Who is using ATF in your power steering system?

[slomo]

I was using Dex 3 in the Toyota. Says Dex 3 on the power steering cap and in the manual.

Flushed out the Dex 3 with real power steering fluid. Wow what an improvement. Silent pump now and no howling.

Did a full flush about 3 years ago with Dex 3. Turned wheel lock to lock and fluid was cherry red when done. It wasn't the fluid being old.

What are you guys running on your power steering rez?

 

[GRUMPYDUDE2]

Dex 3 or Dex 6 for top offs. Power steering fluid for flushes.

 

[demarpaint]

ATF+4 in both PS units in my two Jeeps. Both are operating flawlessly.

 

[dippschtick]

2018 4Runner with 115k miles.
Have been doing a suck and fill with M1 ATF since about 30k miles.
Have never had the issues you're describing.

 

[BHopkins]

I've been using M1 ATF, which is Dexron III compliant, for p/s fluid in my wife's '13 Outback since the first flush and fill at 34k miles. I did switch over to Valvoline Max, at the 120k mile flush and fill.

The Outback is now pushing 160k miles, and I have never had an issue with the power steering. Not a bit of noise.

I did read where GM recommends p/s fluid, instead of ATF, because p/s fluid has a higher flash point, and it is supposed to be better for the seals. I'm curious, other than the added a/w additives in ATF, what is the difference between the two?

 

[LouC]

Dex II was what my boat's P/S system had (similar to the old Bendix system used on Corvettes and unibody Fords) so that's what I continue to use in it.

 

[Astro14]

CHF-202 in Volvos
CHF-11s in the MBs
AMSOIL Ps Fluid in the truck

All as specified in the manual.

 

[jetman]

Amsoil ATL in everything we own or have owned.

 

[cptbarkey]

Year and model and mileage of the vehicle?
It might be a tired pump.

 

[ripcord]

Whatever the owners manual calls for. Mercon V and Type F in the Fords, PS Fluid in the Jeep, and nothing in the electrically steered Japanese cars.

I've used Dex III in older Ford trucks that spec'ed Type F without any issue but for my personal trucks, I've used Type F because, why not use the specified fluid? They're noisy no matter what you put in them.

 

[drtyler]

CHF-202 in Volvos
CHF-11s in the MBs
AMSOIL Ps Fluid in the truck

All as specified in the manual.

Doesn't the Tundra power steering system use Dexron III ATF per the manual?

I remember checking data sheet for the Amsoil PS fluid a while back, and I wasn't certain at the time if Amsoil recommended its use in applications calling for Dexron III fluid. Things may have changed though.

 

[D60]

Dex/Merc whenever possible.

I'm all for simplification and consolidation. Needing or spec'ing a very specific fluid for every system in every vehicle needs to stop. It also just encourages fleecing from the manufacturers, like selling you an ink jet and then requiring you use their cartridges.

 

[wlk]

Maxlife in Mercedes and older GMs. M1 ATF in Expedition

 

[Oillover]

30+ years on whatever ATF is available.
Vehicle is 37 years old with original pump, rack and hoses.
No leaks/noise etc.

 

[Astro14]

Doesn't the Tundra power steering system use Dexron III ATF per the manual?

I remember checking data sheet for the Amsoil PS fluid a while back, and I wasn't certain at the time if Amsoil recommended its use in applications calling for Dexron III fluid. Things may have changed though.

Good question.

Don’t remember. Not near the truck at the moment.

I thought the tundra was fairly generic for its specification, I don’t think it required DEX -III.

 

[drtyler]

Good question.

Don’t remember. Not near the truck at the moment.

I thought the tundra was fairly generic for its specification, I don’t think it required DEX -III.

My curiosity got the best of me. The 2019 manual shows Dexron II or III. The Amsoil PS fluid is probably an upgrade. Its viscosity (7.5 cSt) is in line with Dex III fluid.

 

[Astro14]

My curiosity got the best of me. The 2019 manual shows Dexron II or III. The Amsoil PS fluid is probably an upgrade. Its viscosity (7.5 cSt) is in line with Dex III fluid.

View attachment 257807

Thanks - been a while since I even looked. I think I went AMSOIL just so it would be clear and not red, allowing me to see if it was getting dirty. The OEM fill was clear, so, I wonder what, exactly, Toyota puts in there…

 

[BrendanC]

i had dex III in my silverado’s P/S system . went back with GM P/S fluid and it was a night and day difference. even more so when i updated to a 07+ 2500/3500HD P/S pump.

at my other job the penny pinchers don’t want to spring for GM P/S fluid so i run the Fram P/S fluid from AAP. it’s clear like the GM stuff and makes the systems act like new.

for the Honda’s i use the Fram honda P/S fluid as hondas don’t play well with normal fluids.

regardless, i think dedicated P/S fluid is better than a transmission fluid as transmission fluid is a heavily engineer fluid designed to reduce friction in some instances while increasing it in others. YMWV.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Dexron III (M1 ATF) in my Ford Taurus. For years, it's been the only car with hydraulic steering. The 15 Outback and 13 CX-5 were both electric. I've since retired the CX-5 for a Nissan Frontier which is hydraulic but uses Nissan power steering fluid.

 

[nthach]

Never had an issue with MaxLife as PSF. For Hondas, I’ll use OE or Idemitsu. On Euro stuff, it’s Pentosin unless ATF is called for.