power steerin fluid

[ozlander]

Hello Everyone,

Can we use the Automatic transmission oil / fluid to fill up the power steering fluid in the 1998 Grand Cherokee Limited ?

[rhandwor]

Its safer to go to a parts store and buy a quart of power steering fluid for your vehicle.
They also sell new hoses rebuilt power steering pumps and other parts.

[ozlander]

Originally Posted by rhandwor

Its safer to go to a parts store and buy a quart of power steering fluid for your vehicle.
They also sell new hoses rebuilt power steering pumps and other parts.

Thanks a lot for your reply. I just ask this questions because i ask my mechanic and he told me i can use Automatic Transmission fluid to fill up the power steering fluid. So whats the difference ?

[rhandwor]

I used to do this years ago but the fluid looks different today. I suggest you go to this link and ask a fluid manufacturer.
http://www.valvoline.com/our-business/contact-us/

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by ozlander

Thanks a lot for your reply. I just ask this questions because i ask my mechanic and he told me i can use Automatic Transmission fluid to fill up the power steering fluid. So whats the difference ?

Ideally, I think PS fluid is better for the PS system, but you can use ATF in there.

ATF and PS fluid are both hydraulic fluids. ATF has many more additives and friction modifiers to make it work well with the complex parts and specialized materials used in a transmission. By comparison, a PS system is very simple and does not need all the additives.

I prefer to use PS fluid in the steering because it is clear and so its easier to check the fluid for dirt or contaminents. The red tint of ATF makes this more difficult.

I have owned a couple of Fords from the 1960's which specifically called for type 'F' ATF fluid in the steering system.