Every morning that it has been very cold out (less than 20F) I have no power steering for usually less than a minute. After that it works fine. Has anyone else had this problem? Or know what it could be? Could this mean that I somehow have water in my system??

 

nice water hypothesis. i have the same problem on a 92 sometimes but can't figure out why

 

most everything (electronics to mechanical pieces) dont operate well under extreem cold or extreem heat conditions. some could call sitting outside in 20 below weather for a couple hours extreem cold. after it warms up, it works perfect, right?

 

fluid dynamics change at colder temps. since it does run the PS on hydrolics.....


-Vi

 

i dont know if this would work...but could ya mix in "a little amount" of anti-freeze into the power steering? that could solve your problem... these guys i know who are brick layers put anti-freeze in the mortar for the bricks so it dont freeze while they mix it...yes they lay brick in freezing weather, i think they are crazy... anyone think mixing in some anti-freeze would work?

 

well PS fluid isnt going to freeze, its just more viscous in colder weather and needs a few minutes to warm up a bit. i would suggest against putting anti-freeze in there.


-Vi


[Modified by ViruX, 2:57 AM 12/19/2002]

 

I agree. Putting anything other than ps fluid could be detrimental.

 

could possibly has some moisture in the lines and they are freezing, u can never go wrong with adding some fresh PS fluid and it might help, your PS belt really loose? (Just had to ask on that one)

 

Hello? anyone rember that water (glycol) and oil dont mix? Try new fluid.

 

yes im sure that PS fluid is hygroscopic and their might be a bit of water in the lines....i found this on a site:

How often should the fluid be replaced? By the time a new car is only 12 months old, its brake fluid contains about 2% water. After 18months, the water content is approaching 3%, which is enough to lower the boiling temperature by 25%. After several years of service, it is not unusual to find brake fluid containing seven to eight percent water.

-Vi

 

Well I will try changing the fluid out. It does work fine after about 1 minute.
Yes my PS belt is tight. What you attached about the brake fluid containing water I would asume that the PS fluid would be the same way. If I get time tonight I try changing it out and let you know how it works.

Thanks