So far, I've seen this question asked for older silver spirit models, and mine is a 1999. Forgive me if there's a post out there that I missed. In any event, I'm looking for the recommended power steering fluid for a 1999 Silver Spur. Thanks.
What I can find in IETIS for the entire SZ series is that the power steering system used the same fluid as the automatic transmission for the given model year.
That being said, nothing is mentioned in Chapter D - Lubricants, beyond the 1996 model year. The tracking of "whatever the transmission fluid happens to be is also the power steering fluid" is consistent and is generally a Dexron II formulation from BP or BP Autran Universal, depending on delivery market.
If you've got something red and oily in your power steering pump, that's automatic transmission fluid.
I say the following without a trace of snark, but I presume if someone has an Owner's Handbook they would have consulted it.
I am astounded how often, it seems more often than not, that RRs (and probably Bentleys, but I don't have even an anecdotally reasonable sample size for the latter) end up separated from their Owner's Handbooks.
But, if the questioner does happen to have one, that's the first thing one should consult before looking or asking anywhere else.
True, many cars and manuals are separated along the way. Then again human nature takes the easy path...why look it up if you can ask. Aka...lazy.
Not making any assumptions...just saying.
1999 being under BMW,/ VW , I don't know your pump.
On 1997, recommandation is Dexron II / III
I use Dexrn III (H)
You must read and check in your book, because car produced after 1997 had some changes.
You may be required to use Pentosin Oil .......
Only the owner manual will tel you precisely
It also just occurred to me, because of the forum structure here, that it's entirely unclear whether "SS" stands for Silver Spirit/Spur or Silver Seraph.
I believe there was some very slight overlap for the 1999 model year, with the very last few Spurs being produced under that model year.
Thanks for the replies so far. So to clarify, SS in the posting title stands for Silver Spirit/Spur. Although my car is a 1999, it was not manufactured with BMW parts -this is one of the last SS generation models produced (1998 is the year of manufacture). Secondly, yes, the owners manual was consulted, and I did not find anything with regard to recommended/approved PS fluid. I read one mention of Pentosin; however, I have seen information for and against this particular oil in various places for my model/year car.
So, just for a quick refresh on the question here:
I'm looking for the recommended power steering fluid for a 1999 Silver Spur.
Thanks again all...And a special thanks to whoever has the answer!
. . .SS in the posting title stands for Silver Spirit/Spur. . . Secondly, yes, the owners manual was consulted, and I did not find anything with regard to recommended/approved PS fluid.
Since I don't have an Owner's Handbook for the Silver Spirit/Spur, I cannot say the following definitively, but I have yet to see an Owner's Handbook that does not have an "Approved Lubricants" section, generally fairly early on in the document, and the steering system is consistently mentioned.
I have very little doubt that you'll find this if you look, and that the fluid is going to be the ATF (almost certainly Dexron III) called for in the transmission.
Dexron III would be for the transmission, not sure for the power steering.
Do you have the serice books with stamps from the dealer with maintenance dates ?
On this book, you should find the spec
Do not put anything untill we are sure
Look carrefully the service book please.
And make a picture of the power steering oil tank cap, it might be written something on it.
I will see also if the tank is the same as the 97
1999 Arnage are using Pentosin for example, so your year is critical, and it is written on the tank cap
LHM also works fine in SZ steering.
I don't recommend using synthetic Dexron VI, you will not like the new leaks that will appear...don't ask me how I know this...
I'm not trying to force anybody's arm, but I believe that LHM is a highly refined mineral hydraulic fluid. Dexron is crude in comparison. And I question whether it's ''friction modifiers'' are of benefit to a steering rack. I also have LHM in my Corniche's hood hydraulic system.
I remmber now JP you said it in the past.
Interesting indeed.
I understand for the hood and agree.
For the power steering, I am not an expert in oil to give any opinion, so cannot say that you are wrong, neither right !
In any case, original recommandation should be known first, then you are free to play with them and upgrade.
For example, if Pentosin is required, like on Arnage, LHM would be wrong.
If Dexron is required, LHM may be acceptable....
I also got a recommendation for Johnsen's power steering fluid. This came from an RR dealership near me. They mostly do the newer stuff, but they also service older cars like mine. In any event, what are your thoughts on it -would it work in an SZ generation car?