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

[GAmes]

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

Redline is certainly an option, but so is every other power steering fluid out there. If you want synthetic, the only one I know of besides Redline is Royal Purple.

 

[AH64ID]

Redline is certainly an option, but so is every other power steering fluid out there. If you want synthetic, the only one I know of besides Redline is Royal Purple.

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...synthetic-power-steering-fluid/?code=PSFCN-EA

 

[AH64ID]

Redline is certainly an option, but so is every other power steering fluid out there. If you want synthetic, the only one I know of besides Redline is Royal Purple.

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...synthetic-power-steering-fluid/?code=PSFCN-EA

 

[kscheffler]

I read the thread on the previous page and interputted it to say that Redline is only for ATF steering pump applications. But after reading it again it appears that it is approved for both ATF and non-atf applications. I need to look at what is specificied for my 2001.

 

[JR]

I need to look at what is specificied for my 2001.

Take a look at the TSB from Dodge I posted above. 94-02 Ram did not supercede to ATF. Good old fashioned power steering fluid. If Gary has run the RedLine in his truck, its safe to say it is just fine for our pickups. As many miles as he accumulates any problems related to the fluid would have turned up long ago.

 

[GAmes]

I read the thread on the previous page and interputted it to say that Redline is only for ATF steering pump applications. But after reading it again it appears that it is approved for both ATF and non-atf applications. I need to look at what is specificied for my 2001.

Since it is compatible with both, what difference does it make?

 

[KATOOM]

I'm not sure why this is such a debated issue..... Just use PS fluid and be done with it. Why worry about compatibility or possibility with ATF?

And as for volume needed, the reservoir holds approximately 1 pint. Buy a quart of synthetic PS fluid and a cheap hand pump with clear hose ends. Stick hand pump hose all the way to the bottom of the pump reservoir and suck out all the fluid you can. Again, you should get about a pint. Then refill with the new fluid. Start the truck and take it around the block making some full lock to lock turns. Come back and repeat the process of draining and filling with the remaining pint of the new fluid and your done. Its that simple.

The hydro-assist pump runs very hot as the fluid on a warm day will be around 150*+ at the top lines. Because of this the conventional PS fluid will break down faster than synthetic will. Some people have tried adding a fluid cooler but what happens is by adding a cooler you also add line volume which affects the pressure output of the pump and thus affects steering and braking feel. So if that's what anyone's considering then just make sure you research.

 

[JR]

To do a proper flush you will need more than a quart. I bought a gallon jug and had a quart to a quart and a half left over.

 

[KATOOM]

No disrespect intended but there's no need to be that thorough. Just do it more often.....

 

[JR]

None taken, but if I'm going to go through the trouble of doing it, I'm going to flush it until it's all clear. Its been 3 years this summer and my fluid still looks and smells clean.

 

[KATOOM]

Agreed.....

 

[AH64ID]

No disrespect intended but there's no need to be that thorough. Just do it more often.....

It just depends on how often it's changed. If it's been a lot of miles them start with a flish, otherwise drain and fill.

 

[SAndreasen]

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

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

Well the bottle says 1998 and up so Maybe I'm taking a risk I don't know but Ill give it a whirl if next week or after 200,000 she blows up guess well know I made a bad life decision .

 

[JR]

The TSB is model specific. Most vehicles prior to 2003 are included in the TSB, our Rams being excluded. Most likely has something to do with the type of pump used but to be honest I dont know for sure. Its hard to go wrong following the manufacturers recommendation rather then the back of the bottle but the beautiful part of it being your truck is, you can run a good beer p*ss in your reservoir and all we can do is ask you to take some pictures of the carnage:-laf

 

[KATOOM]

The funny apart about this thread is.....most people NEVER change nor look at their power steering fluid. Probably the top overlooked and neglected drivetrain component.

 

[SAndreasen]

Yes 90% of people dont service transmission or axles let alone power steering fluid flush . As far as fluid goes I have never ever bought power steering fluid most of the time I use tractor hydraulic fluid and have never had a failure yet.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Since atf+4 came out I've been running it in my older trucks steering systems back to first gen's with zero issues. The +4 is quiet at -40 most of the time so it definitely flows better than the standard power steering fluid my trucks came with. YMMV