Power Steering Fluid Question

[Gebo]

If a car calls for Dexron III for its power steering fluid, is it better to use a synthetic power steering fluid in place of the Dexron III? I am using a synthetic Dexron III currently.

I just read Molakule's post where he recommended using an Asian Specific fluid in a Honda where Honda says to use their own OEM Power Steering fluid. I get that and would do what Molakule recommends. However, I don't have any Honda's. I just got Toyotas and the ones with PS fluid all say to use Dexron III and I use the Amsoil ATF.

 

[BrianF]

You may get better life out of the fluid by using a synthetic. Perhaps the product will be more shear friendly, offer better wear etc. Unless you have some sort of filter, there is a limited capacity for wear material regardless of the fluid.

I think the real advantage to running a synthetic, such as Amsoil ATF is for the cold weather properties. I switched to Amsoil ATF in my Trailblazer (I think Amsoil makes great products that are ridiculously inflated in price but I got a pile of their ATF for free from my brother). The factory fluid had poor cold flow on winter starts, the pump would honk and groan to no end. Now with the synthetic it will make a few noises around that -25C and colder.

The factory fluid was very dark and smelling slightly burnt when I began changing it and the Amsoil is keeping its color and smell. I will be starting some drain/fills of the PS system this fall and using up my low viscosity Amsoil ATF to see if there is better cold weather performance.

 

[GMBoy]

Since DEXRON III is no longer licensed you would only have the choices of Universal AT fluids, which would be fine. I would not use a DEXRON VI fluid because it is only backwards compatible in transmission service - not transfer cases or power steering systems.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Also, once you have the system changed over to the fluid of your choice, you can use a turkey baster on one pump volume every oil change. That's what I do and it keeps it the original color.

 

[StevieC]

I have put Amsoil Synthetic PSF in place of my Dodge PSF which requested Mopar power steering fluid or ATF+4 I also used the Amsoil in my Santa Fe Power Steering unit which called for SP-III ATF. No noise, no wear issues.

 

[mclasser]

My old Infiniti called for Dex III in the PS and I used MaxLife ATF with no issues.

 

[benjy]

many times some real synthetic fluids are part of an OE blend to meet a spec, Dexron VI is an example, Amsoil is good stuff but is it better than needed + worth the xtra $$$, whereas just fresh standard fluids can be good, your $$$ + choice

 

[tig1]

I have used Mobil 1 ATF in Fords for the last 28 Years with no trans or PS Pump failures.

 

[Bebop367]

I used Redline D4 trans. fluid in P/S of 3 Toyota's since 2005.
About twice a year I pump out P/S reservoir and refill new fluid.
No problems or repairs.

 

[Leo99]

I still have the factory fill in my Rav4. No problems or repairs. It's black. Really black but it does its job.

If I was to replace it, I'd use Supertech Dex III fluid.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted by GMBoy
Since DEXRON III is no longer licensed you would only have the choices of Universal AT fluids, which would be fine. I would not use a DEXRON VI fluid because it is only backwards compatible in transmission service - not transfer cases or power steering systems.

In Nissan/Infiiniti applications, it seems to be, with various manual verbiage and labelling and so forth on the G37 allowing older Dexron, Matic J, Matic S, with a specific call for Dexron-VI here. The previous car called for the older Dexron, and I highly doubt Nissan redesigned the power steering system with Dexron-VI in mind, but that's what they specify. For the matter, Pentosin claims their CHF 11S is suitable, too.

Of course, that says little about other applications.

 

[MaximaGuy]

You are better off using Maxlife Dex3 synthetic ATF atleast that is what I use in my Toyotas.
Flush by raising the car with front wheels off the floor, remove 3/8" return line from reservoir and connect a clear hose to it to the aluminum pipe snaking its way to the reservoir. Drain reservoir and plug the 3/8" return hose coming of the reservoir with a pencil and clamp it. Put car in ACC and do steering lock until no fluid comes of the return line. Fill reservoir with fresh ATF and push 1Q through the system. Reconnect the hoses to the reservior and fill reservior with ATF. Start car and do steering locks to push out air trapped, lower vehicle and done.

 

[MaximaGuy]

Always use synthetic ATF in PS because their capacities are almost always 1Q and if you do it every 60K then plain vanilla ATF will tear down.
Small capacities demand synthetics and MaxLife is a great ATF and PS fluid and forget about it.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted by MaximaGuy
You are better off using Maxlife Dex3 synthetic ATF atleast that is what I use in my Toyotas.
Flush by raising the car with front wheels off the floor, remove 3/8" return line from reservoir and connect a clear hose to it to the aluminum pipe snaking its way to the reservoir. Drain reservoir and plug the 3/8" return hose coming of the reservoir with a pencil and clamp it. Put car in ACC and do steering lock until no fluid comes of the return line. Fill reservoir with fresh ATF and push 1Q through the system. Reconnect the hoses to the reservior and fill reservior with ATF. Start car and do steering locks to push out air trapped, lower vehicle and done.


The MAXLIFE transmission fluid is actually DEXRON6 equivalent (read the label). A very good choice in a wide variety of transmissions.

 

[bbhero]

Originally Posted by Leo99
I still have the factory fill in my Rav4. No problems or repairs. It's black. Really black but it does its job.

If I was to replace it, I'd use Supertech Dex III fluid.



^^^^^^^^^

I agree. That's what I have used.

 

[groomerz]

You guys are discussing power steering fluids and at least you all are talking about using the correct type of fluid. This story blows me away and no doubt is true. Toyota says ATF for power steering fluid as the factory fill is undyed ATF so its clear. Yet the local dealer doesn't use it when servicing. They buy the standard clear power steering fluid in bulk from there lube supplier and never had any issues per toyota parts manager that has been doing this for a long time. She said that the mechanics will use standard power steering fluid in customers cars yet use atf in their personal cars as they just can't get behind using ps when toyota specs atf. BTW I use ATF

My guess is that it is not a big deal as it is just hydraulic pump and seals and hydraulic rack.. No clutch material involved. and both atf and p/s are hydraulic fluids