Hello folks. I just realized this week i never topped off the reservoir behind the pulley driven by the belt on the far left (starboard motor). Luckily its just getting down to minimum now. Im guessing its power steering assist as i knocked the starboard kill switch loose the other week while underway and lost steering. The fluid inside looks like ATF, is that right?

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Yes, that is the Power Steering Pump. One would assume you have conventional fluid in there, (not synthetic, as it's very hard to come by). BUT, it's not good to mix the two. I would top it off with conventional fluid, and if you notice any change in steering performance, you need to drain and flush the system with a uniform (new) fluid choice.

Thanks Sydwayz. One more thing for the knowledge bank. 10,001 more to go

Check it hot. Usually min when cold and in the middle when hot.

Thanks for the tip Rookie.

So i stopped by auto zone today and the guy told me (yeah, i know) that if the fluid in there was red (which it was), it was ATF, and sometimes they do use that in power steering pumps. I need to reach the engine builder to be sure...

It's a GM Pump, so . Dexron III ATF. It will say it on the stick. You can use Power Steering Fluid too...doesn't matter. Just more expensive.
ATF is red.

PS Fluid is clear.


If it's at minimum, leave it. It gets really hot and will rise. If you put a little too much in there (the reservoir doesn't hold much, so very easy to overfill) it will foam up and possibly spray everywhere .

I switched mine out to redline synthetic ps fluid after making the switch in my duramax and seeing improvements in noise and assist

Solid.
I went to Royal Purple (synthetic) in my 2500HD 8.1L for the Power Steering Fluid which also flows through the HydroBoost (braking system). I can't say it make an extreme difference, but it does seem like the systems run a bit smoother.