Power Steering questions, '89T2

[Pete_89T2]

I just picked up a rebuilt PS pump to replace the original one that recently crapped out on my '89T2. Seeking the forum's wisdom on a couple of questions:

1. The FSM specifies DEXRON II ATF as the PS fluid for our FC's. Problem is no one seems to carry this stuff anymore, at least not local to me. A couple of parts counter guys have told me that you can substitute DEXRON III (which is available) for the DEXRON II spec without any problems, but after reading the labels of several different brands of DEXRON III ATF to verify, I couldn't find any that explicitly say it's a substitute for applications that specified DEXRON II. Should I just use the DEXRON III?

2. My guess is whatever PS fluid remaining in the system (i.e., in PS rack & lines) ought to be flushed out before I install the rebuilt PS pump - it's been in there for 21 years! The FSM is silent WRT how that gets done, and there are no drain plugs anywhere. I would assume the best way to do this would be put the car's front end up on jack stands, open up the fittings on the lowest PS line in the system (think that would be the PS cooling loop), and let it drain. At that point, I would think you would want to slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a couple of times to get it all out. Once that's done, reconnect the open lines and follow the FSM procedures to
install the PS pump, fill & bleed the system. Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Pete

[djmtsu]

1) Anything higher in designation is basically a 'newer' blend that meets or exceeds the previous blend. So Dextron III is what you want to use.

2) The easiest way to flush the system is to remove the return hose from the pump, route it to a container, and turn on the car, move the steering wheel lock to lock a few times and it will be all gone, of course, that is not good for the pump since the fluid lubricates the pump. You can turn the pump by hand instead and do your best to get it all out.

You can add an inline power steering filter to the return, drive a while, then change out the filter, or remove it all together.

Have fun! Don't forget that you need to 'bleed' the power steering system after a full fluid replacement. Turn the wheel lock to lock a few times, check the level, do it again, repeat until it doesn't have any 'dead' spots and it stays full.

[RETed]

DEXRON III is the proper fluid.
Yes, DEXRON III does supercede DEXRON II.

Don't worry too much flushing everything out.
The fluid doesn't get boiled or exposed to super high heat conditions (like motor oil), so it should be relatively clean.
(The same rule also applies to ATF, manual trans fluid, and rear diff fluid.)


-Ted

[atsronnyats]

dextron VI now is replacing dextron III you can use either