What is it and Significance

[Snibbor]

Dumb question I am sure but.....

1) what is it or was it for?

2) Why if this is empty (and has been) it probably does not matter?IMG_3312.pdf

[Roger Zimmermann]

This is the power steering pump. Without the appropriate fluid in it, no power steering...

[Snibbor]

Completely dry.  Funny. Power steering is working just fine.

[Snibbor]

Does it matter alot what "kind" of P S fluid I use??? synthetic? other?

[Moody]

No, just ps fluid. I like the red stuff. Any is better than none.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Firstly, no question is dumb.   Not learning from any answers is dumb.

Even though the reservoir appears to be empty, there could be sufficient fluid in the actual pump to operate the system.

And, agree with Moody, use Automatic Transmission Fluid, which is red.

Bruce.

PS.   About time you read the Shop Manual, or at least the drivers handbook which should be in the Glove Box, or slotted into the side of the Glove Box lid.

[Jw4]

If you don't know what's in there (and probably even if you do), don't forget to flush the entire system with the fluid you'll use. Last time I did something like that, I disconnected the return line, pored clean fluid into the reservoir and rotated the pump by hand, until the clean fluid came out. Might also want to ask someone to turn the wheel all the way left and right while you do this.

[35-709]

Check the system for leaks if it is that low on fluid.  Pressure side hose, return hose, reservoir to pump seal, pulley shaft seal .....
Don't run that pump dry.

[Seville Life]

I find it disturbing that such a question about something so basic on (presumably) a running car should be asked? Do you not have a Cadillac workshop manual? The CLC should push the ownership of genuine Cadillac publications as a matter of course and the only real answer to solving problems.

I appreciate some owners use 'mechanics' to solve their problems. The genuine books are still needed.

The pump reservoir cannot have been completely empty otherwise the power steering would not have had power? So, power steering fluid, Dexron, is onlt used for a topping up situation.

If the system is completely empty, or if it has been dismantled for work done then GM Power Steering fluid is required to re-fill an empty system. See Serviceman early 1973 reminder.

The CLC needs to do what the UK Rolls-Royce Club has done, and the Australian RR Club by scanning and publishing these important documents for general consumption, not just members, in order to stop the wild speculative suggestions made on the Forum by ill-informed people. 

[billmorrow]

well, pretty obvious what that is and, no offense, but i would put you with my wife when i teach her the very basics of car ownership.. :-)
how to check motor oil, trans oil, and various fluid levels..
i agree with mr. seville life that this club should have manuals available for download..
i do that on my thinkpad forum you guys should do something similar..
also, jusrt FWIW i carry radiator coolant, transmission fluid and high zinc 10/30 motor oil in my '59 convertible and similar for the '70 eldo just in case..
maybe i will add a few fan belts but i rarely venture far from my lake oconee area in the '59 or the '70..

[Jw4]

I find it disturbing that such a question about something so basic on (presumably) a running car should be asked?

Well, not all people are mechanically inclined. Many of the new vehicle owners never look underneath the hood until the car stops somewhere. Since the question was asked, the power steering will be fixed, so this is a good thing 

i carry radiator coolant, transmission fluid and high zinc 10/30 motor oil in my '59 convertible and similar for the '70 eldo just in case..

And a fully inflated spare, I assume? 

[Snibbor]

Quite a barrage.....

For those of you who were "kind" in your remarks many thanx. For the "others", my life does not revolve around my caddy.....it revolves around golf and my trunk that holds 15 bags which is critical mass for my purposes....I frankly woke up (blurred with a keg sized hangover) and looked under the hood to check something my machine shop guy had done and had a "weak moment" when noticing the TFluid resevior....

Cheers

[Seville Life]

JW4 - that was my point, those who own news cars mostly don't know anything about them, they have a dealer, a service department and the auto-club recovery truck.

But when you own old cars, complicated old cars, that's a different thing. You might imagine that it could have problems, break down even. You needs books or if you're not mechanically minded another option. Not knowing what the power steering pump is odd because surely it requires the level checking?

Snibbor - I don't know if the 'kind' remark was directed at my very direct language? It's the only way forward. Do understand though if the system is empty you need GM Power Steering fluid, not Dexron transmission fluid (top-up only) and you can buy this from a GM dealer.