Power steering fluid .. what type ?

[JeffK10America]

Would like input on what type power steering fluid everyone is using new system no leaks . Say 1985 to 1989 GM of course... also does anybody use the new stuff that's clear for the later models . Thanks

 

[bucket]

I use ATF in all my GM's for power steering fluid.

 

[Ricko1966]

I use ATF in all my GM's for power steering fluid.

Same with me.

 

[CountKrunk]

I did regular power steering fluid in mine. System works just the same as before.

 

[CountKrunk]

Why use ATF? @Ricko1966 or @bucket ?

 

[Ricko1966]

It's what gm used to call for,and if they changed it I never got the memo. They used that same basic Saginaw box in everything for decades.

 

[Memaloose]

I don't think it matters. I've used both over the decades but if you're picky, read the owners manual, it'll tell you what to use.

 

[bucket]

It's what gm used to call for,and if they changed it I never got the memo. They used that same basic Saginaw box in everything for decades.

Yep. It's what GM called for, so that's what I used. I won't claim It's better than PS fluid, but it's one less fluid to keep in stock.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I use ATF in all my GM's for power steering fluid.

what kind of ATF? do NOT use dexron VI or mercon V etc
Dex/merc (old generic stuff) is okay but there is a better fluid out there that makes less heat because its better at keeping air out, and its GMs power steering fluid(pricy)

 

[bucket]

what kind of ATF? do NOT use dexron VI or mercon V etc
Dex/merc (old generic stuff) is okay but there is a better fluid out there that makes less heat because its better at keeping air out, and its GMs power steering fluid(pricy)

I have been buying gallon and 2.5 gallon jugs from the farm store the last few years. Usually Dexron 3 or Dex/Merc equivalent.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I have been buying gallon and 2.5 gallon jugs from the farm store the last few years. Usually Dexron 3 or Dex/Merc equivalent.

thatll work. you live in the south now right?

 

[bucket]

thatll work. you live in the south now right?

Still Ohio unfortunately. My timing for buying a house was terrible... if I would have waited about 6 months then I could have taken a job opportunity that would have moved me full time to south central VA. Oddly enough, in the last year I've probably spent more time at home than I did in the previous 5 years put together, lol.

 

[Grit dog]

Any atf will be fine, afaik, does it seem coincidental that every mfg recommends “their” brand of atf for ps, but pS pumps are virtually the same?
This is not an application where a specific brand or model of fluid won’t work for any valid reason.
That said, if it already has Ps fluid in it, I continue using the same unless I were to flush it. Although topped off ps fluid with atf more than a few times in a pinch with zero ill affects.

 

[JeffK10America]

Well I like the ATF myself . I use these for the late model fords and this for the later GM.S I know there's a lot of people on this site that's why I like the input.. ups or downs great info on a lot of topics , tech info
Thanks happy easter

 

[JamesSam]

Still Ohio unfortunately. My timing for buying a house was terrible... if I would have waited about 6 months then I could have taken a job opportunity that would have moved me full time to south central VA. Oddly enough, in the last year I've probably spent more time at home than I did in the previous 5 years put together, lol.

Not moving to South Central VA? Would have been nice to get up.