Power Steering Fluid

[67step100]

A PO installed assisted power steering to my D100. The dip stick shows it being just above the bottom mark so I would like to top it up.

Do I need a specific fluid (its red) or is any power steering fluid OK? If it is specific to the type of power steering system I can post a picture of it. Thanks.

[martincom]

Red dye is automatic transmission fluid. I wouldn't mix power steering fluid with it. Ideally, it should be power steering fluid.

Check it when it is hot (been worked awhile). Any fluid will expand considerable when warmed, including power steering fluid. If you "top it off" when cold, I can guarantee it will be coming out the top when hot.

[67step100]

Red dye is automatic transmission fluid. I wouldn't mix power steering fluid with it. Ideally, it should be power steering fluid.

Check it when it is hot (been worked awhile). Any fluid will expand considerable when warmed, including power steering fluid. If you "top it off" when cold, I can guarantee it will be coming out the top when hot.

Thanks. The red being ATF had crossed my mind. I will check it again after a long drive to see where it sits on the dip stick. Not usre how to completely flush the ATF so I can replace it with power steering fluid. Is it important? I've read that a lot of people seem to use ATF for power steering fluid. No doubt a PO did. Thanks again.

[martincom]

Yes to both questions, a lot of folks utilize ATF in the power steering and removing it 100% would be a complete tear down. At this point, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure there is a reason why manufacturers didn't utilize ATF in the power steering---it would have likely been less expensive.

[Wildergarten]

I will check it again after a long drive to see where it sits on the dip stick. Not usre how to completely flush the ATF so I can replace it with power steering fluid. Is it important?

I can see two potential concerns with the oil selection. In the short term, it might be foaming. So look for bubbles after your test. BTW, it wouldn't take a long drive as much as fifteen minutes in a hot parking lot. Long term, it may have to do with "seal swell." Seals are designed for the type of oil anticipated. Frankly, I'm leaning toward foaming as the consideration.

[67step100]

Thanks. I will also check for foaming after the drive, probably later this week when it gets a bit warmer. If it's foaming I am getting no leaks which is good.