Hello, wondering if it's possible to convert my 1992 Sovereign from HSMO to ATF for the Power Steering System.

The car no longer has the hydraulic self-leveling system, although the valve block and the engine-mounted pump are still installed and connected.

Can the system be drained, flushed and refilled with ATF without any issue? Will the engine-driven pump and valve block be okay (leak-free) if they remain in place with ATF?

PS: I'm considering this to avoid the costly HSMO and it's dealer-only availability. Also, I recently installed a rebuilt steering rack and flushed and filled with HSMO, and I'm getting leaks from the rack. I'm wondering if the seals in the rebuilt rack are compatible with the HSMO this car originally used, or if it is just a bad rebuild. I don't want to keep going through racks if it turns out it's my HSMO.

Thanks,
Nick

 

Remove all the self leveling parts (valve block and pump) and block the return port on the reservoir. (small cap with hose clamps)

Use a hydraulic hose for the NON leveling reservoir-to-pump and throw the 'Y' hose in the trash.

Drain out the HSMO and pour in ATF.

Done!!!!!

There is a blanking plate for the front of the engine to cover the pump mount area but I have seen the bottom of a coffee can (sheet metal) with 3 holes drilled to cover the old pump drive. There is no fluid in the cavity so you are just covering the driving mechanism.

bob gauff

 

I'll second that procedure. My pump was dripping directly onto the alt belt. It HAD to go. Trouble free on that front ever since!

 

Update:

So after reinstalling my original steering rack and sending the leaky A1 Cardone rebuilt rack back, I requested a replacement, which arrived today. After installing it, guess what? It leaks from the right hand side of the rack when the wheel is turned to the right. It's leaking right around where the rack bushing is...

What could possibly be their problem? It's unbelievable!

So now I'll be calling RockAuto again tomorrow to see what can be done. $12.99 per bottle of HSMO and the hours of my time wasted are adding up fast.

Nick

 

If you don't have rear SLS why are you using HSMO????
Pull off the front pump and all the $h!t connected to it, cap the reservoir return and use ATF!!!!!

The 1988/89 and the 1993/94 without SLS all use ATF!!!!

bob gauff