I want to change the power steering fluid in my Firebird, and I've been advised to use only GM fluid...??
My '88 drivers handbook says part # 1050017, but my Dutch GM dealer told me the part # has changed to 89021182.
On the AC Delco website, there's another part number for the PS fluid...??
www.acdelco.com

Why is it you have to use only GM fluid?
And did I get the right fluid? (GM # 89021182)

 

If it says GM Power Steering Fluid on the label (and it is a GM Label), you got the right stuff. I just looked at a bottle I have had for a while. It has the first number on it, but numbers change.
The folks who rebuilt my unit have been in the business for YEARS. They were very definite about using only GM fluid. I don't know why, but it agrees with what you have heard, and it is good enough for me.
Your 'bird must turn heads. Enjoy!

 

Yes, it's GM fluid in a black bottle, bought a an official Dutch GM (Opel) dealer.
I too have an old, opened white (Goodwrench) bottle with the first number on it, but it's about 13 years old, and I figured that it's better not to use it, and buy new fluid.
What puzzles me is, is that on the ACDelco website there's again a different part number and different shape bottles...??
And yes, my car is a headturner overhere, there are only a handful thirdgen's in the Netherlands, mine is imported in 1993, and I bought it in 1994.
Although with a fuelprice about 4-5 times higher than yours in the USA, it's a costly habit to drive it here...!!

 

Humm, I've always used off-the-shelf fluid, such as CarQuest's offering, and never experienced any ill effects. What's special about GM?

JamesC

 

Don't know what special is about it.
Fact is, when you go to the larger oil company site's, like Castrol or Shell, they say to use "special GM product", they do not advise to use one of their (ATF) oil's.
There are lot's of other cars, which they advise to use ATF in the PS system, just not the GM models....???

 

Interested, I checked the rear of my CarQuest bottle. "Meets Performance Requirement of GM9985010 (part no. 1050017)...."

JamesC

 

you'll be all right with it than..!!