Hi,I have to replace the power steering pump on my 90 Camaro and was wondering what the correct fluid is to use in the power steering system. Can you just use any power steering fluid,like prestone,stp,or Autozone brand? Or does it use atf fluid? They don’t make dexron 3 anymore,but sell a Castrol dex/merc atf fluid. Is it better to use an actual power steering fluid over atf?

 

Dexron II was phased out decades ago. Dexron III is also obsolete. You can use any newer ATF or just put in power steering fluid or any other lightweight hydraulic oil. They all do the same thing. ATF just happens to use a red dye.

 

Amsoil OE ATF works excellent for me on all GM PS systems.

GD

 

Any hydraulic oil meeting MIL-H-5606G specifications is acceptable. That includes mineral and synthetic oils.

 

Ok,thanks guys. So pretty much any power steering fluid works or I can use the castrol dex/merc without any harm? The friction modifiers in transmission fluid won’t harm anything?

 

I just went in the castrol website for the dex/merc specs and info and it sounds like it’s dex 3. It also recommends if for use in older gm power steering systems.“Castrol Transmax™ DEX/MERC Multi-Vehicle Transmission Fluid is for use in transmissions and power steering of older Ford and General Motors vehicles and any other vehicle where the specifications for this product are recommended. “