpm. Went to some parking lots and did alot of turning. It worked most of it out but everything was Hot. Not sure why the load is needed to help resolve.
Not sure if it is only an aeration problem-could be pump although its not any noisier. Last year at same event I was able to work it out on the blocks. I ran the same course a week before but didn't have bk to bk paired runs -14 total. Oil an water temps were actually lower than prior week (data logged them all).
What I find interesting is the violent stutter doesnt show up until after the car has sat for awhile after the race -both times a week before I drove it again and it was instantly apparent backing out of driveway.its most likely that the small bubbles have had enough time to gather and settle as bigger pockets of air and that's why the shaking is so violent later on and not noticeable at the event. Its never done it on 'normal' autox. This was mostly just 2 ovals (tight 1/4&1/2mile) bk to back at high speeds/Gs for 45 seconds with a high speed slalom.
I'll change back to stock wheels and find some big lots to work it out more. If it doesn't disappear this time, I'll change the fluid to better stuff. If that doesn't work ill be changing the pump.
Ill certainly be upgrading fluid before next year regardless.

Thanks for the detailed responses.

Id still be interested in hearing if others who race far more than me have had problems or upgraded

Synner · 08-05-2014, 08:59 PM

If its actually a fluid problem then its already failed and must be swapped out anyways.

This is from autocross alone? Road racing is far more stressful on the fluid and I haven't had an issue. It got hot as hell and barfed some out once but thats it. How many miles on the car? When was the last fluid change? What wheels/tires are being run up front? Have you put a thermometer in the fluid? Its possible something is expanding due to heat and allowing air in somewhere. Have you inspected for leaks?

Something to consider, although their prices seem to have gone up a bunch.
http://www.turnone-steering.com/5th-...Pump_p_17.html

08-04-2014, 12:47 PM	#1
HRD_WRK HARD WORKING PATRIOT Drives: 2011 CAMARO 2SS RS-AUTO Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IOWA Posts: 367	Resolved. Resolved. Thanks Last edited by HRD_WRK; 10-01-2014 at 06:42 PM.

08-05-2014, 12:05 AM	#2
LimaCharlie Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS - 2004 Silverado Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,989	I would just run the fluid recommended by GM. I don't see advantages by using something else, especially for a simple hydraulic system. __________________ 2011 Summit White Camaro 1SS/RS -6.2 LS3, TR6060, 3.45, G80 2004 Black Silverado 1500 2WD Regular Cab, Short Bed -5.3 LM7, 4L60E, 3.42, G80 2014 White Caprice PPV -6.0 L77, 6L80E, 2.92, G80

08-05-2014, 10:49 AM	#4
wakespeak Drives: 2020 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,335	I haven't done it with the Camaro, but agree you could use the added heat protection of the synthetic. In another car I used Mobil synthetic ATF in the power steering. The problem I had was that it was slightly thicker than the stock fluid. In the winter, the belt would slip trying to move the pump. Sounds like the GM fluid is similar with the current fluid in viscosity. Dex6 is thinner than the Mobil 1 Multi Vehicle formula I used. Mobil 1 makes a Dex 6 ATF as well. __________________ 2020 ZL1 1LE [Moroso SC Expansion Tank, otherwise stock]

08-05-2014, 11:04 AM	#5
White_SS/RS Drives: 14 1LE Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 1,567	What do you mean it fails to endure? It just gets hot, or it gets hot and stops working right? __________________ LMS Engineering

08-05-2014, 01:58 PM	#8
wakespeak Drives: 2020 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,335	ATF/Dex6 is usually a synthetic to my knowledge due to the requirements. Synthetic PS fluid should work fine too. Redline might be a good option as their base stock (if same as their motor oil) is ester based synthetic which tolerates heat well. http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=79&pcid=27 As a means of comparison: Mobil 1 Dexron VI viscosity at 100C: 5.83cSt Redline PS Fluid viscosity at 100C: 6.4cSt Both similar, Mobil 1 Dexron VI slightly thinner. Mobil 1 Multi Vehicle ATF viscosity at 100C: 7.4cSt Mobil 1 5w-20 Motor Oil viscosity at 100C: 8.9 cSt __________________ 2020 ZL1 1LE [Moroso SC Expansion Tank, otherwise stock]

08-05-2014, 01:59 PM	#9
X25 Drives: '16 C7 Z51 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 3,056	Do the electric steering cars (2013+?) also have any kind of steering fluid? __________________ '16 Corvette C7 Z51 1LT (Build Thread) '14 AGM 1SS 1LE [COTW 11/17/14] (Build Thread) (SOLD) '13 Mazda MX-5 Club (Build Thread) '17 RAM 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 Night Edition '15 Nissan Rogue S AWD

08-05-2014, 05:02 PM	#12
Synner Drives: cars Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oversneeze Posts: 4,545	Redline works fine for me. If that doesn't work then a cooler is needed. Or try the Turn One pump.

08-05-2014, 08:26 PM	#13
HRD_WRK HARD WORKING PATRIOT Drives: 2011 CAMARO 2SS RS-AUTO Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IOWA Posts: 367	Yesterday-Cycled steering right/left on blocks with car running and strong vacuum for about an hour. No issues felt this time on blocks like last year. Left vacuum on all night till after work today. Fluid level still normal. Backed car out after work. Vibration as bad as saturday under weighted load.drove around declined streets in neutral turning steering wheel. Seemed less stutter occurred at higher rpm. Went to some parking lots and did alot of turning. It worked most of it out but everything was Hot. Not sure why the load is needed to help resolve. Not sure if it is only an aeration problem-could be pump although its not any noisier. Last year at same event I was able to work it out on the blocks. I ran the same course a week before but didn't have bk to bk paired runs -14 total. Oil an water temps were actually lower than prior week (data logged them all). What I find interesting is the violent stutter doesnt show up until after the car has sat for awhile after the race -both times a week before I drove it again and it was instantly apparent backing out of driveway.its most likely that the small bubbles have had enough time to gather and settle as bigger pockets of air and that's why the shaking is so violent later on and not noticeable at the event. Its never done it on 'normal' autox. This was mostly just 2 ovals (tight 1/4&1/2mile) bk to back at high speeds/Gs for 45 seconds with a high speed slalom. I'll change back to stock wheels and find some big lots to work it out more. If it doesn't disappear this time, I'll change the fluid to better stuff. If that doesn't work ill be changing the pump. Ill certainly be upgrading fluid before next year regardless. Thanks for the detailed responses. Id still be interested in hearing if others who race far more than me have had problems or upgraded __________________ Long time avid daily reader -thanks to all for your helpful threads! Bolt ons, Stock Torq Converter - 11.810 & 116.21 Last edited by HRD_WRK; 08-06-2014 at 07:35 AM.

08-05-2014, 08:59 PM	#14
Synner Drives: cars Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oversneeze Posts: 4,545	If its actually a fluid problem then its already failed and must be swapped out anyways. This is from autocross alone? Road racing is far more stressful on the fluid and I haven't had an issue. It got hot as hell and barfed some out once but thats it. How many miles on the car? When was the last fluid change? What wheels/tires are being run up front? Have you put a thermometer in the fluid? Its possible something is expanding due to heat and allowing air in somewhere. Have you inspected for leaks? Something to consider, although their prices seem to have gone up a bunch. http://www.turnone-steering.com/5th-...Pump_p_17.html