Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

OK, I didn't get much of a response on the postwar thread about this, but then there are fewer pre-'55 Packards with power steering. I'm hoping that the greater number who have experience with V8s also have more of the lowdown on power steering.

My '54 shop manual says to fill the power steering reservoir with "Type A" transmission fluid. So far, so good.

My question is, should the system ever be drained or flushed? I've got about 80K on the car, and the P.S. has probably never been touched.

There is a big canister for fluid that sits on top of the pump, and I think it says Purolator on it--for all the world as though it contained an oil filter (the engine itself doesn't have an oil filter).

I see nothing in the manual about a P.S. filter. If there's no filter to change, is there a screen that could be cleaned?

Thanks.

There is a filter. Napa has them for the 55-6 but the older units are larger. Don't know the cross number on those but someone probably does. If not, Max and Kanter and other vendors have them. I don't think there is much to worry about as a routine need for a flush but as a general rule, after this many years it wouldn't hurt to change it.

The filter is the bigger issue and might be a reason for a flush. If the old cardboard top and bottom on the filter has deteriorated like mine did, I expect you will find the filter isn't doing much because the filter is no longer sealed or in position and oil can bypass the element. If the cardboard does disintegrate then the paper particles can conceivably circulate and get stuck somewhere.

Amazing, no engine oil filter, but a power steering fluid filter! I'll pull it out and see if NAPA has a cross-reference for it.