Did quite a bit of searching. Some say not to use ATF in our PS system, some say no problem. The FSM says it should be used.

I recently replaced a bearing on my ps pump and used the opportunity to flush the old fluid from the system. I then replaced it with a Universal automatic transmission fluid instead of power steering fluid. Has anyone used ATF succcesfully in their PS system?

 

The base fluids are compatible. Many OEM's that use the same type of pump and rack recommend Dex3 ATF. I have seen many dealer service techs use ATF including Mazda techs. Often in the shop if a car was noisy with standard PS fluid we would flush with ATF and that would solve it with no adverse effects. Modern ATF has much better anti-foaming agents thus they often work better than standard PS fluid. The only cars I would avoid this on would be honda as they use a special type of fluid, and some Euro cars that require Pentosin CHF fluid.

 

Yeah, you're fine. If it runs good, no noise, etc. go with it. If it makes noise, replace with PS fluid.

I've always just used a good grade of power steering fluid and have never had a problem. I just re-did my PS system, had the WHOLE system totally empty, replaced with Prestone power steering fluid, working like a champ.

Dale

 

I've used ATF, dex III I believe, for years, probably over 100k miles, no problems in the FD. And this is in a system that already had a 100k on it with factory fluid. (Yep that's over 200k on a modded dd FD.)