2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission power steering fluid

[A. Brown]

ok, the stealer just sold me a quart of atf-4 saying its the new fluid for the power steering, I was suspicious. but was in a hurry so I bought it. The shop bible sez not to use atf in the power steering, so what gives? Is this another case of the stealer not knowing his a$$ from the hole in the ground.

 

[ramman-mn]

steering fluid

they told me that they put atf -4 in mine and it compromise my system so they put back in synthetic and its a clear fluid from dodge that only goes in 2500 and 1 tons atf-4 goes in only 1500 rams

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

My power steering squalls terribly on start up at zero F, so I changed the fluid today. LE 7500 Power Fluid has a -33 deg. F pour point so I hope it will help. Just putting in new stuff after 140,000 miles is bound to help some, and this appears to be a very high quality alternative to the stuff at parts stores. Dodge does not specify any need to ever change it, but then they sell parts too. I siphoned out the old stuff with a turkey baster, and put in new. Then ran a minute or so, turning the wheel and working the brakes (97 up has hydroboost brakes). Changed fluid several times this way to get rid of most of the old stuff.



Check with your favorite lubrication specialist and see what options are available. I don't think ATF is the best alternative.

 

[Thomas]

"atf-4. . . its the new fluid for the power steering"



This thread suggests that the ATF-4 as a power steering fluid is a third-generation Ram thing. Sounds like more confusion from the dealer.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

It works! Almost no squeal on zero degree start up with LE 7500 power fluid. No noise on driving except a little on turning when still stone cold. Once the ambient temp is up to 10 deg. +, no noise at all. The LE7500 was a good choice.

 

[illflem]

Earlier model manuals state that atf isn't compatable with rubber parts of the system. Read the manual for your model year before using ATF. Valvoline Syn-Power PS fuild works great in the cold for me.

 

[Matt42]

Originally posted by Joseph Donnelly

It works! Almost no squeal on zero degree start up with LE 7500 power fluid. No noise on driving except a little on turning when still stone cold. Once the ambient temp is up to 10 deg. +, no noise at all. The LE7500 was a good choice.

Joe: Who sells LE 7500? Is it some sort of brand? Is it compatible with the OEM stuff?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

LE 7500 is from Lubrication Engineers. A number of Rammers use LE607 in the differentials, for example. You can get it from the Las Vegas LE warehouse (Matt Wolfe, -- email address removed --) or Mag Hytec (www.mag-hytec.com). It is compatible with the stock stuff. I changed several times as you can get only about 500 mL out of 1500 mL by using a turkey baster with clear tubing on the tip to siphon out the reservoir. It makes a mess but works. The stock stuff wasn't real nasty but not like new either. I just can't understand why but this lube is almost forgotten and DC shows no change interval. They give a capacity of 2. 7 pt for all engines, forgetting the hydroboost brakes on 97-up Rams with the mighty Cummins.

 

[1tuffram]

I found using my Mighty Vac brake bleeder works REALLY well for removing PS fluid from the reservoir. If you "fish" the tubing around in the PS reservoir you can find a slot/hole which allows you to reach the deep depths of the PS reservoir. Then you just leave the hose in place and pump the fluid out, stopping to empty the collecting container. This method does not make any mess, as opposed to the first time I attempted a PS fluid change with the turkey baster method. Think I can usually get about 12 oz or more out this way and only takes around 10-15 min ( and I'm a SLOW worker) from the time I pop the hood until I button her up.



I use the Valvoline Syn-Power stuff, but was considering changing to a full synthetic fluid. Anyone have experiences with Royal Purple or Redline PS fluids??



Joe, I'm assuming the LE product is not a synthetic fluid. . am I correct? I know LE makes some high quality lubes, can you tell us any more opinions, etc about the LE power steering fluid.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by Joseph Donnelly

I just can't understand why but this lube is almost forgotten and DC shows no change interval.

I don't recall any vehicle that I've owned that says to change the PS fluid. After 20 winters of a squealing PS pump whenever the temp dropped below

-20° I decided to change the original stock fluid on my '82 Toyota to Syn-Power. The 300k mile, twenty year old fluid looked almost new but now it no longer squeals in the cold.

 

[redram]

Illfem, it only took 20 years of listening to a squealing pump to change it!!!!!



Just kidding. It's amazing how hard it is to change / fix / repair something that is running even if it's not operating at peak efficency. I guess this is jsut human nature.



Hell, I have access to synthetic lubes and it took me till 143500 on my truck to swap out the power steering fluid!



Have a safe and happy holidays.



Redram

 

[rono]

1tuffram, where do you get the Valvoline Syn-Power stuff? I've looked all over here and can't find it.

Thanks, Ron

 

[illflem]

Redram, I knew exactly what was causing the squeal and that it wasn't causing any damage, but could live with it 5 minutes a year.



Any place that sells Valvoline, which is most every auto parts store, has or can get Syn-Power PS fluid. If not enter your zip code here

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?Product=22#

 

[A. Brown]

I went ahead and removed the fluid in the reservoir and put in the valvoline synpower, think I'll run this from now on.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I got my Valvoline Synpower @ Advance Auto. It's good stuff. I have to send my AGR box back for warranty service I ordered a rebuilt box from Dave Mitchell. I am going to try Royal Purple EZ Max PS fluid when I swap boxes this time. I will report my impressions.