ATF in power steering sump

[RobbS]

I flushed out the power steering resivoir with Mobil1 ATF.
ITS A 2003 Ford Focus. I have been using the Mobil1 for decades now.
Is using quality ATF as power steering fluid common? Anybody hear of it or use it?
Just curious

 

[SC Maintenance]

My Nissan's say in the manual I can use Nissan branded PS Fluid, or Dex 6. So I am guessing the Nissan stuff is Dex 6 also?

 

[RobbS]

My Nissan's say in the manual I can use Nissan branded PS Fluid, or Dex 6. So I am guessing the Nissan stuff is Dex 6 also?

Yes I would believe so.
I flush it out every 30k miles or when it darkens up. I add 2 oz of MILITEC1 also

 

[Boomer]

Always used Mobil 1 ATF in all my hydraulic PS units. My VWs now have electric PS so no more fluids or p;umps.

 

[Chris142]

ATF used to be used in PS all the time.

Once I wanted to drain and fill my jeep so I had the stealer bring out some what I thought was Mopar ps fluid.

They brought out Valvoline ATF+4.

I used it anyway thinking they knew something I didn't. My ps pump screamed on that fluid.

I ended up using prestone ps fluid and all is well.

 

[Four Rings]

Yes I would believe so.
I flush it out every 30k miles or when it darkens up. I add 2 oz of MILITEC1 also

MILITEC-1, the synthetic firearm lubricant/cleaner?

 

[The_Jeff]

Used it forever ago in my Saturn. Really lessened the growl when it was -15F out.

 

[demarpaint]

My 88 Ford takes Type F ATF in the PS system, and both Jeeps take ATF+4. The ATF works great in all three vehicles ranging from 1988-2016.

 

[NibbanaBanana]

I think all of my vehicles use ATF for power steering fluid. It's just hydraulic fluid after all.

 

[RobbS]

MILITEC-1, the synthetic firearm lubricant/cleaner?

MILITEC1, yes. I use 2oz in the power steering sump and 8oz in the engine oil. Have been for 30 years. We use it at work on all types of pumps and compressors.
This subject is taboo on these forums.

 

[97prizm]

I flushed out the power steering resivoir with Mobil1 ATF.
ITS A 2003 Ford Focus. I have been using the Mobil1 for decades now.
Is using quality ATF as power steering fluid common? Anybody hear of it or use it?
Just curious

Numerous vehicles use atf instead of power steering fluid. My geo and my parents Pontiac vibe used atf.

 

[gman2304]

I use Supertech MerconV in my 2000 Ford Focus. I siphon my PS reservoir using a Turkey baster every couple of months getting about a pint out each time and it stays nice and red and still drives like new. My manual calls for MerconV.

 

[RobbS]

I use Supertech MerconV in my 2000 Ford Focus. I siphon my PS reservoir using a Turkey baster every couple of months getting about a pint out each time and it stays nice and red and still drives like new. My manual calls for MerconV.

View attachment 314586

Same car. Looks awfully familiar. How many miles? Mine is at 174k running like new.

 

[gman2304]

Same car. Looks awfully familiar. How many miles? Mine is at 174k running like new.

It’s a one owner I bought in April at 119,000 miles, currently at 133,000 miles. I’ve replaced the tired front sway bar links, lower ball joints and struts which made a world of difference in the ride and handling. It’s my DD and day trip car and runs and drives great. It uses no oil between 5,000 mile OCI’s using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w30. I love the simplicity of this little wagon, and it averages 29 to 30 mpg. My wife has really warmed up to it and says it’s so easy to drive and park in most any parking space.

 

[Jay73]

Now=No
Decades Ago=Yes

In my twenties had a car with a power steering leak that was beyond a simple cheap repair so I used ATF as cheaper and it ended up on the ground eventually anyway. I eventually took the power steering belt off and had some ripped forearms for a while.

 

[RobbS]

It’s a one owner I bought in April at 119,000 miles, currently at 133,000 miles. I’ve replaced the tired front sway bar links, lower ball joints and struts which made a world of difference in the ride and handling. It’s my DD and day trip car and runs and drives great. It uses no oil between 5,000 mile OCI’s using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w30. I love the simplicity of this little wagon, and it averages 29 to 30 mpg. My wife has really warmed up to it and says it’s so easy to drive and park in most any parking space.

View attachment 314593

View attachment 314594

View attachment 314595

Yeah, I have the same car, performed same repairs up front. The car just keeps going. I keep the MILITEC1 in it, runs like a top.i have the 5 speed stick shift. Best car I have in the snow too.

 

[kschachn]

MILITEC1, yes. I use 2oz in the power steering sump and 8oz in the engine oil. Have been for 30 years. We use it at work on all types of pumps and compressors.
This subject is taboo on these forums.

Only when presented in the way it was.

 

[gman2304]

This subject is taboo on these forums.

Out of curiosity I googled Militec1 ……interesting.

 

[marc1]

Is using quality ATF as power steering fluid common? Anybody hear of it or use it?

Every vehicle in my signature, including my "newer" Tacoma specifies ATF in the owner's manual or factory service manual. Specifically:

Tacoma - Dexron II or III
AMX - Dexron
Impala - Type A (pre-Dexron ATF)

I think, not just in my case, this is quite common.

 

[paulo57509]

The only car I owned that specified ATF was my '63 Bonneville - Type A. I just used Dex II.

The LS430 specs Dex III, so it gets what ever is equivalent or Dex VI (have a bunch of left over quarts).

Camaro gets GM P/S fluid or equivalent.

The Toyota has electric P/S.

Dang, I feel old.