P/S fluid '02

**johnfin** · 09-05-2012, 04:10 AM

What is the recommended P/S fluid. Mine looks nasty, I am thinking of sucking it out and replacing it.

**sjgreen6** · 09-05-2012, 05:31 PM

Owner's manual page 7-23 lists GM Power Steering Fluid. Just about any standard PS fluid from the auto parts store will do.

**johnfin** · 09-06-2012, 04:08 AM

Been there done that. Gave the GM dealer that PN and they said it was invalid wil no cross ref number. GM changes PN's often. Read some posts on the net that said dont run after market stuff in a GM product. Hence the question.

**sjgreen6** · 09-06-2012, 03:16 PM

I've never seen one fail due to aftermarket fluid but I'm sure someone else can say they have.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-06-2012, 04:06 PM

No issues with fluid from parts stores.

**2002ssslp** · 09-06-2012, 05:12 PM

GM vehicles mostly use any PS fluid you can buy except I think type F trans fluid.

**pajeff02** · 09-06-2012, 05:57 PM

I am running parts store p/s fluid in our car and have had no issues... may have been Prestone or something similar.

**johnfin** · 09-07-2012, 04:28 AM

I read on the internet alot of GM people having problems with the valvoline PS fluid. THey claim its thicker then the OEM. Guy at GM told me that was true, its thinner.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 09-07-2012, 08:34 AM

I use valvoline with no issues 130k miles without a power steering pump going out.

**johnfin** · 09-07-2012, 08:48 AM

Its not they they "go out", what I have read is the performance is reduced. One guy had a tahoe and the steering was so stiff it was almost impossible to drive. But if you guys say it ok then I guess I can get get some after market stuff. I am changing the fluid slowly by removing it from the reservoir a little at a time. I hear that bleeding these systems can be a nitemare.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 09-07-2012, 08:57 AM

My point was that it has never had trouble steering with vavoline fluid, not saying it won't happen but I have never experienced that outcome. Removing thr fluid from the resevoir, replacing and starting the car for a few minutes. Then repeating several times just as PaJeff suggested is a good method.

**428 78T/A** · 09-11-2012, 05:43 PM

Surprised no one metioned this. But I don't know if it applies to 02's.

The ps has a cooler on the side of the radiator. The coolers are known to fail and mix antifreeze with ps fluid. Get a rad hose that bypasses the cooler. That is probably what your problem is, at least my problem on my 99. And, the cooler isn't a cooler as much as it is a heater.