Topic pretty much says it.
Is ATF the same as P/S fluid? *newbie question*
- Thread starter jigen
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In most applications yes.
I know at one point in time Honda had something special, a clear power steering fluid, but am not sure they still use it.
Look in your owners manual, it will typically say that it uses the same stuff that is in your transmission.
I know at one point in time Honda had something special, a clear power steering fluid, but am not sure they still use it.
Look in your owners manual, it will typically say that it uses the same stuff that is in your transmission.
seems like no one knows. I was recently asking the same thing! It looks like it pretty much is. I looked at amsoil atf vs. amsoil psf and the psf has a higher viscosity index but thats about it? I think if your car takes a PSF like honda or something then you should just stick with a PSF to be safe. I have a Hyundai that takes a PSF but I dont know what I'm going to do. My honda has Honda genuine PSF and thats all I'd use in it or amsoil PSF.
I am aware honda has a specific fluid for their PS systems. For me it would be in a Ford and GM. GM and Ford list specific part No.'s but all the PS fluids I see just say "Approved more most Ford and GM vehicles"
for ford or gm I would use atf. I dont think they take anything special. I know dodge lists that they put some sort of PSF in their cars at the factory but then tell you to use atf.
Generally yes, exceptions like Honda's or if you have CVT transmission than u cannot use its fluid in a Power Steering, at least this is what I have found....
You can generally use the specified ATF for ur car for PS as well BUT never a power steering fluid for AT!
I have used Amsoil & Royal Pueple ATF's as power steering fluid in many of my cars (BMW, Toyota, VW & Dodge)
You can generally use the specified ATF for ur car for PS as well BUT never a power steering fluid for AT!
I have used Amsoil & Royal Pueple ATF's as power steering fluid in many of my cars (BMW, Toyota, VW & Dodge)
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I never understood why they came out with a dedicated PS fluid. I have some inkling that it was like many fluid evolutions ..there was some OEM cert to be paid tribute to.
With the exception of some unique requirement, I don't see the recommendation preventing the use of ATF where PS is specified. Naturally something like some Audi central hydraulic fluid wouldn't be my choice to exercise this belief, but without seeing some performance non-transparency, I wouldn't hesitate (and haven't) to put in synthetic AFT where PS was recommended. It took quite a while for Amsoil to come up with a synthetic PS fluid. I tend to think it was mainly about repackaging synthetic hydraulic fluid.
With the exception of some unique requirement, I don't see the recommendation preventing the use of ATF where PS is specified. Naturally something like some Audi central hydraulic fluid wouldn't be my choice to exercise this belief, but without seeing some performance non-transparency, I wouldn't hesitate (and haven't) to put in synthetic AFT where PS was recommended. It took quite a while for Amsoil to come up with a synthetic PS fluid. I tend to think it was mainly about repackaging synthetic hydraulic fluid.
Originally Posted By: JMJNet
What specific car or truck are you talking about?
1996 Escort and 2002 Camaro Z28
Everyone else, thanks for the info!
What specific car or truck are you talking about?
1996 Escort and 2002 Camaro Z28
Everyone else, thanks for the info!
I've owned different years of both of those cars. ATF works great and is spec'd if I remember correctly. The Ford maybe Type F look in the owners manual.
The Ford states, " Use only fluid that meets ford spec, ESW-M2C33-F"
Originally Posted By: jigen
The Ford states, " Use only fluid that meets ford spec, ESW-M2C33-F"
Thats Type F transmission fluid, my F-150 uses the same fluid in the PS. That being said I used dexron/mercon in the escort with no problems at all. I am using type F in the F-150 now since I have roughly 3 quarts of it still.
http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSE2PVLEXAAMCO_ATF_Type_F.asp
The Ford states, " Use only fluid that meets ford spec, ESW-M2C33-F"
Thats Type F transmission fluid, my F-150 uses the same fluid in the PS. That being said I used dexron/mercon in the escort with no problems at all. I am using type F in the F-150 now since I have roughly 3 quarts of it still.
http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSE2PVLEXAAMCO_ATF_Type_F.asp
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
Originally Posted By: jigen
The Ford states, " Use only fluid that meets ford spec, ESW-M2C33-F"
Thats Type F transmission fluid, my F-150 uses the same fluid in the PS. That being said I used dexron/mercon in the escort with no problems at all. I am using type F in the F-150 now since I have roughly 3 quarts of it still.
http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSE2PVLEXAAMCO_ATF_Type_F.asp
I have a sealed bottle of Prestone PS fluid here. It says "Formulated for use in GMN, Ford, and Crystlers" Should that be okay?
Originally Posted By: jigen
The Ford states, " Use only fluid that meets ford spec, ESW-M2C33-F"
Thats Type F transmission fluid, my F-150 uses the same fluid in the PS. That being said I used dexron/mercon in the escort with no problems at all. I am using type F in the F-150 now since I have roughly 3 quarts of it still.
http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSE2PVLEXAAMCO_ATF_Type_F.asp
I have a sealed bottle of Prestone PS fluid here. It says "Formulated for use in GMN, Ford, and Crystlers" Should that be okay?
It will be just fine since you already have it. If you have a quart of ATF that will work too.
Good to know!
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
I never understood why they came out with a dedicated PS fluid. I have some inkling that it was like many fluid evolutions ..there was some OEM cert to be paid tribute to.
With the exception of some unique requirement, I don't see the recommendation preventing the use of ATF where PS is specified. Naturally something like some Audi central hydraulic fluid wouldn't be my choice to exercise this belief, but without seeing some performance non-transparency, I wouldn't hesitate (and haven't) to put in synthetic AFT where PS was recommended. It took quite a while for Amsoil to come up with a synthetic PS fluid. I tend to think it was mainly about repackaging synthetic hydraulic fluid.
I'd have to agree with Gary and it bears repeating.
My 2006 Rio specs PSF-III I believe which was clearly ATF in a bottle half the volume but equal in cost of a full quart of SP-III which is already vastly over priced for what it is. FYI I don't use SP-III except in the PS since I needed to find a use for a few quarts of it.
I never understood why they came out with a dedicated PS fluid. I have some inkling that it was like many fluid evolutions ..there was some OEM cert to be paid tribute to.
With the exception of some unique requirement, I don't see the recommendation preventing the use of ATF where PS is specified. Naturally something like some Audi central hydraulic fluid wouldn't be my choice to exercise this belief, but without seeing some performance non-transparency, I wouldn't hesitate (and haven't) to put in synthetic AFT where PS was recommended. It took quite a while for Amsoil to come up with a synthetic PS fluid. I tend to think it was mainly about repackaging synthetic hydraulic fluid.
I'd have to agree with Gary and it bears repeating.
My 2006 Rio specs PSF-III I believe which was clearly ATF in a bottle half the volume but equal in cost of a full quart of SP-III which is already vastly over priced for what it is. FYI I don't use SP-III except in the PS since I needed to find a use for a few quarts of it.
Originally Posted By: jigen
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
Originally Posted By: jigen
The Ford states, " Use only fluid that meets ford spec, ESW-M2C33-F"
Thats Type F transmission fluid, my F-150 uses the same fluid in the PS. That being said I used dexron/mercon in the escort with no problems at all. I am using type F in the F-150 now since I have roughly 3 quarts of it still.
http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSE2PVLEXAAMCO_ATF_Type_F.asp
I have a sealed bottle of Prestone PS fluid here. It says "Formulated for use in GMN, Ford, and Crystlers" Should that be okay?
No.
If you read the really small specification numbers it will mention an exact number which must be matched by the number in the car's factory manual.
That is why some fords say ATF and mean it.
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
Originally Posted By: jigen
The Ford states, " Use only fluid that meets ford spec, ESW-M2C33-F"
Thats Type F transmission fluid, my F-150 uses the same fluid in the PS. That being said I used dexron/mercon in the escort with no problems at all. I am using type F in the F-150 now since I have roughly 3 quarts of it still.
http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSE2PVLEXAAMCO_ATF_Type_F.asp
I have a sealed bottle of Prestone PS fluid here. It says "Formulated for use in GMN, Ford, and Crystlers" Should that be okay?
No.
If you read the really small specification numbers it will mention an exact number which must be matched by the number in the car's factory manual.
That is why some fords say ATF and mean it.
This is my understanding of PSF vs ATF. PSF is essentially ATF without the friction modifiers. The reason why sometimes OEM specifies PSF only and not ATF is that the extra additives in ATF could possibly attack seal materials in PS systems and lead to leaks.
Old rule of thumb was - Recirculating Ball PS systems can use ATF but Rack and Pinion systems need PSF.
Old rule of thumb was - Recirculating Ball PS systems can use ATF but Rack and Pinion systems need PSF.
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