using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

i pulled a PS pump off a 79 chevy truck to use on my car, while i was isntalling it my dad told me i could use transmission fluid in it instead of me having to go buy power steering fluid, iv seen and heard of others doing this, would this hurt anything? the pump had tranny fluid in it when i took it off the truck.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

No Way

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

perfectly acceptable to use tranny fluid in our power steering pumps. I have for years. Not much difference between the two. Costs cheaper too.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Yes it does "work". Not quite as well sometimes but it's "OK". Used to be what everybody did; might still be what some people do.

OTOH, there's only like $2 worth of fluid in the thing, even if you buy the "expensive" stuff... might as well use the right stuff to begin with.

I'd strongly recommend popping the pump out of the reservoir and changing out the BIG O-ring around it, so that your next post isn't about something like "I just got an old used PS pump and it leaks".

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

i see no problems using tranny fluid.
ive been using it in my power steering pumps 25 years with no problems.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

It'll work. I use it in my 04 grand am because it has a leak causing me to refill every week. I'm a tech at a Ford dealership so tranny fluid is free. Ford actually only uses Mercon V in their power steering. They don't have an actuall power steering fluid.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

I accidentally over filled my pump, how do I take some of the fluid out?

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

in a pinch, you can stick a straw or small hose in there, then put your thumb over the other end and pull it out. just like you can do with a straw and some soda. just gonna take a few times.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

go grab your moms turkey baster , it will destroy the bulb but will do the trick and there only a buck or so to replace.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Where have I heard that before ?!?! :lol:


AFT is said to deal with the heat better than PS Fluid. It's widely recomended by many by truck, SUV, 4x4 owners.

If you don't have one already, think about adding a factory PS cooler to your system. They add capacity and really help cooling the PS fluid temps. The use of an in-line filter is also quick, cheap, worth-while modification. ( Don't believe me; try and and see for yourself ! )

:driving:

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

hey mom the turkey tastes like dextron this year :lmao:

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Every noisy/whining PS system I hear coming down the road is on a Ford. Just saying.....

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Lol, they do have one style of pump on the older cars and trucks that won't shut up. We won't even usually sell customers a new one if their only complaint is noise just because we already know there is a good chance the new one will be just as noisy. Sometimes a bottle of friction modifier (posi addiditive) will quiet them down.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Did you remember to bleed the system before taking the "extra" fluid out of the pump? If not, jack up the front wheels and turn the steering lock to lock several times WITHOUT the engine running and check again.

BTW, you can also use brake fluid in the PS. But don't even think about using PS fluid in the brakes if you want the car to stop when you hit the pedal...

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

I just use the stuff called for. Like someone else mentioned it's not that much. If it leaks probably should just fix it.

Haven't had to add any for long time, but from memory I seem to recall the PS fluid being noticeably higher viscosity than ATF.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Free? Really? Is that part of your official wage and benefit package?

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

I'm also a mechanic at a ford dealership. I can get any ford fluid or shop supplies for free. Basically its what you have left over from working on customers cars. Could be a little or could be alot.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Only drawback I have seen to using the transmission fluid is I have seen it foam up in the pump and caused it to whine and become jerky. The solution was to put an antifoaming agent in it.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Basically. Trans fluid and 5w-20 oil are both in 200 gallon containers. We just take it when we need it. Oil changes only cost me the price of a filter also.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Not to tit pick, but why would you use 5-20 in a warm climate like orlando???

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Lucas makes a PS fluid and also guaranteed to stop leaks.

I about to try it, steer box is leakin.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

I understand that the key difference between PS fluid and ATF is anti-foaming agent. ATF is more apt to foam up. I have used the Lucas PS Fluid additive. It does quiet down a noisy pump and slows down leaks but don't add too much of it or you'll have very hard steering on a cold start up. The best thing you can do for your power steering or any fluid system on your vehicle is change out the fluid regularly. ATF, gear lube, PS fluid, brake fluid. It all gets contaminated over time and needs to be replaced on regular intervals. 2yrs, or 30K mi is about standard on most fluids. More often if you run it hard.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

Most of the newer fords call for 5W20.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

If you're road racing and working the PS hard, use the right stuff. If it's a typical street car, ATF works fine. It's the same base oil, just a slightly different additive package and different color. I don't think I've put actual PS fluid in any of my street drivers in 20 years.

Re: using transmission fluid as power steering fluid
 

There are some viscosity differences between the two. Not enough to bother a GM pump, but if you've ever heard a ford PS pump that called for ATF have regular PS fluid put in it by mistake, youll get what I mean.