ATF vs Power Steering
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: NEPA
ATF vs Power Steering
In a rediculous stuper, I grabed a quart of power steering instead of ATF, I put about a 1/4 in the oil every now and again, and another 1/4 or more in the fuel, along in the steering pump.
My question is that it is considerably close, can I still use the power steering fluid the same way, or should I get ATF when I have to go back to auto zone because the had the wrong caliper in the proper numbered box? Im a bit heated lol FML
My question is that it is considerably close, can I still use the power steering fluid the same way, or should I get ATF when I have to go back to auto zone because the had the wrong caliper in the proper numbered box? Im a bit heated lol FML
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
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wow
I thought you meant you put PS fluid in your PS pump...I did that and it started leaking a little and moaning...I then read your supposed to use ATF in the PS pump, not PS fluid...
Haven't tried PS fluid in the oil or fuel tank....?!
Hopefully someone will clarify about PS fluid vs ATF for PS pump?
also interested to know if PS fluid will hurt oil or in fuel with IP, etc?
I thought you meant you put PS fluid in your PS pump...I did that and it started leaking a little and moaning...I then read your supposed to use ATF in the PS pump, not PS fluid...
Haven't tried PS fluid in the oil or fuel tank....?!
Hopefully someone will clarify about PS fluid vs ATF for PS pump?
also interested to know if PS fluid will hurt oil or in fuel with IP, etc?
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
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the PS is fine with PS fluid, ATF, or any mix of those two. ATF costs less, so its obviously the more common choice.
if you think about it, the power steering and the auto trans are both hydraulic systems of a similar type, just with the AT being much more involved and critical, thus being more picky about fluid type, whereas the PS will run on most anything.
on one day in a car i used to have, i poured engine oil, ATF, and STP oil treatment into it at different times, with the goal of keeping the brand new pump lubed after the steering rack exploded. the pump had no problem with my abuse, and lasted the life of the car
if you think about it, the power steering and the auto trans are both hydraulic systems of a similar type, just with the AT being much more involved and critical, thus being more picky about fluid type, whereas the PS will run on most anything.
on one day in a car i used to have, i poured engine oil, ATF, and STP oil treatment into it at different times, with the goal of keeping the brand new pump lubed after the steering rack exploded. the pump had no problem with my abuse, and lasted the life of the car
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,737
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From: Western Mass
Ford spec for power steering is to use Type F ATF. I don't know why they spec that over power steering fluid, but its what I've been using without problems.
As far as for dumping it down the fuel tank, do what you like. Some people have said the friction modifiers in some ATF's will damage the pump, others swear by filling a new fuel filter with ATF instead of diesel to clean things out. I'm sure you're fine.
As far as for dumping it down the fuel tank, do what you like. Some people have said the friction modifiers in some ATF's will damage the pump, others swear by filling a new fuel filter with ATF instead of diesel to clean things out. I'm sure you're fine.
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