Would it be safe to run ATF in my power steering on my 1988 Chevy Suburban or do I need that special GM power steering fluid?
I read somewhere that 1972 to 1987 needed this fluid because ATF would eat the seals and GM changed the design in 1992 or somewhere around that time...but what about the cars and truck made between 1987 and 1992?
This is what I read...
Power steering pumps from 73-87 use specific power steering fluid. Both ATF and brake fluid have been used as replacement power steering fluid, both destroy the seals in power steering pumps of that era. Brake fluid destroys seals almost immediately, ATF takes a few months (but never fails to destroy them eventually).
I read somewhere that 1972 to 1987 needed this fluid because ATF would eat the seals and GM changed the design in 1992 or somewhere around that time...but what about the cars and truck made between 1987 and 1992?
This is what I read...
Power steering pumps from 73-87 use specific power steering fluid. Both ATF and brake fluid have been used as replacement power steering fluid, both destroy the seals in power steering pumps of that era. Brake fluid destroys seals almost immediately, ATF takes a few months (but never fails to destroy them eventually).