Power Steering System - Which Fluid???

[James Scott]

I did some work on my PS system.. Replaced old fluid with POWER STEERING FLUID.. . SOme here say it's OK. Some say change immediately!

ATF? or Power Steering Fluid? .. or BOTH OK ?

Whaddayatink???

Thanks, Jim

[thumper_svx]

ATF... no question. PS fluid will cause problems.

[Manarius]

It clearly says on the top of the PS Pump lid to use only DEXRON ATF.

[thumper_svx]

Originally Posted by Manarius

It clearly says on the top of the PS Pump lid to use only DEXRON ATF.

Exactly. Anything else basically has the wrong chemical makeup and therefore can cause all kinds of fun with seals, hoses and so on.

Look at BMW for an example of "wrong fluid"; it's widely felt that one of the biggest problems with the recent High Pressure Fuel Pump debacle (referred to as HPFP in the community) is because HPFP's are primarily designed for use in diesel engines. Diesel fuel lubricates seals, but gasoline dries them out. Although there's been no confirmation, the HPFP problem is widely regarded to be because of this.

[svxfiles]

Since it only takes about a quart of ATF to fill the system, I would replace what you have in there with Dexron.
The turkey baster method works just fine if you dont want to jack up the car.
(Less work, more fluid changes.)


BTW, I have been REALLY pleased with BG Products ATF!