GM doesn't approve of ATF as PS fluid

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GMorg

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Vehicle: 2005 Montana SV6 AWD

My manual does not recommend ATF as PS fluid. The recommendations are a general-use mineral-based Goodwrench fluid or an Artic-use synthetic Goodwrench fluid (Corvette recommendation too). I have heard rumors that ATF will eventually cause seal leakage in GM power steering units. Does anyone know anything authoritative about Mobil 1 Syn ATF and LONG-TERM seal compatibility on GM power steering systems.
 
Only anecdotal, but older Mercedes-Benz power steering fluid units are listed the same way. Use their PSF, which is essentially an undyed dexron type fluid it seems, and risk leakage if ATF is used.

However, lots of folks use ATF, and there is conflicting info in some places that ATF is OK.

Some folks get leaks, some folks don't. This is on 30 year-old cars no less, with original systems. All seem to work well.

So not a direct answer, but for example I have a 1982 MB that is using ATF as a PSF, no leaks. That said, I do use the right fluid for the job.

Why not just go syn PSF? Something like Redline?
 
I have used Redline PSF, Valvoline MaxLife Power Steering Fluid, and now Amsoil makes a good one that I am currently using in some apps like Hondas, etc.
 
I work with seal engineers and asked them about compatibility issues. We make seals for the OEM market. They told me that they test their seals with the manufacturer's specified fluid and nothing else. There's no budget to test contingency cases.

So the best we can do is read between the lines. Perhaps the "use only" specification comes from the fact that manufacturers haven't tested their seals with other fluids, and thus can't guarantee performance with other fluids. Additionally, it may be specified because they want to simplify fluid stock at the dealerships and use the same fluid used for transmissions.

The fact that thousands of people have used synthetic ATF or generic ps fluid where regular ATF is specified leads me to believe that on a practical level it's not that big a deal.
 
Mobil 1 ATF came out about 20 years ago as memory serves me, and I have used it ever since in transmissions and PS pumps. I,ve never had a pump failure and only one line leak on my old Ranger.
 
If they viscosity is correct, I'd imagine they won't have much problem using ATF or not. The only problem I see is Honda having a bit of detergents and being thicker than ATF.
 
I grabbed some newer Mercedes-Benz power steering fluid and it was red, about $5. I speculated it was ATF+4 because Chrysler-Daimler just finished approving ATF+4 as a PSF for their products.

I have an Audi fill chart somewhere that says not to use ATF as PSF, but many many guys use Mobil 1 ATF to replace Pentosin (hiss) and have 100% good results. In fact, I still get emails from Audi guys updating and thanking me for the recommendation.

I was told here by Mola or someone that ATF has a slight seal swelling effect, that imo would nicely compensate for worn seals.

I use it all the time. Had it in a few Hondas.
 
I am currently switching from GM synthetic PSF to Redline. I am not a fan of GM synthetic PSF (Artic PSF). So far, for this vehicle my favorite fill has been Valvoline Synthetic. The Redline seems to be a big improvement over GM-Artic, but the full replacement is not finished yet.
 
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
btw- I've heard bad things about the Canadian GM synthetic PSF.

I think the GM cold climate stuff is relabeled Chevron Havoline Cold Climate PSF, which is no longer listed on their website.

Back when it was listed, I snagged a copy of the PDF spec sheet. I just put it on my web site.
 
I have seen that many of the landrover guys suggest that the Goodwrench product and the Texaco product as equivalent.
 
Originally Posted By: GMorg
I have seen that many of the landrover guys suggest that the Goodwrench product and the Texaco product as equivalent.

Also, regular GM power steering fluid and the cold climate PSF used to come in the same type of bottle, so I suspect that regular GM power steering fluid is just Chevron Havoline PSF.

Of course, there could be a 3rd-party re-bottler that sources drums/tankcars from different suppliers.
 
Originally Posted By: GMorg
I am currently switching from GM synthetic PSF to Redline. I am not a fan of GM synthetic PSF (Artic PSF). So far, for this vehicle my favorite fill has been Valvoline Synthetic. The Redline seems to be a big improvement over GM-Artic, but the full replacement is not finished yet.


I've been having good results with Redline D4 in all of my power steering.
 
Redline D4 seems to work well in systems that recommend ATF (Fords for example). My question is about systems that recommend against ATF and specifically GM systems. My concern is about LONG-TERM effects of ATF on the seals used by GM. The concern is due to the many recommendations against Mobil ATF after long-term use in GMs. I have also seen similar concerns from owners of BMWs, Audis, VWs, and LandRovers. However, I have not seen any authoritative information other than GM owners manuals.
 
My original conclusion was that GM (or their suppliers) just hadn't tested it and ATF would probably be fine. However, based on comments from others, there may be a long-term issue with seals. I haven't seen any reason stated by GM.
 
I was looking through the owners manual from a new 2010 Camaro this afternoon. Guess what the new recommended PSF is?

Dexron VI.
 
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