[JoeCamaro444]

As a car guy, I find myself feeling weird asking this question, but here goes:

Is there no Power Steering reservoir visible under the hood? Is it a closed, dealer service only, system, as the transmission fluid is supposed to be?

I took inventory under the hood today, after having the A8 Shudder issue addressed with the latest updated fluid flush. I obviously spotted the crankcase oil fill lid, the oil dipstick, the engine coolant reservoir, brake booster and brake fluid reservoir, battery, fuses, washer fluid reservoir, etc...I noticed that there was no transmission dipstick, which led me to further reading of the owner’s manual, where it stated that “you do not need to check this system...it is to be serviced by the dealer, and unless a leak develops, there is no need for anything else.” I read that the engine coolant is similar in that other than if you notice the fluid in the reservoir low, no need to worry there either. Craziness! lol Lastly, I find no mention of the Power Steering system, fluid or reservoir in the manual. I’m guessing this is a similar system in that GM didn’t want us touching or seeing that either! 🤷🏻

Looking for any useful info from someone that knows more about these cars than me. I know a fair amount, but I’m still learning, and welcome more knowledge on it. Also, someone please correct me if I’m wrong with any of the above deductions.

[2SS Capt]

I don't know for sure, but perhaps the power steering is an electric system???

[JeffFox]

No fluid

[JoeCamaro444]

Mind=blown

Thank you, both, for your replies. I was able to find answers in the owner’s manual for the closed transmission system, and the “barely needs service” engine coolant system...but I never thought of that for the power steering.

Thank you 👍🏻

[cdrptrks]

The electronic power steering is what allows the 3 different selectable steering modes. I prefer touring steering mode personally. I still prefer hydraulic power steering but this car's electronic power steering has a much better feel than most cars I have driven.

[VinnAY]

The electric in the Camaro is better than my 15 Mustang, that thing had a real dead spot in it if you sawed the wheel back and forth.

[JoeCamaro444]

It is definitely an outstanding electric setup. I think it feels very natural, and once I read the replies in here it made so much sense. It just went right past me initially.

[Petrol Head]

Electric power steering has been around for about 15 years. It used to be awful and people yearned for hydraulics again, but they’ve gotten much better now. Hey less fluids to change, less to leak, one less pulley taking hp from your engine. What’s not to like?

[JoeCamaro444]

Originally Posted by Petrol Head

Electric power steering has been around for about 15 years. It used to be awful and people yearned for hydraulics again, but they’ve gotten much better now. Hey less fluids to change, less to leak, one less pulley taking hp from your engine. What’s not to like?

In full agreement. I’m thrilled by the feel and response of the system, plus less maintenance. It’s a win, win.

[NewCamaroOrder]

Simply for clarity, you found your battery in the right rear fender and not under the hood? I'm sure you did but was compelled to ask.

[Petrol Head]

If you remember your old cars with hydraulic pumps, and you turned your wheel while at a complete stop, you might have noticed your engine RPM drop briefly before coming back up to idle while you hold pressure on the steering wheel. That tells you how much power the hydraulic power steering pump actually consumed from the engine. Do that with the Camaro and zero RPM drop.

[JoeCamaro444]

Originally Posted by NewCamaroOrder

Simply for clarity, you found your battery in the right rear fender and not under the hood? I'm sure you did but was compelled to ask.

Thank you for checking, and I did. I should have written under hood battery terminals. I have peeked at the battery location in the past, just to see how much of a pain it would be to replace. lol

[JoeCamaro444]

Originally Posted by Petrol Head

If you remember your old cars with hydraulic pumps, and you turned your wheel while at a complete stop, you might have noticed your engine RPM drop briefly before coming back up to idle while you hold pressure on the steering wheel. That tells you how much power the hydraulic power steering pump actually consumed from the engine. Do that with the Camaro and zero RPM drop.

Very good point. As time and technology advance, I just have to keep the tried and true methods in mind. Some cars were worse than others with that power zap, when you had the wheel at full turn. I remember some that used to feel like they were going to stall out, before I knew what was happening. 👍🏻

[UnknownJinX]

Yeah, a lot of modern cars use electric power steering to reduce parasitic loss from pumping hydraulic fluid(so less emission, better gas mileage, etc.) and to enable multiple steering modes.

And honestly, the hydraulic ones are a bit of a pain to maintain. When I bought my first car, it came with burnt fluid and the steering wheel would not return on its own after finishing a turn. I ended up having to flush it many, many times before it became clear. Not fun, and Honda power steering fluid smells awful.