Synthetic/Synthetic Blend ATF - Power steering?

[JoeFromPA]

Hey all,

I have 2 quarts of ~5 year old synthetic (or synthetic blend) ATF sitting among my car stuff. Used it back in the day to flush a volvo 850 turbo trans.

Anywho, I haven't nor do I intend to own an auto transmission in the next few years.

However, one of my cars has a good ol' fashioned power steering system (the Subaru Legacy GT).

I was wondering if there are any concerns or things I should watch out for if I wanted to, at some point, sucking out the fluid in my power steering system and topping it off with this ATF?

Thanks all,

Joe

 

[JoeFromPA]

Btw, forgetting the brand right now. Something commercially and readily available. Red bottle.

 

[heypete]

Is the power steering system on the Subaru designed to use ATF? If so, does the ATF meet the appropriate specs called for in the Subaru (e.g. my Toyota calls for Dexron III ATF, so I ensure that whatever I use meets that spec)?

If so, you should be good to go.

 

[mechtech2]

I'd use it. The 'turkey baster' flush is easy, quick, and clean.
You have to start it up between repeats to mix things - move the wheel too.

 

[JoeFromPA]

Will do, on both counts. If I concern it's fine, then I'll do a turkey baster flushing

No real need to flush the power steering, but what the heck. Might as well run a quart of the ATF through at, say, 45k, and then another at 90k.

 

[artificialist]

I have done the turkey baster method to several cars, replacing old ATF with new synthetic ATF.

No problems. ever.

 

[MonumentOiler]

Remove the bottom reservior hose
Drain
Fill
Run

I used to do the baster now I do this. Much easier, cleaner and faster.

 

[mechtech2]

Monument -
There is no way that your system is easier, cleaner, or faster than a turkey baster flush. It involves more work, time, and mess.
Plus, your stated system only gets a little fluid out - one reservoir full. Or do you repeat the process, adding even more time, the possibility of broken or stripped components, and spilled fluid? Because there will be spilled fluid - a little or a lot.