420A What Power Steering fluid?

[Colin Chevy]

I have a 96 Eagle Talon and I’m just wondering what power steering fluid I should use. I’ve looked at a lot of other people asking the same question and everyone says Dexron-Vl. I just want to make sure so that way I don’t screw up my car since I just bought it.

 

[CKOPOCT]

Yes, Dexron is the correct fluid. See page 36 of the service manual:

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The service manuals are found here:

DSM Maintenance Guide

You have a factory turbocharged DSM so, of course, you want to go fast. Before you do there are several maintenance checks you will want to run through. These cars have an unfair reputation of being unreliable in other circles - much of that reputation is due to new owners throwing on a boost...

www.dsmtuners.com

 

[dwb]

This is from the 97-99 service manual...

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[Colin Chevy]

Yes, Dexron is the correct fluid. See page 36 of the service manual:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

The service manuals are found here:

DSM Maintenance Guide

You have a factory turbocharged DSM so, of course, you want to go fast. Before you do there are several maintenance checks you will want to run through. These cars have an unfair reputation of being unreliable in other circles - much of that reputation is due to new owners throwing on a boost...

www.dsmtuners.com

Yes, Dexron is the correct fluid. See page 36 of the service manual:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

The service manuals are found here:

DSM Maintenance Guide

You have a factory turbocharged DSM so, of course, you want to go fast. Before you do there are several maintenance checks you will want to run through. These cars have an unfair reputation of being unreliable in other circles - much of that reputation is due to new owners throwing on a boost...

www.dsmtuners.com

So dexron 2 is the same as dexron 4?

 

[CKOPOCT]

No. The two are not the same.

The short answer is they are both ATF, but their chemical formulation is different. I cannot speak to its use in the power steering system so would advise you to get Dx2. I would GUESS that since the PS system isn't subjected to the same stresses and isn't comprised of the same components (viscous bands, valves, etc.) as an automatic transmission, you can probably use either. The seals are the only thing I'd question.

Someone with much more experience in this area should chime in about using Dx4 vs. Dx2.

 

[Colin Chevy]

No. The two are not the same.

The short answer is they are both ATF, but their chemical formulation is different. I cannot speak to its use in the power steering system so would advise you to get Dx2. I would GUESS that since the PS system isn't subjected to the same stresses and isn't comprised of the same components (viscous bands, valves, etc.) as an automatic transmission, you can probably use either. The seals are the only thing I'd question.

Someone with much more experience in this area should chime in about using Dx4 vs. Dx2.

What I mean is can I mix my preexisting dexron 2 power steering fluid with the dexron 4 that I just bought?

 

[CKOPOCT]

I honestly don't know if there would be any adverse reaction or not. The concern I would have is not because of system incompatability, but because the two oils are chemically different. Dx2 is a mineral oil while Dx4 is a synthetic oil. Each has a host of additives for various reasons (anti-oxidation, improving viscosity, anti-foaming, etc.). My thoughts are that the two fluids might create particulates or an acidic/alkaline environment that wouldn't be healthy for the ps system.

I would guess that you COULD mix the two and have a good chance of nothing untoward happening. But given parts for our cars are getting harder to find and are being discontinued, I would err on the side of caution and use Dx2.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Just remove the reservoir cap, then disconnect both of the lines from the rack and pinion and let it drain for while. That will clear most of the fluid from the system, besides what remains in the rack itself and some dormant fluid within the pump. To play it a bit safer you could even repeat this process after running the new fluid for a few miles, should clear almost all contamination.

Most ATF types will mix together if they're based on the same oil. Good note above. I don't think there would be an acidic reaction but inconsistencies in fluid is never a great thing.