p/s - switching to ATF
 

I'm talking about my 87 NA.

The manual says that Type F ATF should be used in the power steering pump. AFAIK, it's always had p/s fluid in it.

I'm about to replace the p/s fluid cooling line that runs up in front of the oil cooler (it's leaking) and since I'm going to yank the entire system (the pump also leaks) I'm thinking I should switch it all over to ATF while I'm at it. Start doin' her right. :)

What I'd like to know is how to do go about accomplishing the switch. How well does ATF and p/s fluid get along? Should I attempt to repeatedly and thoroughly flush the system, or just drain as much of the p/s fluid as possible, put in the ATF, and carry on?

In the end, I can certainly live with just continuing to use p/s fluid. I'd rather do it right, but in this case I'll settle for 'good enough' if doing it right means repeatedly pounding my head against the wall...

lalala

If I remember right, they are the same. Both Hydraulic fluid.

they are the same but the viscosities are different, some imports like honda use a very thin power steering fluid because they have small orifices and also thicker fluid causes higher pressure and can cause problems. as far as i know you should be ok with ATF in these power steering systems but don't quote me on that because mine is a manual assist P/S system.... :)

as for blending them, they are both hydraulic fluids and will blend just fine, even mixing them 50% shouldn't cause a problem as long as the pump orifices are large enough to handle the fluid thickness if there is a difference in the factory p/s fluid and ATF.

I am not too familiar with the seal material internally on our PS pumps, but i do know all ATF has detergents which is why ps fluid and ATF differ. I personally would not use ATF unless you can find a non-detergent based type ATF as detergents act as an acid over time. Again, it all depends on the material of the seals.

Thank you all for your replies. I will drain what fluid I can, fill her up with ATF and carry on. :bigthumb:

(who wants the bill if the pump quits?)





;)



Understand that I am NOT flaming you or looking for an argument when I say -> please provide some evidence/proof of this... :)

I agree that it seems like a strange call, but I also believe that Mazda oughta to have had a good reason to make that call... Convince me otherwise. :)