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Power Steering Fluid - Semi/100% Synthetic?

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:25 am
by Graham
Hey guys,

my power steering fluid is long overdue to be changed so I picked some up today, I wasn't sure what to get so I got 100% synthetic oil but I'm not sure if it uses the fully or semi synthetic.

The 100% should last longer and shouldn't cause any damage or issues as far as I'm aware, but just wanted to double check to be sure..

Is there any issues with using 100% synthetic power steering fluid or should I be using semi synthetic?

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:28 pm
by aspir3
Graham I would just stick to the standard fluid. It is only wasting money on the fully synthetic fluid, even though it is probably better.

I am surprised you are changing it already. It says in the manual that it only needs to be checked not replaced.

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 3:31 pm
by spareparts
i would be using the gen psf in mitsubishi. i have seen and heard of pwr pumos craping them selfs when somthing other then gen is put in. and the gen stuff is only worth $8.25 inc GST

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 4:10 pm
by Graham
I've swapped it out for some of the stuff they use, not OEM but basically the same

My steering has gotten really hard lately so I'm just going to replace it
at the 45k service they recommended replacing it too, but wanted $130 for it

Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 12:31 pm
by scott_drake
you either need an oil flush with the power steering or a new power steering pump. If your car makes weird noises when you go full lock your pump and belts are on there way out

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 1:25 am
by exaltd
To be honest, I agree with Sean (spareparts) and Troy (Aspir3) here.

It is a waste of money to go synthetic with power steering, as it is only a light film of oil that sticks on the steering rack etc. It won't make much difference at all - and it won't last any longer.

Also, your power steering pump etc. may sh*t itself with even the slightest wrong bit of oil. I have already seen it at Toyota, and I'm only new on the scene. And Toyotas are robust cars too.

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 9:58 am
by tadz0rz
scott_drake wrote:you either need an oil flush with the power steering or a new power steering pump. If your car makes weird noises when you go full lock your pump and belts are on there way out


From what I heard its normal for the car to make a whine noise when its on FULL lock. Obviously you dont want any sounds when its getting there but...

Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 1:09 am
by exaltd
Agreed with Tadz. There would be a small whine on full lock. Not a loud one though. And should have NO whine on the way to full lock.