Thread: Power steering fluid

At a guess, Dexron ATF?

Somebody will be able to confirm

II OR III??

2 is now 3...☺

I use the Yank power steering fluid Prestone brand available from Supercheap.
It has seal swelling stuff in it, and anything you can do to swell dem seals is good.

Regards Philip A

It's ok to mix brands? I've no idea what's in it, but it does look fresh and bright...

Not ok if mineral vs synthetic otherwise should be fine.

Jc

How do I tell the difference?

You can sometimes tell by smell, but most times you cannot.

I would not use ATF in a power steering system.

flush the steering box, lines, cooler and pump, replace the filter and refill with hydraulic / power steering fluid.

Reason being is the friction modifiers in the ATF, which actually help the clutches to 'grip' also reduce the 'slip' and this leads to an increase in wear on metal-metal contact surfaces. in a steering box, there are a lot of metal-metal contact surfaces.

Where ATF was once commonplace and recommended, a lot of owners of classic vehicles are finding that even rebuilt steering units are leaking unusually rapidly.

I've rebuilt my steering boxes on my MB's more often than required and when I say rebuilt I mean properly, to factory tolerances.
The ATF absolutely f*(*&s the seals. excessive wear on metal-metal. so I stopped using it.
I use the same synthetic hydraulic fluid ZH-M (ZF fluid) for the SLS/ASD system. I have not had a leak in 4 years using this.

I'm not suggesting you need to use this stuff (because it is expensive) but you can find specific power steering fluid from penrite etc...

Here's an interesting video. His anecdotal evidence is not hearsay. I've noticed exactly the same issues on vehicles on systems where I have rebuilt pumps and boxes and replaced hoses to ensure a 100% new system, and in under 5 years leaks - where previously it took over 10 for a minor leak to present itself. Fluids change. specification changes can not always be beneficial. Stick to dedicated power steering fluid and don't use ATF.

While this video might be mercedes related, it's no different practice on a LR.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLR_kdnsJ_0&ab_channel=Mercedessource[/ame]