In the factory manual, it says to use, ATF Dextron II or M III for the power steering system. First question.... Is it ok to use another universal power steering fluid? 2nd question: I dont think Dextron II exsists anymore, it is ok to use Dextron III instead?

 

The bottle of Dextron III I have says it replaces the II version. It should say on the bottle. Look for a brand name bottle of A/T fluid and it should tell you.

You - should - always use the recomended fluids or their replacement. Then their isn't any mystery or wondering, which could lead to $$$$.

Terry7

 

I've seen a pump fail from using the wrong kind of fluid. Don't do it.

 

So, I don't get it...why would using power steering fluid be bad in our power steering pump?

What's the consensus for the best fluid to use. I'd really like to know as I'm installing a replacement pump next week.

 

+1, i've even seen hondas that had rubber seals & o-rings eaten away from the wrong fluid. even at the jeep/chrysler/dodge dealership i work at on the weekends, at least once a month, a car comes in with a busted P/S pump or rack cause they don't use the specified mopar fluid as instructed in the owner's manual

Ernesto13B - stick with what it says in the FD owner's manual

moral of the story is, use what's recommended. a rubber o-ring or seal may be rated for gasoline, but not brake fluid or ATF.

 

Ya, because I used a universal power steering fluid in my system, thats why I ask. Everything seems to be ok since ive used it, but I just found out latley that my P/S rack is NOT leaking, but its the actual P/S pump itself leaking from the very bottom ( VERY hard to spot), dripping fluid unto the power steering rack's boot making me think the rack was leaking when it is fine. The pump is also whining, so ill be replacing the pump, draining the fluid, and using the Valvoline ATF/Mercon III which is the closest I can get to factory specs(since Mercon II doesnt exsist anymore)