Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) dealer put ATF4 in my power steering pump/

[RW]

i had my PS cut out on me this winter on some cold days. the dealer said he would put in a synthetic. i assumed he ment a PS synthetic. he put in ATF4!! will this do any damage? should i have him replace it? what do you guys think.



thanks

 

[dieselshu]

ATF in power steering

You need to include some information on your truck, ei; year model transmission etc in your signature so everyone knows what they are dealing with.

Check your owners manual for exact type, if they put the incorrect fluid in it ,they need to remove and flush the system, and then get it in writing what they had done for future reference so if a seal or something craps out you can hold them to the repairs or replacement. I have a 01 it requires only power steering fluid. If they say ATF4 is ok for your year but the owners manual says different get the proof in writing, it might be a service bulletin or something that just changed. What ever you do if its wrong, makes sure its documented and you have a printed out copy for your records.





Dave

 

[lmills]

replacing the ps fluid with atf4 was something thast DC has been doing to correct hard steering issues. It will not damage the system at all. I think there is even a TSB about it floating around

 

[Bug Out]

Back in the old days.......

thats all that was used in power steering pumps years ago. Good old ATF.



When PS fluid came out, everybody in mechanic circles figured it was a gimmick.



How times have changed.

 

[DOWG]

I have been using Amsoil Synthetic ATF in my power steering pump for the last 100,000 miles or so. The ATF comes out clean when I change it and the pump works great, no problems or leaks, etc.

 

[HillCountrykid]

My '77 Ford had a leaky PS box and my uncle (30+ year mechanic) said to add a little ATF for a quick fix to help it until it got replaced. The ATF makes the seals swell and stop leaking. Or in my case slow it down some.



Brian

 

[RW]

my owners manual states do not use atf. for the ps. damage to the vehicle will result! according to tsb 19-005-03 factory fill for most 2004 is atf-4. 94 to 02 is ps fluid. it also states not to mix the two fluids. unless the dealer can show me proof that i can use atf4 i will have him replace the fluid and i will get it documented!

 

[DOWG]

hmmmmmmmmmm. I quess after using ATF in my 1998 for over 100,000 miles the end is near. I have found the TDR membership knows more about these trucks than DC or the owners manual.

 

[jhyatt]

ditto truck has 135000 amsoil rules

 

[Texas Diesel]

Yep, your right. ATF4 is ok, they filled mine with it for "dray park", got it home and drained all the ATF4 out and put in Royal Purple Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. No more groans or hard steering. I put the RP PS fluid in my 98 and son's 03 Dakota, works wonderfully.