does atf and power steering fluid mix?

bonecollector · Oct 12th, 2006, 09:34 PM

at some point i put power steering fluid in my 96 pathys power steering fluid resevoir, then recently i was gonna change it for some new stuff before winter sets in.. looking at the manual i realized i was supposed to use atf..... did i cause problems with putting in power steering fluid when it has atf in it, or do they mix somewhat? any ideas, thoughts.... thanks. the truck seems to not steer as well as used to be time ago, but i figured it was the 31s i am running compared to the stock tires.

dvdswanson · Oct 12th, 2006, 10:24 PM

if I remember right ps fluid makes seals swell, not good at all for a tranny, for the steering, if it called for atf then adding the ps fluid could be your problem, try having the system flushed and whats recommended put back in, you may be in for a costly repair if you wait.

littlefish · Oct 12th, 2006, 10:31 PM

I used to own cheys and fords - The factory manuals used to state the proper fluid to use in the power steering was ATF. Power steering fluid is not exactly the same as ATF. ATF can be used in power steering applications. Power steering fluid should not be used in Transmissions. ATF has friction modifiers (basically to grip bands and clutches when under pressure) to help keep the clutch paks from slipping when under pressure. Power steering fluid does not have friction modifiers since you do not deal with clutch paks or bands.

b67 · Oct 13th, 2006, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonecollector

at some point i put power steering fluid in my 96 pathys power steering fluid resevoir, then recently i was gonna change it for some new stuff before winter sets in.. looking at the manual i realized i was supposed to use atf..... did i cause problems with putting in power steering fluid when it has atf in it, or do they mix somewhat? any ideas, thoughts.... thanks. the truck seems to not steer as well as used to be time ago, but i figured it was the 31s i am running compared to the stock tires.

IN my 99 I put the same Mobil1 ATF for the tranny as the power steering -

bonecollector · Oct 13th, 2006, 01:52 PM

yeah, i was thinking about flushing it.. and running synthetic atf........ if it isnt ruined all ready...