I've read some guys prefer ATF, but want to make sure I dont have trouble. I need to flush my system, and I thought I might switch to ATF if I can, I've heard it works better, and I have almost a gallon of dex/merc sitting around the garage not being used. 92 Formula with L98 btw....

 

Yes it is "safe".

"Better"... couldn't say.

 

One of the arguments was that dex/merc behaves better in cold weather and is easier on the pump. Sort of makes sense, but I don't know if it's gospel. But since I don't have enough PSF and have a gallon of dex/merc, I may use it as long as it won't harm the system in any way. I'll get a few more rounds of opinion before I do it. Thx!

 

the thing is this ,with the newer plastic POS power steering pumps ,ATF kills them.as long as you have one of the older metal PS pumps from , say 1990 back .ATF works well

 

Ive never seen a plastic ps tank on a TPI 3rdgen?

 

Isn't the dipstick under PS reservoir cap plastic?

 

I think the PS cap and that stick are plastic, tanks are metal. Most transmission filters are 1/2 or all plastic.

 

Pretty sure my tank is metal, I'll double check, but I think it is.

 

dudes,,,, its the certain kind of plastic, that the pump INSIDE the tank is made from.that makes it a no go. NOT the tank material. the cut off on it is 89-90. I think.

 

Yeah, I got that part. I know there's some plastic in the pump. But where there's smoke there's fire, I'll just get 4-5 bottles of PSF to do the flush to be safe. I accidentally contaminated the tank with a little water while doing a steering gear change, hence the flush. Rookie mistake, won't happen again. LOL Not a huge deal.....thx...

 

Just wondering what are the plastic parts in the tank?

 

All I know for sure is the cap and dipstick. I don't think there's anything else in there, at least not that I saw anyway. As far as the pump itself goes, idk, there may be a plastic impeller in there, or maybe some bushings?

 

the actual pump mechanism in GM stuff after 1990 is plastic, part of the cheapening of things I guess.if you disassemble a PS pump from ,say 1976 .and one from 1996. there is a LOT of things in there obviously NOT designed to last, but hey, what do I know.

 

Just asked a question. (Its what I do when I don't know ;-) )
I honestly haven't torn one apart for a loooong time, all the ones I've seen have metal veins in them.

 

I'm a Ford tech at a dealership in Cincinnati. Ford uses Mercon V for there power steering systems. On the bottles, it says transmission/power steering fluid. I guess they've been using it for like forever and still using it today for vehicles that still have a pump. Most of the vehicles today use electronic steering assist. Mercon V will be just fine to use with metal or plastic parts in pumps. I've switched to it in my Iroc. With the additives and cleaners in the fluid, it should keep your power steering working for a long time.

 

Why would anyone use this in there power steering pumps? Its Automatic transmission Fluid.. not steering pump fluid. lol i gotta give you sh** on this post. my uncle does this also he don't care. GMs plastic canister Power steering was only on the Vans i thought. unless they do put plastic power steering in our cars

 

I've used both in other vehicles that I had and it seemed to make no difference (I think at one point I may have even had some mixed). One vehicle was a 2000 cavalier, and the other was a 96 jeep xj. No leaks, no losses, no issues. Of course I'd put power steering fluid in if I had it on hand, but if I couldn't get to the store then ATF did the job.

fyi the jeep had over 225,000 miles (those inline 6 cylinders are bulletproof) and the cavalier was pushing 135,000 when I sold them (still with no issues).

just my .02

 

Amen to that. 150k on my Grand Cherokee and I wouldn't hesitate to take it across the country.

FWIW, I have used ATF in the PS pumps on it and my Z forever with no issues.