Anyone use Valvoline MaxLife ATF in their PS?

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TheBig2003

TheBig2003

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I have used Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF in my transmissions, but I am wondering if anyone has used the MaxLife Dex/Merc in their P/S systems and what type of results you guys have had.

It would be great to hear from any of the Chrysler guys out there...specifically the 2005-2010 Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300's and 2006-2010 Dodge Charger owners.
 
I have used it in the PS for my 2005 Kia Sedona for 2 years now and had no issues FWIW. Also learned here that it is a great sub for Diamond III ATF.
 
Originally Posted By: Conman
Would work great in Chrysler P/S, and most others. Chrysler calls for an ATF+4 for a lot of their P/S systems. Maxlife is compatible with ATF+4.


AFAIK Maxlife ATF is not recommended for Chrysler's calling for ATF+4. I'd use ATF+4 and play it safe. BTW I use Maxlife, just but not for Chrysler products. Opinions vary.

Here's a list of what Maxlife replaces. Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required.
 
I have Maxlife in my Ford F-150 and 2002 Taurus, as well as my 2004 Nissan Xterra.

It seems to make less noise in the Fords than anything else I placed in them.
 
I'm using it in the Corolla. No issues at all although I'll be switching it to Amsoil soon since I switched the trans over as well.

60K or so with the Maxlife though and all has been well. I add an ounce of LG red as well.
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: Conman
Would work great in Chrysler P/S, and most others. Chrysler calls for an ATF+4 for a lot of their P/S systems. Maxlife is compatible with ATF+4.


AFAIK Maxlife ATF is not recommended for Chrysler's calling for ATF+4. I'd use ATF+4 and play it safe. BTW I use Maxlife, just but not for Chrysler products. Opinions vary.

Here's a list of what Maxlife replaces. Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required.


Absolutely correct. Chryslers ATF+4 is special and regular max life doesn't equal or meet the ATF+4 spec.
Fwiw I've noticed that most Chrysler products I've seen use the same fluid in the power steering as is used in the tranny,though it may not be the case 100% of the time in my experience with dodge whatever is specified in the tranny is also specified in the power steering as well as the transfer case if applicable.
Valvoline does make a specific ATF+4 fluid but its stand alone and doesn't also meet other specs. Mobil makes an ATF+4 fluid also,so there are lots of options out there and a person isn't stuck with only one option.
 
Originally Posted By: TheBig2003
I have used Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF in my transmissions, but I am wondering if anyone has used the MaxLife Dex/Merc in their P/S systems and what type of results you guys have had.

I'm using it now in a Subaru that specs a Dex3 in the tranny and PS. First flush I did with Mobil Super ATF+4 and it seemed to work OK. The steering was REALLY smooth for the first bit but it faded pretty quickly.

I've recently flushed the PS (did a tranny drain/fill) with MaxLife and I was surprised at both the colour change of the old ATF+4 and at how smooth the MaxLife has been. It's been about 5 months and still feels fresh. I'll do another change in the summer.

After doing more digging and research it's clear that the ATF+4 is an older spec and isn't up to the performance of the newer fluids like MaxLife.

If I remember correctly, ATF+4 is one of the 'problem' specs that only applies if you use a specific add-pack. There are other specs like this and it's silly but it's promoting a specific additive, not a performance level. In a situation like this the performance of the fluid has no bearing on it's ability to be certified. This is a disservice to the consumer.
 
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It's in the Boy's Nissans power steering. Just did a couple drain/refills for them a few months ago. No issues at all.
Good and affordable ATF for sure.

JP
 
Thanks guys, loving the comments. Decided that after talking with a rep from Valvoline and the experiences I have had with Valvoline Maxlife - look at my previous posts and vehicles I use it in - that this is the best choice for me.

Did a nice flush this morning and it actually solved my clunk when turning to the right at ultra low speeds. It had to have been something in the rack, but hey, solved my issue!
 
I use it in my Chryslers.
wink.gif
 
the MaxLife PS is transparent, looks weird but it would help greatly to see how it gets dirty. problem is i used Redline PS before and red, so its still red. basted the resv out a few times to get that qt in
 
I changed my Toyota pickup over to it about 4 years ago and it's still running smooth and quiet. System calls for a dex3. No issues.
 
After re-digging-up some old info on ATF+4 I can see why it wasn't a good choice for the steering or the tranny. Really happy with the switch to MaxLife.
 
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