Mixing Power Steering Fluids
05-14-2003, 02:09 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Mixing Power Steering Fluids
Hi,
My 84 944 needs PS fluid. When I checked it, there was a red fluid currently inside. All the ones at the store seem to be clear. Can I add clear fluid to a non-clear fluid? I bought the STP power steering fluid...
Sorry for the "intro-level" question
My 84 944 needs PS fluid. When I checked it, there was a red fluid currently inside. All the ones at the store seem to be clear. Can I add clear fluid to a non-clear fluid? I bought the STP power steering fluid...
Sorry for the "intro-level" question
05-14-2003, 02:18 PM
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
I'm not replacing though...just adding clear fluid to an all ready existing red fluid. Actually I have to add a lot of clear fluid since my PS was very low.
Should I do it?
Should I do it?
05-14-2003, 02:39 PM
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The reason the fluid is red is because it is not Power Steering Fluid. These systems were made to run on ATF (dextron 2 or 3). You can use the high grade synthetic power steering fluids...
ahhhh, who am I kidding. Thats the technical answer above. If you have already added a little power steering fluid to the dextron thats already in there its not going to hurt anything. May thin it out a little but they do mix. If you have not already added a little, just go down and buy some ATF fluid and you will not have to worry about it.
ahhhh, who am I kidding. Thats the technical answer above. If you have already added a little power steering fluid to the dextron thats already in there its not going to hurt anything. May thin it out a little but they do mix. If you have not already added a little, just go down and buy some ATF fluid and you will not have to worry about it.
05-14-2003, 02:40 PM
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The red fluid is automatic transmission fluid. Read your owners manual if you have one. That is what is supposed to be used for the power steering. I believe it is Dexron.
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05-14-2003, 03:14 PM
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I would go ahead and buy some ATF if you have not already added the PS fluid. It is just safer that way and whats it cost, $5..
As far as the ATF swelling the lines.. thats a yes and a no. The ATF will swell the lines but no more than standard Power Steering fluid will. Any noticeable swelling of the reinforced power steering lines would take many years (18-20 from looking at the originals). The seals in your rack were made for ATF. The new seals are good for whatever you like.
The only difference between the two fluids is the viscosity and a slight change in composition.
As far as the ATF swelling the lines.. thats a yes and a no. The ATF will swell the lines but no more than standard Power Steering fluid will. Any noticeable swelling of the reinforced power steering lines would take many years (18-20 from looking at the originals). The seals in your rack were made for ATF. The new seals are good for whatever you like.
The only difference between the two fluids is the viscosity and a slight change in composition.
