Power Steering Grinding in GZE in Cold

[ericlee303]

Hey guys,

When it's cold outside, the GZE power steering grinds alot when you first start the car. I suspect it might be the power steering fluid I'm using because when the car warms up, the power steering behaves normally. I put in Honda fluid because I was told it was OK to use. I'm starting to doubt that though, and will probably change it for Dexron (which Toyota recommends).

Anyone else experience this problem?? Thanks.

[mr_sinister]

yeah, i think you should switch to the dexron kind.. i don't think the two are supposed to be interchangable (the dexron ones alwasy say "not for use with hondas" on the back)

[Flashmn]

Yeah, let the car warm up before doing fast or lock-steering movements. The fluid is still thick and cold after startup, so if you do either of those, you MIGHT blow a seal or a hose or even worse, the pump! And I can tell you that isnt FUN. Plus it'll mean a steering rack overhaul (bling bling) and/or a new pump (lots of bling) :

EDIT: VW's have this powersteering blowing feature ;P But yeah, you dont have to be too worried, its just winter that does this.

[ericlee303]

Well I sucked out all of the old Honda fluid with a straw (hehe) and dumped in the DextronIII which Toyota recommended. So far so good...we'll see what happens after it sits for a night.

Thanks, guys!

[ericlee303]

Are those Rotas I see on that car, Flashmn?

[Flashmn]

Eric, yup sure are I cant afford REAL volk's hehe

[Xenon]

Tell us how it comes along Eric, I'm curious to know if it was the steering fluid!

How's the Type R doing by the way?

[ericlee303]

Flashmn, don't worry, I can't afford Volks either. Dem rims look good on your car!

Xenon, hey dude, it was the fluid. Started it up this morning and no noise!! Wow I'm dum. Why didn't I try this before?

Yeah the R is just sitting in underground right now. I drive it around once in a while just to get the juices flowing.

[Flashmn]

thanks eric