Can i use transmission fluid for power steering in 1991 s13 5 speed?

[jpnissans13]

Hey i dont have any power steering fluid in my car and i didnt had any before because i just recently bought the car. So my question is can i use transmission fluid as a equivalent? And does it matter if its a manual transmission fluid or AT?

Thanks!
Modified by jpnissans13 at 5:21 PM 12/5/2008

[xekushnr]

I've been told that ATF is ok to use as power steering fluid. Dont quote me on that though. Would I use it in my own car? Probably not. Just go buy a quart of some power steering fluid.

[2projects2many]

P/S fluid is nothing more than hydraulic oil. A/T fluid is also very high temp hydraulic oil with additional lubricants, and cleaners. You can use A/T fluid in a pinch, however it has seal swelling capabilities which could cause leaks in the future. Usually it is used when a steering system is already leaking, and the cost is less- since you are going to lose it anyway. NEVER put manual trans fluid in- as it is nothing more than gear lubricant- which has no hydraulic capabilities- and will contaminate the whole system!

[xekushnr]

PYou can use A/T fluid in a pinch, however it has seal swelling capabilities which could cause leaks in the future.

That is what I was worried about and why I didnt tell him to just use the ATF. Now I know for sure

[IanS]

P/S fluid is nothing more than hydraulic oil. A/T fluid is also very high temp hydraulic oil with additional lubricants, and cleaners. You can use A/T fluid in a pinch, however it has seal swelling capabilities which could cause leaks in the future. Usually it is used when a steering system is already leaking, and the cost is less- since you are going to lose it anyway.

You should probubly read the manual for your car.

Most if not all Nissans use Dexron type ATF in their power steering systems. This is also true of many Fords, Toyotas, and some other manufacturers. If you put regular power steering fluid in an S chassis you will have a very hard time bleeding the system.

I pulled this directly from the 1989 Nissan 240SX Factory Service Manual



Know before you post.

[psmith]

OP found NICO, but maybe not the owners manual???

[2projects2many]

I appreciate the insight Ian, wasn't aware that Nissan used ATF for P/S. The only vehicles that I knew of was Honda, and some euro imports that had there own formula other than normal P/S fluid. None the less- I've always ran it like that unless leak appeared- than I switched to ATF. I guess it pays to read, as my 20yrs of exp. in the parts business, and 10 yrs. as a technician let me down. HA.

[jpnissans13]

I got dexron lll i hope that will work! and also some regular P/S fluid!

thanks for all the answers