Special kind of power steering fluid?

[DSMvroom]

Hey guys my power streering fluid is REAL low and as such, the pump is making noises at me. I want to fill it but i want to make sure there isn't a specific type of fluid I have to use.

I work at an auto parts store, and we have a house brand p/s fluid and a p/s fluid for hondas specifically. Am I safe to use the house brand fluid? Thx guys.

 

[psychlow]

No, there isn't a special type of PS fluid to use in these cars.

Personally, I use ATF.

 

[Jafro]

I think a GVR4's owner's manual reccomends ATF for PS, but they're AWS.

I don't know what's reccommended for a GSX because for some reason mine came with a manual for a GS. Imagine my surprise when I followed the spec to gap the spark plugs and my car ran like shiot.

I used Lucas PS fluid. Why's your PS fluid low? Leak? Probably. Maybe try some of that Lucas stuff, it sealed mine up beautifully and it's compatible with conventional PS fluids. My PS pump was rebuilt, but leaked a tad afterwards. Lucas fixed it. It's supposed to recondition the seals, too.

 

[DSMvroom]

I dunno why my ps fluid is low. I bought the car in August and only now checked the fluid; and the fluid doesn't even touch the dipstick

Well, I guess I'll go into work tomorrow and just use the house brand ps fluid. I'm not sure I'm secure enough to use ATF in there.

Thx for input guys.

 

[RamenPride]

I believe the manual says to use ATF for the power steering.

 

[DSMvroom]

will dextron 3 be ok?

can we get any more info from anybody pls? much appreciated.

 

[yoshimitsuspeed]

I have used ATF for years.
We also used it on all the cars we worked on at the shop I worked at.

 

[giester2]

Most manufacturers (except Honda and Audi) tell you to use ATF, but power steering fluid is a better alternative. Reasons:

1. ATF allows for some friction, you do not want any friction in your power steering system

2. ATF is made to withstand 300-400psi, the power steering system has at least 1000psi. Increased pressure=increased heat, ATF will break down quicker and stop functioning as a good lubricate.

If you have a leaky power steering system though, you might as well use ATF till you can get the leak fixed (it will leak out before it breaks down). And if you are low on fluid you do have a leak (unless it is puking out the top of the reservoir but that is a whole other discussion)...ever see ATF evaporate???

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Fluids that contain agents that stops leaks are only a temporary fix. The way most work is that they swell the rubber in the seals in order to stop the leak. How does it know which seal is leaking...it doesn't so it swells all the seals (and hoses), which will eventual cause more leaks later.

 

[Strm Trpr]

Dexron II is what the manual calls for....
Dexron III should supercede Dexron II, but look on the back of the quart to know for sure....

 

[Tallen]

It's supposed to recondition the seals, too.

It swells the seals.

 

[scotthidley]

You need to use the proper fluid. The wrong fluid wil deteriorate the hoses, as they are formulated differently.

 

[Defiant]

I don't know what's reccommended for a GSX because for some reason mine came with a manual for a GS.

Uh... there is only one manual

 

[Defiant]

I work at an auto parts store, and we have a house brand p/s fluid and a p/s fluid for hondas specifically. Am I safe to use the house brand fluid? Thx guys.

Do any of your parts catalogs say anything?

 

[Jafro]

Uh... there is only one manual

My owner's manual that was in the glovebox of my used dsm (not my service manual) has zero specs in it for a turbo car. It's all full of Chrysler 420A info...

explain that one.

 

[DSMvroom]

none of our catalogs say anything about p/s fluid.

I was leaning towards getting ATF since it seems so many people use it, and I saw a bottle of mobil 1 full synth ATF that i might throw in. I'm just concerned with it mixing with whatever fluid is in there right now.

After all the input, I think i'm just going to stick with the house brand p/s fluid. I mean it's called p/s fluid for a reason and not ATF fluid rght?

 

[AWDPetmitsu]

The proper fluid to use is non-synthetic Dexron III ATF, which supercedes Dexron II. Do not use any p/s fluid.

 

[Defiant]

My owner's manual that was in the glovebox of my used dsm (not my service manual) has zero specs in it for a turbo car. It's all full of Chrysler 420A info...

explain that one.

Bizarre. The '96 I have here, and the '94, '95 and others I have for the Talons all include both. I'd like to see yours.

Meanwhile, BOT.

 

[giester2]

Do not use any p/s fluid.

Is there a reason for this? Are you saying this because that is what the manual says?

Just curious

 

[scotthidley]

Is there a reason for this? Are you saying this because that is what the manual says?

Just curious

I hate repeating myself. Stick to what the manufacturer recommends only. The hoses are not designed to work with anything else. While suppliers supply to various manufacturers, different hoses are used, as they are not compatible with all fluids. Read the manual to find out which fluid you need. I am a power steering engineer so I do know what I'm talking about here.

 

[91boost]

I am a power steering engineer so I do know what I'm talking about here.

I agree with what your saying, and I wasnt even gonna post to this thread. But as a mechanical engineer, I had to chuckle at the "power steering engineer" statement. Is that what your degree says?

 

[scotthidley]

I agree with what your saying, and I wasnt even gonna post to this thread. But as a mechanical engineer, I had to chuckle at the "power steering engineer" statement. Is that what your degree says?

I'll have my degree at the end of the year. I just have to complete my senior project which is designing an intake and exhaust manifold for my schools Formula SAE car. Schools taken me a little longer as my parents moved, and I had to find my own place to live, along with a way to pay for everything, which is when I started engineering. I've been doing Design and Release engineering for power steering for 5 years, and transmission lines for 2 or so. In the Motor City it isn't unusual to list your commodity, then add engineer to it. Don't worry, there's plenty of other non-degreed engineers in the auto industry

What sort of engineering do you do? I've been wanting to move back to Southern Fl, but haven't seen anything that's stable (aircraft industry is too unpredictable). I just applied for a manufacturing engineer position in Pensacola, but I'm still interested in other areas. I'm not interested in designing weapons either, which seems to be what's offered in Cocoa Beach.

 

[91boost]

What sort of engineering do you do? I've been wanting to move back to Southern Fl, but haven't seen anything that's stable (aircraft industry is too unpredictable). I just applied for a manufacturing engineer position in Pensacola, but I'm still interested in other areas. I'm not interested in designing weapons either, which seems to be what's offered in Cocoa Beach.

A bit OT, but...

I design jet engine(turbine section) components for one of the largest aircraft engine manufacturers in the world. If you really might be interested, especially in structures, shoot me a pm.