DEXRON ATF VS POWER STEERING FLUID

[PROSTOCKTOM]

Dexron was never ment to be a substitute for P/S fluid. I don't know how or why that ever came to be. If you're going to us something besides P/S fluid, and are just dying to use ATF, use Ford Type F. It's hydraulic fluid and that's what P/S pumps use.

Ford Type F has grit in it to make the clutches and the steels grab. Dexron does not does not have these friction modifiers.

Transmissions and power steering pumps are all hydraulic systems however transmission fluid will thicken up when it gets really cold.

Of course the friction of the transmission action causes heat so that isn't an issue in the winter. My guess is power steering fluid is thinner and maintains

a more consistent viscosity in all weather over the transmission fluid. I can't see how it hurts to use ATF in a power steering pump, but I sure wouldn't use Type F in it.

Tom

 

[oldkimmer]

I worked at a Ford Dealership in the mid 80s. Many ppl complained about the power steering whine. Ford always said they didn’t have power steering that they have power assist steering. Always put type F in them. I suggested Dexron and the whine pretty much went away. Made a lot of customers smile. Kim

 

[Bewy]

It always amazes me when folks use the wrong product for the job....when the correct product is just as readily available....

 

[oldkimmer]

It always amazes me when folks use the wrong product for the job....when the correct product is just as readily available....

Except ATF was the recommendation back then. So it’s not the wrong fluid every time.

 

[mopowers]

The manual for my Dakota specifies ATF for the steering pump.

 

[Swinger 340]

The manual for my Dakota specifies ATF for the steering pump.

I read the same somewhere, but I have also added PT fluid on top of ATF and never had a problem. As looking back on my 54 years of car ownership, I only changed one PT pump and that was on a 70 Cougar 351 C. The steering still, was working, but the front seal leaked.

 

[AUSA66]

I have been using the newer zf lifeguard transmission oil in my ps the newer 8hp70 transmission have chain driven vane pump much the same as the ps belt driven vane pump on the ps have been using it for 3 years now without any problems never noticed any foaming it is also designed to run at high temperature without burning like dex 3

 

[MopaR&D]

Earlier this year I had a PS pressure line start leaking on my D200 in the flexible rubber section. I was curious about the whole "ATF as power steering fluid" thing and spent quite a while on the web looking into it. Apparently it's close enough to work alright and not cause issues but some of the additives in ATF can degrade and damage the internal lining of flexible pressure lines over time and eventually lead them to fail. Needless to say I flushed the system on that truck when I replaced the lines and filled with fresh PS fluid.

There's no benefit to running ATF in a Mopar system anyway, just use PS fluid unless you're in a tight situation and don't have the option. JMO.