power steering fluid ok instead of ATF??

[lenross1]

I have heard this done before. but the guy had a Jeep and so i figured he figured it would break anyway so it didn't matter. LOL

 

[raydouble]

I've heard so many times about pumps going south after putting PS fluid in them.
I also heard the ATF from the factory is dyed tan.

 

[Marty Moose]

I had a 91 FJ80 that started eaking from the O ring in the back of the pump with ps fluid. When I switched it back to ATF it stoped. I had allready bought a new seal kit for it, I still have it. Never had to install.

 

[CJF]

Just for your information:
I was recenty installing a new Saginaw P series pump and manual state clearly that PS fluid should be used. It is expressly stated that use of the ATF will void Warranty.

Ooookay.

Owner's manual, FSM, and PS pump cap (on a stock 80 series) still say to use ATF though.

 

[WojtekSz]

CJF:
so everything is clear - just do what the manual says and use PS or ATF whatever needed. I believe that the difference is not much if the working conditions are not heavy. After all both are oils and the difference is in the base of the oil (natural and synthetic) and additives. Some older and simpler solutions would go for basic PS oil while some more modern would go for ATF. My guess would be that Saginaw is a kind of older design so may prefere the standard PS oil. Actually when I was installing the pump i was planning to use ATF but after reading the manual I had to make a last moment serach for PS fluid. I use it for hydraulic winch - did some prolonged winching and there was no sign of any problem (except for leaking cooler which I had to cut out from the system) co now I am working without any cooler.
As usual - RTFM first

 

[CJF]

As usual - RTFM first

Haven't seen that acronym in a while; we used to use it a lot more around here.

Now it seems like everyone's got an excuse for why they don't have one, and just expect to get all their info. off of MUD.

Cheers,

Curtis

 

[WojtekSz]

maybe I am just a shade too old or just remember good ol times
regards

Wojtek

 

[Romer]

My Toyota parts guy says it doesn't make a difference

 

[raydouble]

My Toyota parts guy says it doesn't make a difference

At the dealership?
Ask a tech the same question.

 

[Romer]

At the dealership?
Ask a tech the same question.

I have also asked a Master tech and he gave me the same response. I was going to flush the new synth PS fluid I had out and replace with ATF.

If your flushing with fluid, by all means use ATF. I am not avocating switching. If you have good PS fluid in there now, then leave it.