Substitutes for Power Steering Fluid

• Automatic Transmission Fluid. Some vehicles, particularly those manufactured between the years 1980 and 2000, can use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as a substitute for power steering fluid.
• DEXRON Transmission Fluid.
• MERCON Transmission Fluid.

What type of power steering fluid do I need?

What kind of power steering fluid do I need? Use a fluid that meets the appropriate specification given in your owner’s manual. Some vehicles use automatic transmission fluid in the power steering system. For best protection against pump wear and best performance in temperature extremes, use synthetic fluid.

What is DEXRON III compatible with?

GM informed the public that the only fluid compatible with Dexron III was the replacement Dexron VI. The automaker then authorized licensing of Dexron VI; GM publishes a list of companies and product names that comply with its specifications for the fluid (see link in Resources section).

What replaces Dexron III?

Dexron VI fully replaces Dexron III and prior evolutions of the Dexron fluids. GM manufactured the liquid for compatibility with transmissions requiring earlier versions of the fluid. Dexron VI works in any vehicle that requires ATF-A (the original automatic transmission fluid) or a Dexron variation.

Can I use Dexron III in my PowerSteering?

Recommended by ExxonMobil for use in any power steering unit where a DEXRON® or MERCON® fluid is recommended. So it’s fine to put DEXRON VI or DEXRON III in most cars. The thing to be careful of is mixing formulations. Some Chrysler transmissions in particular call for Chrysler-specific fluid, which must be used.

Is transmission fluid and power steering fluid the same thing?

Power steering and fluid used to be the same as automatic transmission fluid, since its just a lubricating hydraulic fluid. They were all red. Then for some reason it seems that manufactures have started specifying a different fluid for the power steering, which is usually clear.

Do I use transmission fluid for power steering?

It is NOT okay to use transmission fluid as power steering fluid. You could be doing long-lasting mechanical damage to the car’s steering system. Secondly, whenever you need to change your power steering fluid, make sure that the pump is completely flushed. That means no partial refills, underfilling or overfilling is acceptable.

Can transmission fluid be used instead of power steering fluid?

Yes, a lot of power steering pumps call for automatic transmission fluid (ATF) instead of traditional power steering fluid. The difference between the two fluids will vary between brands, but has to do with a difference in cleaning, lubricating and hydraulic characteristics.