Went out this morning and No power steering. Loud squeal when trying to turn steering wheel. Heading to store to get ATF and/or Dextross III fluid. Do I have to use those particular ones or can I use whatever the store has? I should not drive it as it is, correct?

 

You MUST use Dexron III, which is automatic transmission fluid and can be bought anywhere.
Any brand is fine.

 

So my power steering went out while headed down I-95 on Sunday. I was traveling highway speeds so did not notice it till I hit my exit ramp. The Drive Belt is hooked up properly and there is fluid in the reservoir. There was never any whining (that I could hear) but thats indicitive of low fluid anyhow. The RAVE gives me quite the troubleshooting procedure which includes using a hydraulic pressure tester, which I dont own. does anybody have any 'common fail-able parts' recommendations for me to check out before tearing her apart this weekend?

Thanks!

 

Sounds like the pump went out.
Your best bet is a used one.

 

Thanks for all the info', great forum!
I've just bought a D1 and am slowly going through a mechanical refurbishment. There's a bit of PS fluid leak which I need to chase down but in the meantime I'd like to top it up with Dexron III as recommended. However, if the original owner used some other fluid in the system this would cause a problem right? Is there any way of telling what's in there at the moment?

 

You're fine, dont worry about it.
Its leaking, so whatever is in there will leak out.
When you fix the leak drain the system and refill with the correct fluid.