Re: Manual Steering Box

Posted by BigKev On 2008/3/26 1:18:48

While I cant add anything about the fluid change interval on the steering box, I can't agree with Keith on the his statement about Tranny Fluid or Anti-Freeze lasting basically forever. Those both should be changed at regular intervals. Any automotive fluid that is subject to repeated heat cycles is going to break down over time. Hence why the fluids start to change color.

Why they make not be under the same heat and stress as engine oil, they still break down over time. While old Anti-freeze may not cause your car to overheat directly, it does start to loose it's ability to protect it from freezing at the same temp as when it was new. Probably not an issue if you live in the Southern US. But also the corrosion inhibiters in the Anti-Freeze break down over time.

Packard recommend that the Ultramatic fluid be changed ever 20,000 miles. I dont have a problem spending $20 on ATF every 20k. Same with Anti-Freeze. Thats the cheap stuff compared to a rusted out radiator, or a transmission rebuild.

If anyone else has other opinions on this, I would like to hear them.