Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) P.s. fluid???

[RichB59]

What is the final answer to the correct power steering fluid for 2001 trucks/ I have been using valoline syn. but have heard atf is OK?? Aynyone really know???



RichB

 

[Mike C]

Fromeverything I have read its a big no-no to use atf. I am not sure why. I use the Valvoline Syn also with good results

 

[DavidC]

Stay with the Valvoline or other synthetics. Flush every few years. Save yourself the grief. Back in the old days atf was ok but these days I would stick with the appropriate fluid.



Dave

 

[dieselshu]

Power steering fluid

I think they changed in 2002 and went with ATF in the steering systems, my wife's grandgrocerygetter has ATF steering fluid. My 2001 has power steering fluid, just another way for DC to save money or maybe make money since ATF is more expensive than the steering fluid.



Dave

 

[24V-DSL]

My 01. 5 owners manual says use only approved p/s fluid, and then gives a Mopar reference. It specifically says do not use ATF.



There was another thread on this topic a couple of weeks ago, and some 01 owners were referencing their owner's manual stating use ATF+4.





I use Valvoline syn. Three changes in 142K. I'm stickin with it.

 

[rweis]

Valvoline Syn here too.



Get a MityVac, makes it real easy to swap some while you are waiting for the oil to drain.



Bob Weis



Don't forget to do the grocery getter also.

 

[keimmmo]

ATF is not as good a lubricant as P/S fluid. Considering that the P/S boxes on our trucks are prone to failure, I want to give them as much lubrication as possible! In my opinion, ATF should be used in the P/S system ONLY if there is nothing else available and the pump is dry... and then only to get home so you can change the fluid and put in the right thing!!!



Steve Keim

 

[dieselshu]

I totally agree, but like I said the factory changed in 2002 and went to using ATF in the power steering system vice power steering fluid. You Best check the manual and the reservoir and compare.





Dave

 

[rweis]

My 02 born on date 03/02 had ps fluid. I think 02 was a transition year, some atf, some psf.



Bob Weis

 

[keimmmo]

As I see it, ATF is a great hydraulic fluid, but it isn't the greatest lubricant. Since there are no clutch packs in the P/S system, I do not see why ATF would be REQUIRED. The steering box NEEDS all the lubrication it can get to live a long and happy life. Unless someone knows something that I am overlooking, I would recommend a good quality P/S fluid over ATF even in the newer systems that come from the factory with ATF.



Steve Keim

 

[ChrisWilliams]

I switched to synthetic after my hydra-booster hosed up and started burping fluid out of the PS reservoir. The stock PS fluid didn't look too good at 23k miles. The guy I bought the new booster from recommended I switch to synthetic with the new booster, since the boosters on our trucks run vary warm. He recommended Valvoline or Redline. I choose Redline.