atf or p/s fluid... what to use?

[wagsg]

My daughter's '97 Mistu Galant calls for Dexron II ATF as p/s fluid. Is the newer Dexron III compatible (I'm assuming so) and should I use this, or should I use a product like Valvoline SynPower Power Steering fluid? Any recommendations on the best product to use? Thoughts are appreciated... thanks for the help!

 

[pbm]

I'm almost certain that all Mitsubishi's use the Chrysler 7176 fluid which may now be called something else. Go to Walmart and look for Chrysler/Mitsu/Hyundai fluid.

After posting I noticed that you are looking for power steering fluid and not A/T fluid. I think you can use Dex.III in p/s applications that call for Dex.II.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

Yes you can, it's backward compatible. I doubt if you can even find Mercon/Dexron II anymore.....

 

[BearZDefect]

Dexron III bottles usually indicate that their contents can be used in Dexron IIE appllications.

 

[wagsg]

Thanks for the response. I did see one brand of Dex III that did indicate Dex IIE compatibility. Would a Dex III atf be better than the Valvoline SynPower Power Steering fluid? I seem to remember some posts here that atf has some cleaning/conditioning properties that p/s steering fluid doesn't have. Either way, does anyone have a recommendation for the best brand and product?

 

[Kestas]

Like BearZ said, check the bottles, you'll get your answer there. I personally use Valvoline ps fluid for all my vehicles. It's like ATF without all the additives. The additives are unnecessary for ps, and may even be harmful in the long-term.

 

[Captain Howdy]

I was just about to ask the same question. The manual for our '02 Sentra says you can use Dexron III in place of power steering fluid.

I ended up buying the SuperTech power steering fluid to top it up.