Hey guys,
I wanted to know if anyone could shed some light about the following:
power steering fluid. - From what I have been told in GM systems like ours, we can run ATF in the system. Is this true? Second, if this is the case, can I run synthetic ATF in the p.steering system without any problems?
I intend to take the car to open track/lap days, and don't want to boil my power steering fluid, I also want to avoid installing a fluid cooler if possible.
Any insight would be appreciated.
-Andrew

 

tranny fluid is basically the same thing and works perfectly fine. You can use either atf or dexron. I personaly feel synthetic would be fine in the reservoir because of gears not clutches. I never put synthetic in my trans- reason why is my feeling of how you are not suppose to use synthetics in a rear Auburn diff as if voids the warrantee and will cause slip failure of the clutch cones.

 

It's a hydraulic oil. About the only thing different between ATF (dexron) and power steering fluid is a red dye. Chemically, they're almost identical. You could also use any hydraulic oil you can find such as N22 or N32. ATF may contain some friction modifiers designed for the clutches in the tranny while the other oils won't. Power steering is just a hydraulic pressure system.

I doubt you would see any benefit of using a synthetic oil in the power steering system except maybe in sub zero temperatures. Installing an oil cooler would be better.

 

I doubt you would see any benefit of using a synthetic oil in the power steering system except maybe in sub zero temperatures. Installing an oil cooler would be better.

This is what I thought about - the cooler as opposed to switching to synthetic. Under track conditions, then you feel that synthetic fluid wouldn't help from keeping the fluid from boiling over - under high temperatures?

As a side question. Why do some people recommend flushing your p.steering fluid? Does the same principle that applies to DOT 3 and 4 brake fluid (water absorption) affect power steering fluid?
Sorry if these are stupid questions.
Thanks for your insight guys
-Andrew

 

Power steering flush recommendations are probably because there is no filter system on an automotive PS system. Pumps and steering boxes do wear out and fine metallic particles can get into the steering box passages. Over time you'll also get condensation in the oil.

The recommended time interval for a power steering flush is quite high compared to other fluids in a vehicle.

Think of a typical daily driver. When was the last time (providing there was no repairs required) that the tranny oil, diff oil, brake fluid or antifreeze replaced? There are 20+ year old cars driving around with factory brake fluid still in them.

I don't think ATF or PS fluid is hygroscopic or at least it isn't nearly as hygroscopic as brake fluid or methanol. If it was, you'd be changing your tranny oil frequently.

In a race application, you'll see coolers used more than synthetic oils. A power steering cooler isn't very big since it doesn't have a huge amount of heat to get rid of. All oils will heat up. Typically they just need to stay below 230-250F. Above that and bad things start to happen. I doubt PS fluid sees close to those temperatures. It's not under a constant load.

 

-Andrew