power steering fluid

[happy_face]

When doing the spot checks on my car the weekend, I noticed that I needed to get some power steering fluid as it was running low. I went to my local petrol station which didn't sell it. Then yesterday I popped to Halfords and after searching the shelves I went to the counter and asked the guy there if they stocked it. He kindly said he would go and get me a bottle. When I got out of the shop I had a look at the bottle and got confused. He sold me a bottle of Castrol Automatic Transmission fluid. I read on the back it says it's for an automatic gear box. I didn't want to go back in the shop and be a typical woman and say "are you sure about this" so took it home to boyfriend. He also thought it was strange and we decided we're going to dig out the old manual tonight.

I have a Renault Clio and was wondering if any of you AB'ers know if I can use this? My boyfriend seems to think there's a bottle with a steering wheel on it to make it easier to spot and that it says power steering fluid on it.

[v64paul]

relax, it's the stuff you need. when you open the bottle and pour it , it will be the colour of cherryade!

it's not so pleasant to smell and you must'nt drink it though as it's out of season...

[Clanad]

Just march in and tell him he screwed up... try to make it in front of lots of customers...Never put transmission fluid in your power steering. The reason is that transmission fluid will cause the system to overheat, cook the neoprene o-rings thus leading to leaks, and cause the power steering pump to wear out prematurely due to abnormal heat expansion of the moving parts. Power steering fluid, on the other hand, is designed to absorb and carry less heat, thus protecting those parts in systems that were designed for that product.  Additionally, it's important to find out where the fluid is going, that is, why it's low.  It could mean a simple "O" ring needs replacing or it could be aleaking hose.  Either one could fail completely and not only leave you with no power steering but a damaged power steering unit... many dollars required to fix that (in your case Pounds).  Good luck though!

[happy_face]

Now I'm completely confused.
I also did a search on google and someone there also had a Renault Clio with the same question and he was told several times on a similar site to this that Automatic transmission fluid is the right thing.
The reason for mine to be low is simply because it hasn't been topped up since I got it - I wasn't even aware that you had to. Previous car didn't have power steering. Clanad where do you get Power Steering Fluid from? And does it have a steering wheel on the bottle? - Sorry for sounding like a typical woman

[jake-the-peg]

http://www.carcarecouncil.org/Steering_Suspension/pump.shtml

 Fluids need to be compatible with hoses and seals and in some cases the recommended fluid may be automatic transmission fluids such as Type F or Dexron.

If you find the manual for the car you should find a recommended fluids section in the back. Otherwise drop by the parts desk at your local Renault dealer.

[Clanad]

The following link suggests that only Type Dexron II is approved for Renault cars.  Apparently this fluid is approved for both transmission and power steering.

http://www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/ETechnical/oil.html

However, this site agrees that most car manufacturers recommend only power steering fluid be used:

http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLEXSuperflo_ATF_D_M.asp

 

Exxon Superflo ATF D/M is recommended for power steering units where the manufacturer recommends a Dexron or Mercon fluid. Many car makers recommend against the use of automatic transmission fluids and, instead, require the use of their own power steering fluids to provide maximum hose life and to minimize pump squeal and wear.

[KebabMeister]

We used Castrol Dexron II for both Auto and PAS when I was a mechanic.

[BillyNoMates]

My Vovo takes ATF fluid in both the power steering and the manual transmission. It is what is specified.

Ideally get hold of a decent workshop manual or handbook, check the fluid specification. It is confusing but if you have the exact specification you can buy an equivalent - or one with a higher specification.

[v64paul]

oooh i'm confused now. IT'S THE SAME. just as all of you out there get better mileage out of supermarket petrol or who say it's ok to run a petrol engine after filling it with diesel...

25 years and counting in the trade and i have never used different fluid in steering/auto boxes.

i really worry about you guys sometimes. in any case happy, are you checking the level correctly? in most cases the engine must be running while you check the level. seeing as we are getting all formal here....

[Clanad]

Hmmm... maybe the problem is a difference between U.S. and European cars.  Check the power steering fluid here with the engine running and you can get a face full of fluid.  Additionally, advising someone to do this that admittedly doesn't know a whole lot about cars is inviting disaster via moving fan belts, etc.  All one is checking is the level on a dipstick and that can certainly be done with the engine off. with all due defference to your 25 years in the trade...

And for billy, do you really mean automatic transmission fluid in your manual transmission? Manual transmissions require a lubricant with much higher viscosity... at least 75W90.  So now we've thoroughly confused happy_face, I'm sure...

[BillyNoMates]

Yep - Auto transmission fluid type F or G for the M46/M47 Manual transmission.

Power steering takes Automatic tranmission fluid type Dexron IID - so yes, not exactly the same type but both auto fluids.

[landie]

What's power assisted steering? I've only got a Series 3.

[v64paul]

it's not just the viscosity index that counts these days. synthetic oils are thin even when cold. as for getting a face full of oil! the resevoir is not under pressure. maybe your'e getting mixed up with the radiator...

c'mon kebabmeister we are in danger of losing our rep on here!

[Clanad]

Gee, isn't the radiator kinda that hot thingy and if you open it it goes like sploosh?  I have a Ford F150 pickup 4X4, and I guarantee if you put automatic transmission fluid in the manual transmission, transfer case or rear differential, it will fail 'ere long.  So, as I said, perhaps European cars are serviced differently.  BTW, power steering fluid here isn't  'cherryade' in color... it's generally clear or slightly amber... Again, I wouldn't advise anyone without experience under the hood to get in there with the engine running.  But of course, you're the one with the experience... Here's what Mobil says: http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSE2CVLMOMobiltrans_SHC_50.asp

[happy_face]

This was all I needed to know. Thank you

[croft]

happy_face,

Like you, I know nothing about this stuff either but luckily, I found one called Automatic Transmission AND Power Steering Fluid DII (Halfords brand). I would however like to confirm from anyone who does know, that I am correct in assuming the DII means it meets Dexron IID spec. Thanks in advance.