settle this dispute, ATF in P/S pump
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Much Cheaper. Yes it is the same stuff, the PS fluid might have some different additives, but it is perfectly compatable.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Years ago with my first car, I used ATF in my power steering system. On my first vette, when I flushed the power steering system, I gave thought to adding ATF into the system because of cost. I wound up buying regular power steering fluid for the system. At this point in time, I will have to agree with DB, with the ease of finding Power Steering fluid, I would only use PS fluid. If I were broke down and in a pinch and ATF is all I had, then ATF it would be.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 38
From: Cedar,BC
If you want it to start leaking,go ahead and use the ATF.Open the hood on your fairly new daily driver,if there is no difference why would the factory spend all that money on a different fluid if they didn't have to?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
From what I've heard, on earlier cars, like our 'Vettes, there was virtually no difference. Now, with modern cars, that is not case any more, the two fluids are significantly different. I bet old dextron III would work just fine, at least for a while, on most new cars, but why?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
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From: Taylor Michigan
It may not be correct, but it works....
.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 7
From: Adelaide South Australia
Don't know about the USA, but here in the Land of Oz, I've been using ATF (Dexron II) as power steering fluid in all but late model vehicles.
Dexron II was manufacturer recomendation for PS fluid in my cars previous to 2000.
My 2003 Ute has manufacturer specs which DO recommend different fluid part numbers for PS (R1-424) and Auto trans(R1-48). One possibility is service life of new PS fluid part number compared to Auto trans fluid. ???
Dexron II was manufacturer recomendation for PS fluid in my cars previous to 2000.
My 2003 Ute has manufacturer specs which DO recommend different fluid part numbers for PS (R1-424) and Auto trans(R1-48). One possibility is service life of new PS fluid part number compared to Auto trans fluid. ???
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
dex 5 was the last version of gm regualr atf as of 2005, dex 6 is the new atf and is sythetic ,would not recomend it for p/s systems. atf will work fine (dex 5) i personally think actual p/s fluid has better properties for power steering
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Rockledge FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
My 2000 Tundra (now sold) called for ATF for PS Fluid. Years ago, I used ATF in a '68 Chevy Pickup's PS with no ill effects.
However, I don't use ATF in my '05 Chevy Suburban. The PS fluid for it is a golden color and the parts guy at Scoggin Dickey did not believe they were compatible. Until I know for sure, I'll use what GM calls for in it.
It probably is the same fluid for some manufacturers and the reason they call for specific power steering fluid even though ATF will work is so they can sell a few quarts of ATF at a much higher price. Never underestimate the ability of lawyers and bean counters to influence how engineering is marketed. Seen too much of it.
DC
However, I don't use ATF in my '05 Chevy Suburban. The PS fluid for it is a golden color and the parts guy at Scoggin Dickey did not believe they were compatible. Until I know for sure, I'll use what GM calls for in it.
It probably is the same fluid for some manufacturers and the reason they call for specific power steering fluid even though ATF will work is so they can sell a few quarts of ATF at a much higher price. Never underestimate the ability of lawyers and bean counters to influence how engineering is marketed. Seen too much of it.
DC
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Trans Fluids
.
.There is more than one transfluid.
1} ATF, which is Ford type A.
2} Mercon and Dexron styles for all of the GM products.
3} I think Chrysler switched and is using GM fluid
The difference is the friction properties of the fluids. GM shifts smooth and the Ford fluid shifted hard. In fact the 'Trick Shift' racing fluid from B&M is actually Ford Fluid. Todays auto fluid could be the Mercon blends for all cars. I use the Ford fluid in all my auto trans hot rods...it shifts hard. ..
.There is more than one transfluid.
1} ATF, which is Ford type A.
2} Mercon and Dexron styles for all of the GM products.
3} I think Chrysler switched and is using GM fluid
The difference is the friction properties of the fluids. GM shifts smooth and the Ford fluid shifted hard. In fact the 'Trick Shift' racing fluid from B&M is actually Ford Fluid. Todays auto fluid could be the Mercon blends for all cars. I use the Ford fluid in all my auto trans hot rods...it shifts hard. ..
Last edited by Ironcross; Dec 14, 2008 at 08:33 PM.