What happens if i put power steering fluid in my transmission

• Home

  Table of Contents Show

  • Browse More Content
  • Is a Power Steering Flush Necessary?
  • Power Steering Fluid vs ATF
  • Can You Use Transmission Fluid for Power Steering Pump?
  • Is It Possible to Replace the PS Fluid with Transmission Fluid In Any Vehicle?
  • Does power steering fluid mess up transmission?
  • Are power steering and transmission fluid the same?
  • What can be used in place of transmission fluid?

• Questions

• Can you use transmission fluid for power steering fluid?

I’m about to flush out my power steering fluid, and my grandfather’s telling me I don’t need to buy special fluid, that I can just use the extra transmission fluid I have on hand. Is he right? Can you use transmission fluid for power steering fluid?

Technically, some experts say maybe—in an emergency and when it comes to some older, pre-1970s cars—but no, using transmission fluid for power steering fluid is not recommended. You might be able to get away with it because they are both hydraulic fluids, but why run the risk? In today’s cars and trucks, systems are so finely engineered that trying to substitute one for the other is only courting disaster.

A quart of power steering fluid should run you less than $10. And that’s a much less expensive option than hiring a mechanic to fix any damage you might inadvertently do!

Sometimes, well-meaning family and friends offer car maintenance advice that you find suspect. It’s always good to take the time to double-check recommendations. Did you know you should also get in the habit of checking your car insurance rates?

Whether your policy is up for renewal or you’re just curious about how your current insurer stacks up, you can turn to Jerry for help! Jerry compares rates from the nation’s top insurance providers, so you get the coverage you need at the price you want.

The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance!

WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY

Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Browse More Content

What others are asking

Read advice from car experts at Jerry

Browse by topics

Car Insurance by Make

Car Insurance by State

By Tsukasa Azuma

Last updated Feb 04, 2021

0 comments

Flushing the fluid of transmission, radiator, brake, and the engine is the part of a regular maintenance schedule of a car. Does the power steering also need flushing? If it does, can you use transmission fluid for power steering pump? Is there any possibility of ruining the power steering components by doing so or both fluids have the same properties? If you are thinking of using the transmission fluid in power steering, this article will help you get the answers.

Is a Power Steering Flush Necessary?

Any automobile with a hydraulic power-steering system needs power steering fluid. It works with the power steering pump to make turning the steering wheel smoother.

Over time, the fluid collects metal particles and sludge. The thick grit looks like sand that gets into the rack and pinion seals and ruins them ultimately.

The owner’s manual does not list the flushing of the power steering fluid as routine maintenance. But, you have to do it to keep the car in good condition. When flushing becomes compulsory rather than an optional task, many people come up with the question – can I use transmission fluid for power steering fluid? Let’s find out the differences between the fluid types before answering the question.

Power Steering Fluid vs ATF

Many people want to know if they can use the transmission fluid in the power steering pump. Is power steering fluid the same as transmission fluid? A comparison between them will help you to understand whether replacing one fluid with the other is safe.

The automatic transmission fluid (AF) is a red color liquid that releases a distinct sweet smell while the power steering (PS) fluid is clear, amber, or pinkish and smells like burnt marshmallow.

Both of them are hydraulic fluids. But, the biggest difference is ATF contains detergents and friction modifiers. The detergents filter grease and dirt that may go into the power steering system and damage the pump and steering rack’s hydraulic valves. The friction modifiers, on the other hand, keep the excessive heat buildup of the valves and pump in check.

The PS fluid also reduces the friction between various components in the system and excessive temperature buildup. Its other jobs are providing hydraulic pressure to the system’s components and lubricating the steering’s pump and gear unit. But, can you use transmission fluid for power steering pump? Let’s find out.

         SEE MORE

• The Differences between Transmission FLuid and Gear Oil
• Is It Dangerous to Drive a Car without Any Power Steering Fluid?

Can You Use Transmission Fluid for Power Steering Pump?

It depends on the make and model of the vehicle. Some people don’t see any problem while others are completely against it unless it’s an absolute emergency.

The argument against the practice seems stronger because using the wrong oil in a high volume can deteriorate and destroy the parts of a system. The ATS and PS fluid are both hydraulic type but they are not the same thing.

The transmission fluid is for cleaning and friction. Being gluey and heat-resistant in nature, it enhances friction between components in the clutch pack for better grips. On the contrary, the PS fluid is mainly for lubrication and reducing friction between various parts in the power steering system. The ATF will work for a while it will affect the seals of the pump and gearbox in the long run. Using the PS fluid approved for the model of your vehicle is the right way to avoid any trouble.

Is It Possible to Replace the PS Fluid with Transmission Fluid In Any Vehicle?

So, can you use transmission fluid for power steering pump? The answer is ‘no’! Then, why do so many people talk in favor of it?

Well, you can use ATF in the power steering pump in the vehicles manufactured in the late ‘70s or earlier. Those older cars don’t have sophisticated and lightweight materials used in the cars produced in the ‘90s and later. The power steering system of old vehicles is made of crude materials that can take ATF because it is also a hydraulic fluid.

The modern cars have subtle engineering and delicate components. Each system needs the oil and fluid that is specially designed for them. So, using a different fluid that does not meet the requirements of a specific system is harmful to it.

>> Find a suitable Japan cheap used car for yourself? Click here <<

Many Ford and GM models are fine with the fluid swap while you will simply ruin a BMW, Audi, Honda, or Mercedes-Benz by doing so. The best way to determine the answer to the question – can you use transmission fluid for power steering pump – is to check your car’s owner’s manual. It will clearly mention whether the car needs the standard power steering fluid or can run with ATF too. Some models may require some specific types of hydraulic fluid. For instance, a Lexus LX470 will be fine with ATF but a BMW requires a special synthetic fluid called Pentosin CHF 11S. If your car was manufactured in the ‘90s or afterward, do check the owner’s manual before making a rash decision.

Does power steering fluid mess up transmission?

Are power steering and transmission fluid the same?

What can be used in place of transmission fluid?