thxone

I am out of power steering fluid....will brake fluid also work for the power steering? They are both a hydraulic fluid right? Call me cheap if you will, I just dont want to go to the store. I have like a half damn gallon of brake fluid....

NismoPick

No... use the right fluid for the job.

thxone

you're not helping my lazy cheapness NismoPick....huhhhh fine I will go get some power steering fluid....but I am not gonna like it! So just curious...can it hurt the car using the brake fluid, not that I am gonna but what IS the difference?

hoov100

i used beer once, didnt quite work, but it improved, you should be able to brake fluid, just becarefull, not to get it on your paint!

Heat Rave R

I could be wrong, but I'm under the impression that power steering fluid is more lubricative than brake fluid.

icice9

dont use brake fluid for your power steering.. if yoru gonan be cheap.. then use dextron II transmission fluid.. its the closest thing to power steerting fluid... but NO i repeat NO!!! dont use brake fluid...

hoov100

thats what i was thinking of..

Z Car Barbie

NO! DO NOT use Power Steering Fluid OR Brake Fluid!!!!! Trust me, it's in the FSM for a reason!

I've done major research on this issue. PS and Brake fluids contain different synthetics and additives. Using them can eventually cause damage to the seals in the power steering rack, resulting in leaks. You need to USE Dexron III ATF - YES, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Yes, I thought it was just crap when I read that in my FSM ... but, after my brand new steering rack started leaking within only 6 months because my mechanic who installed it used PS fluid, that's when I became a believer! Please, don't take a chance on ruining your seals! Use the Dexron III ATF. Racks are very expensive - average cost for a new one is $300.

z-hag

from experience--after having new rack installed in my slicky, i find the replacements all leak. by the way, i was told the rebuilt rack and pinion are from mainly 1989--therefore, have difficulty fitting the 1986 models, which were a slightly different width track?? they had to go thru 3 racks bbefore the one it has now--the leak ixs at the very lowest part of the car,--i wonder if an o-ring might help? or is there any way to install one while installing the rack???--just a wild idea i thot of while perusing my leaky rack and pinion installed only 1 year or less prior to the observation.



i also found that laziness is reflected in the car's overall appearance and/or performance. your car is pretty--if it runs well, do NOT be lazy. this from a lazy being, also.



besides, if ya can spend the time on this, ya can go drive the car(fun) to thwe parts house (not fun) and get fluid then write and tell us all about how fun it was to drive the car!!!!!(fun)-----so, 2 funs outnumber 1 not fun---------

is that you in your avvie??

Carl's Z

You crack me up!!

BTW.....ATF!?

Bleach

I always use ATF in my power steering rack but they all still leak.

thxone

Yup, thats me.

thxone

I used the Dextron III in the power steering...works perfectly...thanks everyone.