Dexron ATF for power steering fluid???

[mrL]

My wife has a 2001 Maxima and when I needed to add power steering fluid to it, I went to buy some and on the top of the cap where u fill it up at it says "Use Dexron ATF". I asked the guy at the auto parts store about it & he says his Subaru calls out for the same thing. I never heard of having to use ATF in the power steering. I purchased it, added it about a month ago, & tonight we saw a leak under the car & its coming from the same side of car where the power steering fluid is added. I got some on my hand & sure enough it was ATF. I am hoping that it was not a mistake adding it & it causing a leak because it was not supposed to be used. Anyone know if I messed up using it?

[Kompresshun]

No you're correct, they do use the ATF. Sounds like you probably already had a leak before and it just has gotten worse. From the sounds of it one of your lines must have a leak in it or one of the seals in the pump.

[mrL]

Ok glad to hear that is what I am supposed to use. I got worried that maybe I was not supposed to use the ATF & it messed things up, WHEW!!! LOL . Cool I'll get it looked at. Thanks A33...

[Ray sis]

Was your fluid orange I've ordered the DEXTRON III it's arrived and it's red but what's in my Nissan xtrail is bright orange

[centralcoaster33]

Your fluid could be orange because of the dye used between different manufacturers or it could be having a bit of water or coolant contaminating it. Do your power steering lines go through a cooler on the radiator maybe?

[zul8tr]

ATF Mercon/Dexron III is the correct fluid, check your Owners manual to be sure there are several blends of ATF. If the leak is small and the seal is just somewhat hard I have had good luck with Lucas Power Steering sealer. Just suck out as much of the fluid in the reservoir as you can and add the Lucas, probably will not take the full pint. If level still drops add remaining Lucas. It just might work and at $10 per bottle at Wallmart it is worth a shot. Look and see of the rack bellows are broken and leak is at the piston or it might be at some hoses and clamps are loose.