Steering: 54 Power Steering

[Schraders]

I have power steering in my '54 Commander, the Saginaw unit. I did some research, seems like the box takes grease and the power steering reservoir takes ATF?

[Welcome]

I have power steering in my '54 Commander, the Saginaw unit. I did some research, seems like the box takes grease and the power steering reservoir takes ATF?

Correct!!!

Opinions may vary, but I use STP brand power steering fluid (because a Saginaw rebuilder recommended it) in the hydraulic side and Semi-fluid Steering Box Grease (p/n 801651) from Studebaker International on the gear side of the system. (The grease from S/I is $20 bucks for a 10 oz. tube, so make sure you know how much you'll need before ordering!!!)

[Baker54]

I am preparing to start my '54 with original power steering in the near future. I don't know how long it has been since it was in operation so would it be advisable to have it rebuilt. If so, who would I need to contact? Are these units reliable?

[Jeff_H]

I have one of them in my '53. Lare's Mfg in Minnesota will rebuild them is needed.

http://www.larescorp.com/index.html

I think SI has some of the seals and other parts too.

Opinions may vary, but I use STP brand power steering fluid (because a Saginaw rebuilder recommended it) in the hydraulic side

Interesting about the fluid... I originally put dextron III ATF in mine but found that if I drove the car on the interstate at 70mph that the pump would whine something aweful when I pulled off and stopped at the light. After driving at slower speeds for a while, it would tone down. I suspected the fluid was foaming. Somewhere I got the idea to try type FA fluid instead and it really helped a lot with that whining. Its pretty much cured now.

[Baker54]

Jeff, thanks for the information on Lare's