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pint container image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com Power steering fluid is a thick brownish or reddish liquid that is used in the hydraulic elements of the power steering pump in a vehicle. Power steering fluid is necessary for any vehicle, and should be replenished whenever the level gets low. If you're out of power steering fluid and need to drive, there are a few substitutes that will work without damaging your vehicle. Automatic Transmission FluidSome vehicles, particularly those manufactured between the years 1980 and 2000, can use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as a substitute for power steering fluid. If the power steering fluid in your vehicle has a reddish or purplish color, it is very likely ATF. You should consult your owner's manual or the car manufacturer if you are unsure. DEXRON Transmission FluidDEXRON is a different type of transmission fluid, and usually has a greenish, brownish or grayish color instead of the bright red or purple that is typical of ATF. If the power steering in your vehicle doesn't have any red or purple colorings, it may use DEXRON-type transmission fluid. MERCON Transmission FluidMERCON transmission fluid is very similar to DEXRON transmission fluid, and can be used as a temporary substitute if DEXRON fluid is not available. References Writer Bio Based in New England, Quinn Marshall began her writing career in 2004. She was a featured writer for Laptop Logic and contributes to publications such as "Smashing Magazine." More ArticlesHaving a car carries with it a lot of liability. It’s only with the right upkeep that everything is going to serve you well. You’ve got to consider so many things, like the various belts and the different fluids, each with its own intent. You’ve got fluids like tranny, brake and power steering fluids that you need to constantly top up, and sometimes flush out and refill to keep your car in top condition, but here not only the question about timely changing the steering fluid oil, in fact the real question is can I use transmission fluid for power steering fluid?.. We will answer these both question thoroughly to make it easier for the user to understand. Is it necessary to flush power steering fluid?Every vehicle with a hydraulic power steering system requires the power steering fluid. It works with the power steering pump to make the steering wheel cleaner. The fluid absorbs metal fragments and sludge over time. The dense grit feels like sand that falls into the rack and the pinion seals and eventually destroys them. Cars Care: How Much Transmission Fluid Does a 4l60e HoldDifference between Power Steering Fluid and Automatic Transmission Fluid?If you compare all items and know the variations between the two, you can understand whether it’s safe to substitute ATF power steering fluid. While both ATS and PSF are hydraulic, they are not the same thing. · Difference in formulationATF is made up of detergents and friction regulators. Although the detergents operate at filtering grease and debris away from the power steering mechanism and can affect the hydraulic valves of the steering rack, the friction modifiers regulate the heat build-up of the valves and the pump. · Difference in purposeATF is used mostly for cleaning and friction while PSF is used to lubricate and minimize friction between the power steering components. PSF also eliminates excess temperature build-up, lubricates the steering pump and the gear unit and adds hydraulic pressure to the components of the machine. · Difference in color and smellATF is red in color and has a unique sweet smell. It turns darker to maybe orange as it works through the tranny. PSF is however clear, pinkish or amber in color and smells like burnt marshmallow. It can turn red or brown with time. Cars Care: What Is the Best Oil Additive to Stop Engine KnockingSo Can I Use Transmission Fluid For Power Steering Fluid?The answer is ‘no’! Then, why do so many people talk in favor of it? Ok, you can use ATF in the power steering pump of vehicles produced in the late ‘ 70s or earlier. These older cars do not have advanced and lightweight components found in cars manufactured in the 1990s or later. The old vehicle power steering system is made of raw materials and can handle ATF because it is still a hydraulic fluid. Modern cars have subtle technical features and fragile materials. Each machine requires the oil and fluid that is specially built for it. It is also unsafe to use a particular fluid that does not fulfil the specifications of a given device. Need Attention: A lot of Ford and GM models are great with a fluid swap while you’re just going to kill BMW, Audi, Honda, or Mercedes-Benz by doing so. The best way to determine the answer to the question – Can I Use Transmission Fluid For Power Steering Fluid– is to check your car’s owner’s manual. It would specifically show whether the car wants the normal power steering fluid or whether it can still operate with the ATF. Some versions can involve particular types of hydraulic fluid. For e.g., the Lexus LX470 is perfect with ATF, but the BMW needs a special synthetic fluid called Pentosin CHF 11S. If the car was built in the ’90s or older, check the owner’s manual before making a rash decision. People also ask:What can I use in place of power steering fluid?Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is the most widely used power steering fluid replacement. In fact, a lot of manufacturers are using ATF instead of power steering fluid. It consists of: 85-90 per cent of base oil. Is power steering fluid universal?Various vehicle systems include a range of power steering fluids. Some vehicles need ATF transmission fluids, such as MERCON or DEXRON. Many newer vehicles use some kind of synthetic hydraulic fluid specifically formulated for power steering. Synthetic fluids can flow well at a relatively low temperature. It also increases the durability and lubrication of the pump. How do you know if you need power steering fluid?
Can ATF be used as a power steering fluid?Yes, you can use ATF as a power steering fluid, but first, you need to investigate which fluid would be compatible with your car, take expert advice before using this. Is it OK to mix different brands of power steering fluid?As long as the substitute or refueling fluid is the right form for the vehicle, there should be no trouble combining various brands of power steering fluids. Power steering oil
Can I use power steering fluid in the transmission?They only have similar makeup and properties as a hydraulic fluid, not for all of the other functions necessary in your automatic transmission. There, the ATF must also function as a lubricant, a coolant, and a cleaner. Power steering fluid does not do those things and should never be used in your transmission.
Is transmission fluid and power steering fluid the same?A lot of people ask, “Is power steering fluid the same as transmission fluid?” While ATF and power steering fluid are both hydraulic fluids, ATF features different modifiers and detergents that are specifically designed to remove dirt and grease from the transmission system.
What can be used in place of transmission fluid?Any light weight quality engine oil or hydraulic fluid will work 5 to 10 single weight or multi weigh 5W-30, 10w 30.
What happens if you accidentally put power steering fluid in your transmission?If it is sold as Power Steering Fluid (not ATF), it will work the hydraulics, but will not have the friction characteristics required for the clutch packs in automatic transmissions. (Assuming you meant automatic transmission). The clutches would slip and burn.
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Can you substitute power steering fluid for transmission fluid
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