96' Stratus......... I've got a little problem with my power steering. It seems jerky, it's worse when it's cold like when I first start the car. it's almost like the pump works then quits then works then quits over and over real fast. There is no leaking and the rack seems to be nice and tight. Could it be the wrong fluid. I can't seem to figure out exactly which fluid I should use. When I bought the car the fluid was a little dirty and I noticed it was acting a little funny so I changed the fluid with the kinda generic stuff that's clear and simply called power steering fluid. That seemed to smooth it out a bit but not for long. So I tried Mercon Dextron 3 transmission fluid which also smoothed it out for a while but it went right back to acting like it was. Could it be that my pump is going bad? or is there special fluid I should use other than what I have tried. Give me your thoughts......

Thanks
Walt

 

power steering fluid is all the same. i dont think it was a good idea using the tranny fluid because its chemical makeup is not the same, designed to work in the heat of the tranny. check and see if your level is full for the power steering and if it is it sounds like your pump is going bad. Also check and see that the belt going around the power steering pump is good. hope this helps

 

For older cars using transmission fluid for power stearing fluid is perfectly fine. I want to say maybe 10 years ago manufacturers started using different fuilds, but it is pretty much the same stuff. I would also check the belt to see how it is holding up. I may be your pump starting to go or maybe it is clogging up.

 

I also own a '96 Strat that has occaisionally shown a power steering drop-out. It's happened 2-3 times - usually at slow speeds (in a parking situation) where I am maneuvering the wheel a lot. It's kind of scary when it occurs - because there's a BIG difference in operating force required when it cuts out! I'd be interested to hear how Walt solves it - looks like I'm not far behind with my strat!

-SE

 

Dont use fluids accross platforms. had a buddy put tranny fluid in his brake system, and every piece of rubber swelled and disintegrated. It then got a COMPLETE system rebuild.
Just a good habit to get into... and avoid possible problems.

As for cutting out. I think the car is designed to disengage the PS at high speeds.... I know several cars are designed this way, but have not researched the Strat enough to know. Ill look into how that is done (Computer? centrifical? ) might be related to that area?
I would otherwise wonder about air in the system, but seeing it is considered a closed loop, it is supose to purge itself of bubbles if the fluid levels are correct.

2cents
Vince