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.

(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.