Which power steering fluid?

[2006Tahoe2WD]

This should be easy.... I was going to order power steering fluid on Amazon and it indicated AC Delco PS fluid is not compatible with my 2006 Tahoe. That's what I've used before. I started looking around e.g. RockAuto lists only Prestone. However that is listed as sold out. Of course many people say online using ATF is okay. Oreilly suggests Lubeguard synthetic is the best. They have a good description on why not to use ATF. So anyway this is all a bit confusing. I just want the best thing in there given all the trouble to flush it a bunch of times. Thanks for info. or suggestions on where to look for the best recommendation. -Henry

 

[MassHoe04]

Valvoline, Prestone or NAPA power steering fluids would all be fine by me. I would tend to go local store anyway.

NAPA is my go-to for most stuff. That's where my trusted mechanic would get stuff for any work done for me... So I would probably order their brand for my make/model/year online and pick up 30 minutes later.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Lubeguard synthetic should work fine.

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

I'm starting to lean toward Lubeguard because the description seems to make sense.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/lubegard/oil--chemicals---fluids/maintenance-chemicals/steering---transmission/power-steering-fluid---universal/7461f130ca43/lubegard-synthetic-power-steering-fluid-1-quart/lbg0/23232/v/a/18652/automotive-suv-2006-chevrolet-tahoe?q=power+steering+fluid&pos=10

 

[MassHoe04]

Of course O'Reilly's recommends that one... By the quart, it is the highest price and probably highest profit margin.

Don't get me wrong! I am not saying Lubeguard is not a high quality product or suggesting @gooffeyguy's recommendation is not a good one...

Valvoline Max Life PS fluid has a flashpoint of 390F. Lubeguard is 480F. Close enough for me IMHO. If mine were to push beyond the flashpoint limits of the Valvoline, I think I might be in for other problems.

Besides... A 2 quart jug of Valvoline Max Life for $9.99 vs. $15.99 for 1 qt. of Lubeguard? Wouldn't be my personal choice. I don't always cheap-out when it comes to parts or maintenance. I just feel that going middle of the road or premium makes more sense than going for ultra-premium on a cost vs. benefit basis. Something that high-end just seems like overkill to me for an old-school Chevy, but to each his own.

There is no wrong decision. It is your preference and your money.

Cheers!

 

[Blackcar]

I'm starting to lean toward Lubeguard because the description seems to make sense.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/lubegard/oil--chemicals---fluids/maintenance-chemicals/steering---transmission/power-steering-fluid---universal/7461f130ca43/lubegard-synthetic-power-steering-fluid-1-quart/lbg0/23232/v/a/18652/automotive-suv-2006-chevrolet-tahoe?q=power+steering+fluid&pos=10

If you still have owner's manual in glove box in maintenance area there will what type of fluid to use. If installing new pump and all new fluid will be used, I would use what pump replacement vendor says.

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

Great idea - I should have thought of that. Will look today.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Valvoline Maxlife would be fine also, but not full synthetic, so you can't compare its price to a full synthetic.

My owners manual says GM power steering fluid, part # 89021184

That part # has been replaced by a different one.

Here's an article with some info

What Power Steering Fluid is Compatible with GM 89021184?

Stuck in choosing power steering fluid for your GM p/n 89021184? This article will cover you with OEM product and some alternatives out there

oilsadvisor.com

I figure, if you plan on replacing the power steering fluid regularly, like once every couple years, then the cheaper stuff is beneficial. If you only change it every 100k miles then the higher priced full synthetic is the way to go

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

I ended up getting 2 bottles of the Lubeguard. The plan for today is to get out my suction device and start "flushing" the system. If I recall that means sucking out of the power steering res. and refilling a few times with some driving in between. I expect this to go smoothly but I'll post here if anything interesting comes up.

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

Okay I did it. Used my Girots fluid extractor device. Worked great. I sucked out and refilled 3 times. After each fill I pumped the brakes and rotated the steering wheel from lock to lock maybe about 15 times. I had the car jacked up in the front. On the second to the last fill I drove around the block. The new fluid is clear and the old was dark brown. After all that I can look down through the fluid with a light and it looks pretty clear. So I think it is flushed good enough for let's say the next 40k miles or 3 years. The wheel feels smooth and the steering is quiet so I guess all is well for now.
Here is a link to the Girot's device I used. https://www.griotsgarage.com/multi-fluid-extractor/

 

[89Suburban]

Okay I did it. Used my Girots fluid extractor device. Worked great. I sucked out and refilled 3 times. After each fill I pumped the brakes and rotated the steering wheel from lock to lock maybe about 15 times. I had the car jacked up in the front. On the second to the last fill I drove around the block. The new fluid is clear and the old was dark brown. After all that I can look down through the fluid with a light and it looks pretty clear. So I think it is flushed good enough for let's say the next 40k miles or 3 years. The wheel feels smooth and the steering is quiet so I guess all is well for now.
Here is a link to the Girot's device I used. https://www.griotsgarage.com/multi-fluid-extractor/

I love my extractor.

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

@tom, thanks for that link. I'm glad Lubeguard is listed as a good alternative. I'm taking the Tahoe for a drive today. Next project is brake fluid replace.

 

[Fless]

@tom, thanks for that link. I'm glad Lubeguard is listed as a good alternative. I'm taking the Tahoe for a drive today. Next project is brake fluid replace.

Recommend using DOT 4 for your brake flush.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Recommend using DOT 4 for your brake flush.

My owners manual says DOT 3

Changing out the brake fluid is easy with a pressure bleeder like the Motive. Just add fluid, hook it up to master cylinder and pressurize it, then go around to each wheel bleeder screw and drain till clear/clean fluid comes out.

Motive Products - 0108 Brake System Power Bleeder for Most Late Model GM Cars and Trucks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TK9FE8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_CYJWS0HC0P7JTTGKBBXV

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

Yes, DOT 4 is the plan.

My owners manual says DOT 3

Changing out the brake fluid is easy with a pressure bleeder like the Motive. Just add fluid, hook it up to master cylinder and pressurize it, then go around to each wheel bleeder screw and drain till clear/clean fluid comes out.

Motive Products - 0108 Brake System Power Bleeder for Most Late Model GM Cars and Trucks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TK9FE8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_CYJWS0HC0P7JTTGKBBXV

I also have a Motive. I use just the air pressure feature and don't fill the bottle. I can also try the Extractor. I don't remember chasing down the DOT 3 vs DOT 4 story. I think DOT 4 will be okay - I know not to use DOT 5.

 

[MassHoe04]

Valvoline is both DOT 3/DOT 4 in one product.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/VCL601458?impressionRank=1

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

I Google it... It looks like DOT 3 doesn't absorb water as fast but has a lower boiling point. So maybe DOT 3 is better in the case where you are not tracking the vehicle.

 

[Blackcar]

I always thought dot4 (synthetic) fluid was not to be used in anti-lock brake systems?

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

I've never heard that. If I understand what I'm reading correctly. If you are not changing the fluid often then use DOT 3. If you are towing and getting the brakes hot then use DOT 4 and change the fluid a bit more often. All brake fluid is synthetic. DOT 5 is silicone based and is not compatible with DOT 3 or 4.

 

[Fless]

DOT 4 is backward compatible with DOT 3. You can use either one, or both. However, if you've flushed to DOT 4, then stick with DOT 4. I would venture to say that any brake fluid marked "DOT 3 / DOT 4" is probably DOT 4 for the same reasons.