Cold temp / high pressure blows power steering hose. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Micawber · 01-01-2018, 02:22 PM

Google brought me to an old but similar post but, after I added my issue, I realized it was not in the right sub-forum. I've deleted that one and copied here.

I have a 2011 Camaro SS/RS m6. During two previous winters the power steering hose has leaked and I lost steering. 1st time it was close to home and under warranty so they came and picked the car up. 2nd time was only a couple blocks from the dealership and I just drove there. That time I had to pay but they said they flushed the system and used a fluid that would flow easier in the cold. This year I've just lost steering again, only this time it was on the hiway at -40C on New Years eve so I continued driving for nearly another hour to get home and probably cooked the pump.

I just watched a video on pump replacement but can't find the bill from the last fix so I'm not sure what fluid they might have used. Any ideas or other suggestions?

radar1972 · 01-01-2018, 03:58 PM

No suggestions on fluid, but with repeat occurences and -40 temps, I'd be looking for something to wrap those hoses/lines with.

InFiD3ViL · 01-01-2018, 06:00 PM

^^^^ What he said.

Get those lines insulated. Have you considered rerouting or completely replacing your lines and routing them maybe near a heat source of some kind?

Makes it kinda hard as I know our heater core hoses are on the other side, but there has to be a way to defeat this issue.

Micawber · 01-03-2018, 04:40 PM

I may be able to come up with some kind of plugin pre-heat for cold start mornings. Some form of insulation might help too, probably something that could be used only seasonally. Thanks for the ideas!

christianchevell · 01-03-2018, 06:46 PM

Power steering is something I never had leak as the hoses on old chevys always had high pressure hoses with embedded cord fpr high pressure and even braided stainless for appearance and functionality maybe its a sign you should upgrade your lines. But at minus forty you may need to research aftermarket solutions like performance fluids..I get my oil from Driven Racing I am sure if you could chat with them they would know what to use.

StreetRage320 · 01-03-2018, 07:03 PM

Do you have a pic? Is the actual hose bursting near the center? Or is leaking near the end fitting? It it a pin hole leak? Is there plenty of slack in the hose? Always remember hoses cannot be perfectly fitting, they must have slack in the middle to accomodate for it shortening as pressure increases. I have seen hoses that people think look great as they fit perfect, first time they pressure them they pull out of the end fitting.

do you have any data on the fluid the dealer ship used?

I would reach out to a hydraulic shop and have them make a hose for you. We carry hoses up to 6 braid that will stall your engine before they blew

Micawber · 01-06-2018, 12:13 PM

I finally got in to the dealership to get some fluid. The parts guy pulled up the records for my car. The fluid is labelled ACDelco "Power Steering Fluid - Cold Climate" and the part number, in Canada if it makes a difference, is "1 #10953471". I've got the car inside now so I can raise it, add fluid, and see for myself exactly where it's leaking though I haven't gotten that far yet.

Black_SS10 · 01-07-2018, 12:53 AM

I used hydraulic fluid in my power steering when I was in Alaska. Never had problems after.

DaddySS · 01-07-2018, 04:17 AM

AC Delco describes it as:
A partially synthetic power steering fluid with exceptional low-temperature properties and increased oxidation stability. This product is specifically recommended for extreme cold climate conditions with temperatures below -20°F. Excellent low-temperature fluidity. Minimizes pump squeal. Inhibits corrosion. Non-foaming. Improves power steering response in cold weather.

It would seem that should work for your application although "below -20" may not include -40.

Let us know what you find on the source of the leak.

TAPSHIFT · 01-09-2018, 06:47 PM

Just had mine repaired today for the 4th time in 6 years.
What has consistently failed is the hose clamp (to fitting) on the low pressure return line which is located below the passenger side corner of the radiator. Last January the fail resulted in the replacement of the complete line, power steering pump and the steering rack.
Fortunately all was covered on extended warranty (which has since expired).
The fluid they now claim to be the GM recommended for extreme cold temps is actually Dexron VI Tranny fluid, part # 19329449.

Make that the 5th time in 6 years..... back to the dealership again today (Wed) power steering pump failed again.

Further update.....replacing the pump did not fix the issue....replacing the steering rack again!

Micawber · 01-11-2018, 09:58 AM

I won't say I'm happy to hear I'm not the only one.

I took the car into the dealership today. I was going to look at it myself but, as TAPSHIFT mentions, there's the pump and the rack involved besides just the lines and my old truck has started giving me problems too so I need to get it fixed right and quick. I walked to work yesterday and it was -30C out there this morning.

Edit: So if I replace the low pressure return line with something that will hold, where's the next weak point? Will it start blowing seals somewhere else? Maybe I just have to get fanatical about warming the car up really well before it moves when it's cold out?

Micawber · 01-11-2018, 10:25 AM

Question for the folks who know how this power steering works:

Will the low pressure return line see full pressure simply when the pump turns, like when the car starts, or does it not come under pressure until I move the steering wheel?

Update - dealership just called and says the power steering hose has ruptured, not just come off, and they don't have one in stock. They're looking for a replacement but said it might take weeks.

Edit: Found the answer myself. http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/214 It looks like the return line will be under pressure as soon as the car starts. Warming the car up by running it won't fix this, it needs pre-heat or strengthening the weak points.

turbowner · 02-16-2019, 06:28 PM

Same thing happened to me when temps were only in the 20's. It does not have to be extremely cold! Hose blew off the nipple on the high pressure side of the power steering loop. Right at the cooler inlet (passenger side forward, near the bottom of the radiator).

Solution is to use Cold Climate Power Steering Fluid (GM part# 12345866, or 12345867).

This is a known problem, and is document in TSB #12-02-32-002.

davidscamaro · 02-21-2019, 07:41 PM

Amsoil makes a syn hydraulic fluid

01-01-2018, 06:00 PM	#3
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,575	^^^^ What he said. Get those lines insulated. Have you considered rerouting or completely replacing your lines and routing them maybe near a heat source of some kind? Makes it kinda hard as I know our heater core hoses are on the other side, but there has to be a way to defeat this issue. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

01-03-2018, 06:46 PM	#5
christianchevell old school chevy rodder Drives: 2013 2SS/RS Manual,DM exhaust,CRT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,587 View My Garage	Power steering is something I never had leak as the hoses on old chevys always had high pressure hoses with embedded cord fpr high pressure and even braided stainless for appearance and functionality maybe its a sign you should upgrade your lines. But at minus forty you may need to research aftermarket solutions like performance fluids..I get my oil from Driven Racing I am sure if you could chat with them they would know what to use. __________________ 2021 Wild Cherry ZL1 A10, Sunroof, Data, Carbon, Nav, RotoFab Dry CAI, Elite x2, Borla ATK, Driveshaft shop

01-03-2018, 07:03 PM	#6
StreetRage320 Those who need me got me Drives: 2022 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Southwest, MN Posts: 624	Do you have a pic? Is the actual hose bursting near the center? Or is leaking near the end fitting? It it a pin hole leak? Is there plenty of slack in the hose? Always remember hoses cannot be perfectly fitting, they must have slack in the middle to accomodate for it shortening as pressure increases. I have seen hoses that people think look great as they fit perfect, first time they pressure them they pull out of the end fitting. do you have any data on the fluid the dealer ship used? I would reach out to a hydraulic shop and have them make a hose for you. We carry hoses up to 6 braid that will stall your engine before they blew __________________

01-06-2018, 12:13 PM	#7
Micawber Drives: '92 Chev K1500 + 2011 VR 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Posts: 162	I finally got in to the dealership to get some fluid. The parts guy pulled up the records for my car. The fluid is labelled ACDelco "Power Steering Fluid - Cold Climate" and the part number, in Canada if it makes a difference, is "1 #10953471". I've got the car inside now so I can raise it, add fluid, and see for myself exactly where it's leaking though I haven't gotten that far yet. Last edited by Micawber; 01-06-2018 at 04:23 PM.

01-07-2018, 12:53 AM	#8
Black_SS10 SomeguyK Drives: 2010 Black 2SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: FL Posts: 1,947	I used hydraulic fluid in my power steering when I was in Alaska. Never had problems after. __________________ TMS 427, Dart iron Block, Forged assembly, Frankenstien heads, AGP TT 62/62 BB turbo's, AGP/Fore triple fuel system, Tilton clutch, Holley 1 7/8 shorties, Technostalgia tail lights,Oracle, Aeroforce, MGW shifter,Flowmaster, Pegasus subframe bushings,BMR trailing & toe arms,Z28 UCA bushings,Zl1 rear sway bar,Prothane,BMR,Goodridge brake lines,Ridetech HQ coilovers,3.91,Trutrac,billet caps,DSS axles,HE offest,built TR6060,1LE diffuser,Havoc spoiler,SSclones,20in MRR 017, Pirelli P Zero, Nitto NT555RII More to come.

01-01-2018, 02:22 PM	#1
Micawber Drives: '92 Chev K1500 + 2011 VR 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Posts: 162	Cold temp / high pressure blows power steering hose. Google brought me to an old but similar post but, after I added my issue, I realized it was not in the right sub-forum. I've deleted that one and copied here. I have a 2011 Camaro SS/RS m6. During two previous winters the power steering hose has leaked and I lost steering. 1st time it was close to home and under warranty so they came and picked the car up. 2nd time was only a couple blocks from the dealership and I just drove there. That time I had to pay but they said they flushed the system and used a fluid that would flow easier in the cold. This year I've just lost steering again, only this time it was on the hiway at -40C on New Years eve so I continued driving for nearly another hour to get home and probably cooked the pump. I just watched a video on pump replacement but can't find the bill from the last fix so I'm not sure what fluid they might have used. Any ideas or other suggestions?

01-01-2018, 03:58 PM	#2
radar1972 Drives: 2012 IOM SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Georgia Posts: 92	No suggestions on fluid, but with repeat occurences and -40 temps, I'd be looking for something to wrap those hoses/lines with.

01-03-2018, 04:40 PM	#4
Micawber Drives: '92 Chev K1500 + 2011 VR 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Posts: 162	I may be able to come up with some kind of plugin pre-heat for cold start mornings. Some form of insulation might help too, probably something that could be used only seasonally. Thanks for the ideas!

01-07-2018, 04:17 AM	#9
DaddySS Kept The Faith Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Convertible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bergen County, New Jersey Posts: 418	AC Delco describes it as: A partially synthetic power steering fluid with exceptional low-temperature properties and increased oxidation stability. This product is specifically recommended for extreme cold climate conditions with temperatures below -20°F. Excellent low-temperature fluidity. Minimizes pump squeal. Inhibits corrosion. Non-foaming. Improves power steering response in cold weather. It would seem that should work for your application although "below -20" may not include -40. Let us know what you find on the source of the leak. __________________ 2011 Vert - 2SS/RS 6spd Triple Black

01-09-2018, 06:47 PM	#10
TAPSHIFT Drives: '11 IBM 2SS/RS '16 1GB Z51 ragtop Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Georgetown, Ontario Canada......EH! Posts: 220 View My Garage	Power steering leak Just had mine repaired today for the 4th time in 6 years. What has consistently failed is the hose clamp (to fitting) on the low pressure return line which is located below the passenger side corner of the radiator. Last January the fail resulted in the replacement of the complete line, power steering pump and the steering rack. Fortunately all was covered on extended warranty (which has since expired). The fluid they now claim to be the GM recommended for extreme cold temps is actually Dexron VI Tranny fluid, part # 19329449. Make that the 5th time in 6 years..... back to the dealership again today (Wed) power steering pump failed again. Further update.....replacing the pump did not fix the issue....replacing the steering rack again! Last edited by TAPSHIFT; 01-11-2018 at 04:31 PM. Reason: update

01-11-2018, 09:58 AM	#11
Micawber Drives: '92 Chev K1500 + 2011 VR 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Posts: 162	I won't say I'm happy to hear I'm not the only one. I took the car into the dealership today. I was going to look at it myself but, as TAPSHIFT mentions, there's the pump and the rack involved besides just the lines and my old truck has started giving me problems too so I need to get it fixed right and quick. I walked to work yesterday and it was -30C out there this morning. Edit: So if I replace the low pressure return line with something that will hold, where's the next weak point? Will it start blowing seals somewhere else? Maybe I just have to get fanatical about warming the car up really well before it moves when it's cold out? Last edited by Micawber; 01-11-2018 at 10:12 AM.

01-11-2018, 10:25 AM	#12
Micawber Drives: '92 Chev K1500 + 2011 VR 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Posts: 162	Question for the folks who know how this power steering works: Will the low pressure return line see full pressure simply when the pump turns, like when the car starts, or does it not come under pressure until I move the steering wheel? Update - dealership just called and says the power steering hose has ruptured, not just come off, and they don't have one in stock. They're looking for a replacement but said it might take weeks. Edit: Found the answer myself. http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/214 It looks like the return line will be under pressure as soon as the car starts. Warming the car up by running it won't fix this, it needs pre-heat or strengthening the weak points. Last edited by Micawber; 01-11-2018 at 10:50 AM. Reason: Answered my own question.

02-16-2019, 06:28 PM	#13
turbowner Drives: 2011 Camaro LS Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 7	Same thing happened to me when temps were only in the 20's. It does not have to be extremely cold! Hose blew off the nipple on the high pressure side of the power steering loop. Right at the cooler inlet (passenger side forward, near the bottom of the radiator). Solution is to use Cold Climate Power Steering Fluid (GM part# 12345866, or 12345867). This is a known problem, and is document in TSB #12-02-32-002.

02-21-2019, 07:41 PM	#14
davidscamaro Drives: 2010 SS/RS M6 BIG cam Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: McDonald's DT Posts: 857	Amsoil makes a syn hydraulic fluid __________________ BIG cam ...... 305 45 18 Mickys ...... BMR suspensions