Any advance to use Syn ATF in power steering?

[hungdynasty]

I may be wrong but I think the ATF as power steering fluid is just some kind of 'hydraulic' fluid in the power steering system so we have no advance to use synthetic ATF. Any opinion?

 

[johnicon]

I disagree. I use Mobil 1 in my 2001 Crown Vic's PS and I notice it is much easier to turn the wheel on those cold mornings. Other than that, though, I don't think there's a huge difference. Oh, yeah, extended drain interval.

 

[msparks]

Any reason not to? I mean it's less than a quart and you get all the benifits of a synthetic.

Better cold protection. Better hot protection (pump and hoses should last longer)

Less friction, less pump noise.

Those are just some advantages. I changed mine out at 20,000 on the truck.

I used Amsoil ATF

 

[hungdynasty]

Good points

 

[Tremo]

Some manufacturers call for ATF in their power steering systems while others call for dedicated power steering fluid. Best to go with whatever the manufacturer recommends, or a synthetic version thereof. Fords, AFAIK, call for ATF, so M1 ATF would be a good choice in them. OTOH, GMs call for PS fluid. I have an 88 Camaro with 150k on the clock, so I run a 50/50 mix of Valvoline Maxlife and Valvoline Synpower PS fluids in my PS system. Works fine.

 

[cos]

I've siphoned out the PS reservoir and refilled with Redline D4 ATF in both my Fords.

 

[hungdynasty]

So what's the real difference between ATF and Power Steering Fluid? Can you just use ATF in steering system which call for Power Steering Fluid?

 

[Hajoca]

Short Answer...

quote:

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Originally posted by Tremo:
Some manufacturers call for ATF in their power steering systems while others call for dedicated power steering fluid. Best to go with whatever the manufacturer recommends,

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[unDummy]

Seal compatibility with some pumps/racks is one reason to stick with OEM recommendations. But, I never had a problem using synth ATF in vehicles requiring PS fluid. So, I quit using PS fluid. ATF for everyone

 

[Rat407]

I ran ATF in my 91 Jetta's power steering with a dose of Auto RX for 2k miles and then flushed with 3 qts of MaxLife Power Steering fluid. I didn't even bother running the VW recommended fluid. Did a ton of research and in my old model VW either or will work. I just choosed to go with the Max life for the seal conditioner issue. It has 160k on the clock.