Amsoil Power Steering Fluid vs. Amsoil ATF

[Turk]

Yo, Pablo & others:

Noticed Amsoil's site recommends their ATF for some vehicles and their Power Steering Fluid for other vehicles Power Steering Fluid system.

My Saturn & Camry says ATF, while my 2003 GMC Sierra recommends PSF use.

I want to R&R the Sierra's PSF & have lots of ATF at home, but no PSF.

Ok to use ATF or should I go with the PSF?

Thanks!

 

[Donald]

What does the owners manual say? Is your Amsoil ATF spec'ed for that?

The power steering is a pure hydraulic system with little to wear (no clutch discs as in an AT). I think one could almost any oil. The hydraulic power trim on my boat says to use 30W non detergent oil. The Bobcat I have (is all hydraulic including power to the wheels) says to use special Bobcat hydraulic fluid, or 10W30 motor oil.

Given that the PS uses a tiny amount of fluid and it not critical you change it anytime soon, I would use what the manual says to. But I do not think its critical at all. Most cars end up in the junk yard and the PS was never touched.

 

[oilboy123]

Use power steering fluid where required, and ATF where required for best results. I have used Amsoil ATF in an application years ago "Chrysler", but did not notice any problems. Don't recommend that as a preferred course of action though.

 

[Turk]

My Manual says "GM Power Steering Fluid".

But that isn't the question as other vehicle's manuals say PSF also, but you can use ATF no biggie.

Most likely I can use either, just want to know if I can use the Amsoil ATF as I have 2 Gallons of it here or if I "should" get their PSF. Leaning towards the PSF. Want to do it this weekend. Want the best for super cold -20F to -40F operation up here in Mn.

 

[Turk]

Amsoil site wasn't loading so I could not load up the specs before...

Here's the comparison:

Spec | ATF | PSF

Viscosity @ 100°C: 7.6 | 7.34

Viscosity @ 40°C: 38.9 | 32.23

Viscosity Index: 168 | 204

Pour Point: -63F | -60F

Four Ball Wear Test, Scar in mm: 0.41 | 0.708

Brookfield Viscosity @ -40°C: 9800 | 8560

 

[Pablo]

ATF is what you have and what you should use. It will work fine.

Amsoil typically just recommends what is in the database. I can't remember the name of the live data compiler - AllData, or Allservice or something - but basically a known company who collects and monitors all manufacturers factory recommendations and updates. So if one year the factory says power steering fluid and similar model same or another year says ATF, Amsoil just uses those recommendations. If you want to challenge the recommendation, Amsoil is open minded - especially if there is an error.

 

[Turk]

Very good, Pablo.

I just did the 1st turkey baster suckage, drove the neighborhood with many end-end turns. Will do another draw-out next week.

The old "moan" that's been there with the old Valvoline SynPower Power Steering Fluid is gone!

 

[oilboy123]

Amsoil is good for making the systems quieter....

 

[ltslimjim]

Originally Posted By: tpitcher
Very good, Pablo.

I just did the 1st turkey baster suckage, drove the neighborhood with many end-end turns. Will do another draw-out next week.

The old "moan" that's been there with the old Valvoline SynPower Power Steering Fluid is gone!

Wow! Can you use Amsoil's PSF in a 2003 Honda LX 1.7L? My friend's have a car that is 'base line' "maintained" and the Power Steering system has never been serviced.

 

[Turk]

Don't know about that, ask Pablo, but Amsoil ATF sure works great in my Sierra!