transmission fluid vs power steering fluid

[alyssa]

Is it common practice to use automatic transmission fluid for power steering units?

[way2old]

Yes it is. Dextron transmission fluid is a really smooth fluid and has been used in power steering su=ystems for years. The manufacturer may call for ATF in the system. If it is for the Saturn, then a power steering fluid is called for.

[gacyota]

sorry to chime in on this a couple weeks later, but Hondas also require a Honda power steering fluid, you can not use Dexron ATF for a Honda power steering system.

[crank.it]

hi allmost a grampa.....what happens if you put atf in a honda power steering unit....seals leak and rack falls apart???? ive allways wondered......crank.it

[re-tired]

Everybody is right. HEY , my first car did not have power steering or brakes or windows and a three on the tree.In those days and up thu the 80's and maybe a bit of 90's ATF was common P/S fluid . Then greater demands for more sensitive steering and tighter tolerances meant better grade fluid. And brake fluid was always DOT 3 , now its DOT 3,4,5 etc.. Even coolant has changed . Bottom line is use whatever the mfg recommends., [smilie=pdt_al.gif]

[crank.it]

hi guys ....whatever the manufacture recomends!!!! cmon dex cool is like 5 times regular antifreeze......but do you dare mix it... :evil: :evil: crank.it

[re-tired]

Only if you flush REAL good. Unless of course you LIKE chocolate pudding stuck forever to your cooling systen passages. [smilie=pdt_iq.gif]