y5mgisi
1 ton status
Whats your thoughts?
CK5
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Using ATF instead of power steering fluid?
- Thread starter y5mgisi
- Start date
Stomis
Professional Amateur
My thoughts is that it works perfectly fine but doesnt have the proper additives for the seals therefore causing your pump and or box to leak pre-maturly.
Pretty much just buy PS fluid unless your in a bad pinch.
Pretty much just buy PS fluid unless your in a bad pinch.
KansasTwister
1/2 ton status
i always heard it was the same thing minus the color of the dye, but dont know how true that rings. Granted dad has got me using type FA transmission fluid.
4xcrazy
3/4 ton status
Power steering fluid definately has a different texture to it, never really researched the differences, i've always used trans fluid in the systems with no ill effects, but lately with getting older, and being alittle more of a perfectionist, or trying to be, i like to run the correct stuff in there.
If it DOES spring a seal leak somewhere, i just add about a cap full of brake fluid to the system, in a few days it stops leaking.
If it DOES spring a seal leak somewhere, i just add about a cap full of brake fluid to the system, in a few days it stops leaking.
Stomis
Professional Amateur
Power steering fluid definately has a different texture to it, never really researched the differences, i've always used trans fluid in the systems with no ill effects, but lately with getting older, and being alittle more of a perfectionist, or trying to be, i like to run the correct stuff in there.
If it DOES spring a seal leak somewhere, i just add about a cap full of brake fluid to the system, in a few days it stops leaking.
Splain the brake fluid?
4xcrazy
3/4 ton status
Splain the brake fluid?
it swells the seals, softens them up, IF the leak isn't too bad anyways.
it's also a "get me by" type of fix, it'll last a few months then you'll still end up having to replace the seal anyways.
it's just a time buyer trick
Like Stomis said, it will work fine, but will be more apt to leak.
Martin
Martin
Hossbaby50
3/4 ton status
I have done it for years and never really noticed any major issues. In a perfect world it isn't the best option but in the real world it works fine.
lots of newer vehicles no longer use power steering fluid from the factory. thay have now gone to atf in there systems.
I've worked on cars before where ATF was the proper p/s fluid. Namely Suzukis and Volvos up to 98 anyways.
Any old GM I've built or owned or restored I used ATF as the p/s fluid with no problems to this day. Is it the right fluid? Prob not. But it works.
Any old GM I've built or owned or restored I used ATF as the p/s fluid with no problems to this day. Is it the right fluid? Prob not. But it works.
I use ATF in mine too, going on 6 or 7 years with on problem
y5mgisi
1 ton status
Now that i think of it, Why would atf promote leaks? The automatic transmission is packed with seals. not only the input/output, but each clutch pack is activated by fluid pressure pushing against a very large seal.
Stomis
Professional Amateur
Its a good question. Theyre both hydraulic systems, both use seemingly the same seal material but that is what I've always hold.
str8axle55
1/2 ton status
I use ATF, always have, no issues to speak of.
i you read most hydro assist places directions thay have said NOT to use atf . must use p/s fluid or it will foam up.
and fords have been atf on the p/s stuff for years now.
and fords have been atf on the p/s stuff for years now.
Most GM vehicles say right on the cap to use ATF.
DEMON44
Low-Tech Redneck
in my old 24v cummins truck, had to use synthetic ATF to get rid of the pump groan when it was nutcracking cold in the winter here.
mallardchandler
1/2 ton status
Most, if not all, miliraty vehicles over here in the desert use atf.
i think all the "power steering fluid only" stuff is bunk.... internet rumor, manufacturers trying to avoid warranty claim type bs... the big 3 ran ATF as power steering fluid FROM the factory for decades.... I've been doing it for 30 yrs and i've NEVER seen a leak caused by it...
Same here...plus all my od owners manuals say to use "Genuine GM P/S fluid OR Dextron ATF in the P/S resiviour..some said if your replacing LL the fluid to use P/S fluid,to top it off adding ATF is OK...I've used 100% Dextron in all my trucks ..
I've always used Dextron in my P/S pumps and Fisher plow pumps and haven't had any trouble whatsoever....if I had a Honda though,or other import,I'd use ONLY what they tell you too,they have seals that melt if you use the wrong fluid,probably designed that way on purpose to increase dealer profits and parts sales..
I've always used Dextron in my P/S pumps and Fisher plow pumps and haven't had any trouble whatsoever....if I had a Honda though,or other import,I'd use ONLY what they tell you too,they have seals that melt if you use the wrong fluid,probably designed that way on purpose to increase dealer profits and parts sales..
