Working on my '73 Omega and needed to replace the power steering fluid. can anyone tell me if I need to use power steering fluid as someone said it might take transmission fluid for the power steering fluid?!?

 

I moved your post to it's own thread because, frankly, your question is really unrelated to a thread on PS pump mounting brackets.

Yes, you can use Dextron ATF in your PS pump.

 

PS fluid is all I have used for years, even used type f with no problems. It is basically just a type of hydraulic fluid, even put it in my floor jack.... Tedd

 

I use plain old power steering fluid.

 

Power steering fluid and ATF are almost the same thing. Power steering fluid does have anti-foaming agents in it making it "better" but ATF is fine in a pinch.

 

Depending on the year, GM recommended either Dextron or P/S fluid, with no changes in the actual parts.

We had quite a lengthy discussion of this a couple of years ago. My recollection is that no meaningful conclusions were drawn, and nobody changed his preferred fluid.

- Eric

 

I am not speaking from experience but when I had my steering box rebuilt by Power Steering Services, They said to absolutly NOT use power steering fluid. He explained why and I don't remember what that was. He said if I send it back for a warranty claim they can tell what fluid it had in it and they will not make it good if it has something other than Dextron ATF fluid.

 

Maybe because a lot of PS fluids have stopleak in them too? I have been warned against using specifically that kind in my Jeep's upgraded steering box.

 

Now that you mention that, I think that is what they told me.

 

Yeah, not surprised. I think there is a good chance it can gum things up. If your pump or box is on the way out anyways, why not, but if it ain't leaking, no need to chance the stop leak. I think I had to look kinda hard to find some without it IIRC.

 

Thanks everyone, I didn't have an owners manual when I purchased the car, just bought one on ebay. The manual states to use power steering fluid or Dextron ATF.

Jay