ATF in power steering
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 16,667
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From: Raleigh, NC
St. Jude Donor '15
it's actually all hydraulic fluid so it'd probably work
but i'm certainly no expert. i know one or the other has more dyes and crap in it basically.. in an old car i wouldn't hesitate to use either one for either system.. but not in a corvette.
but i'm certainly no expert. i know one or the other has more dyes and crap in it basically.. in an old car i wouldn't hesitate to use either one for either system.. but not in a corvette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
there are thousands of different hydraulic fluids out there with different voscosities at different temperatures. i can guarantee you the voscosity over the range of operating temperatures the power steering system sees is different than that of atf. there is a reason they use power steering fluid over atf. do not use atf. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,387
Likes: 691
From: Boise ID
From the manual:
When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
In the old days ATF was used in PS units. Today’s PS fluid has anti foaming and pump conditioner agents in it.
Also ATF has dyes and detergents which can cause foaming.
When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
In the old days ATF was used in PS units. Today’s PS fluid has anti foaming and pump conditioner agents in it.
Also ATF has dyes and detergents which can cause foaming.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 4
From: EXTON PA
Why Why Why is that important to the fluid services in your vette. Use the fluids that are deigned to operate in a service system and do not re engineer their needs. I would have thought your question would have qustioned the basic fluids or the synthenic offerings
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Also ATF has dyes and detergents which can cause foaming
This is a false statement, ATF contains a very high concentration of anti foaming agents!
What it does have that you don't want is a seal softener and swelling agent.
This is a false statement, ATF contains a very high concentration of anti foaming agents!
What it does have that you don't want is a seal softener and swelling agent.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix AZ
In previous corvettes that I have owned, I always put atf in my power steering. However, with the new gen vettes, I was wondering if ps fluid is just a marketing gimick or if it really is different.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,237
Likes: 11
From: Lacombe Louisiana
Using atf instead of the approved power steering fluid in a Chrysler car or truck in the last 15 years would have voided the warranty,there is a difference!
Last edited by rebelheart; Jan 14, 2010 at 09:44 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,471
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From: Dyer, IN
Reality check......where's the gimmick? Power steering fluid is not a time change item like oil, trans, etc. I've disposed of more power steering fluid(because of age) then I've ever used in every car I've owned over the last twenty years. Unless you have a persistent leak, or are replacing a pump/rack, etc......it will just sit on the shelf......
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix AZ
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,471
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
You've got a great looking car there man, pay the $4 for the fluid, and enjoy. At least you live in a location where you can drive her year round....
