2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Synthetic Power Steering Fluid

[Rhondasway]

If anyone is running synthetic, what brand and where do you get it? I used to run Valvoline Synthetic but it seems to have disappeared. I've changed fluid (it burns up quickly) to no avail, have replaced the steering box, and am about to put a new pump on it to see if I can get some feel back. I think the synthetic helped, but I can't seem to find any in auto parts stores, except maybe one brand that has Stop-Leak, which I don't want or need.
All other front end components are good and tight.
My good manual specifically says NOT to run trans fluid, so I do not.
Any advice is appreciated.
(note I have limited internet access so responses may be delayed)

 

[AH64ID]

I use Amsoil Synthetic Power Steering fluid in my VW Jetta, it has been in there for 50K miles with 140K on the pump. No issues.

 

[DavidC]

There is Royal Purple. I still have the Valvoline in mine. Royal Purple lists Wal-Mart, Oreilly's, Autozone etc. I have ordere Oil from Summitracing.com.
http://www.royalpurpleconsumer.com/products/max-ez-power-steering-fluid/

Dave

 

[GAmes]

Red Line is what I use. I get it on line, usually Amazon has the best price.

 

[SAndreasen]

Chrysler atf4 will work

 

[GAmes]

Chrysler atf4 will work View attachment 91297

Rhonda already knows that is false, even says it on the label "post 1998".

 

[ed9824v]

Chrysler atf4 will work View attachment 91297

Xx thats what I use.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Hey Rhonda!

I used to use the Valvoline also it really made a difference on my 98 12V. When i changed to the RedHead box I started using the AMZ/OIL Synthetic PS fluid it works great also.

 

[Rhondasway]

Thanks, everyone! If I can find the Royal Purple I may go with that... When I used their synthetic trans fluid in the past it made a marked difference in performance at the track. Of course my expensive manual doesn't say how much to use, so I'll have to guess, I guess, unless anyone knows?

 

[GAmes]

If you plan on flushing it using the turkey baster method, three to four qts. The cost of RP is why I use Redline.

 

[LandShark]

Switching to the Valvoline synthetic PS fluid (18 years ago) made a dramatic improvement in start up noise at low temps . It's been about 10 years since I've been able to find it. I've been using the RP stuff and it seems as good, however I find both the price and the tiny 12oz containers annoying.

 

[AH64ID]

Thanks, everyone! If I can find the Royal Purple I may go with that... When I used their synthetic trans fluid in the past it made a marked difference in performance at the track. Of course my expensive manual doesn't say how much to use, so I'll have to guess, I guess, unless anyone knows?

I would buy a gallon. I have a 3rd gen so I am not sure of the volume difference, but a gallon has always been more than enough for the drain and fill, even a flush.

 

[DavidC]

Red Line is what I use. I get it on line, usually Amazon has the best price.

Apparently there are limitations to Red Line that it can be used with Power Steering that use trans. fluid ?.

Quote from Red line Site

"RED LINE POWER STEERING FLUID satisfies the service fill requirements of most auto manufacturers and can be used where the manufacturer calls for any automatic transmission fluid such as Dexron®, Dexron II-D®, II-E®, or Dexron III®, Ford Type-F, Mercon, or M2C138-CJ such as required by Ford, AMC, Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar, VW, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, SAAB, Subaru, Volvo, Porsche, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and many others.

This fluid also satisfies power steering units requiring GM PN 1050017 or 1052884 (Spec Number 9985010), Chrysler Spec Number 5931, and Ford Spec Number M2C33-F. It also satisfies the hydraulic specifications of Denison HF-O, Vickers vane pumps, and Sundstrand piston pumps. "

Dave

 

[GAmes]

I had the same question. It is compatible with systems that call for AT fluid, but it is PS fluid. It has worked flawlessly for me for about 400,000 miles, maybe longer. I started using it after Valvoline quit selling synthetic.

 

[DavidC]

I had the same question. It is compatible with systems that call for AT fluid, but it is PS fluid. It has worked flawlessly for me for about 400,000 miles, maybe longer. I started using it after Valvoline quit selling synthetic.

Does your 97 specifically specify not to use Transmission fluid like my 99 states in the owners manual ?

Dave

 

[mwilson]

My '97 says no ATF, power steering fluid only. It was low the other day so I got the owner's manual out and read up a little before adding anything.

 

[GAmes]

Mike beat me to it. I don't think Dodge started using ATF in the PS until the 3rd gens.

 

[kscheffler]

So if no Redline what does that leave for options I should change mine also.

 

[JR]

Chrysler atf4 will work View attachment 91297

Maybe someone can correct me if I am wrong, but the way I interpret the TSB, 94-02 Ram trucks are excluded from the TSB allowing the use of ATF over PS fluid.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/19-005-03.htm

 

[mwilson]

Maybe someone can correct me if I am wrong, but the way I interpret the TSB, 94-02 Ram trucks are excluded from the TSB allowing the use of ATF over PS fluid.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/19-005-03.htm

I agree. Not eligible for the upgrade.