PS Fluid is ATF? WTF!?!

[ShadowKnight006]

OK so I picked up ImportRacer! Magazine today to see what I am missing since the subscription my gf bought me, isn't she great, hasn't come yet. Well the took their S13 HB to a drift session and listed what all they took with them. One thing one extra power steering fluid but the author noted that the 240 uses automatic transmission fluid for power steering?!?!?! Is this pure BS or not? I never had to deal with my PSF w/my last 240 very much. What are you supposed to use PSF or ATF, I always assumed it was called power steering fluid for a reason or auto. tran. fluid for a reason. I am so confused. Oh and I did search, no luck. If any of the mod squad feels this should be moved to the mechanic forum, excuse my confusion and do so, its late and I thought this would get a faster response. Thanks.

--Levi

[Mr1der]

some ford pumps actually use type f atf, mine does

so it's possible

[Hijacker]

a quick way to find out is take a paper towel to your resevoir and dip it in. if it comes out red, then yes it is ATF, otherwise it's typical hydrolic fluid. I'm too lazy to go test it myself and it's getting late

[NISTECH]

we use atf as powersteering fluid in all nissans unless its a warrenty repair. and the only reason we do it under warrenty is because of the by the book attitude warrenty division shoves down our throat. they wont pay for the atf if we bill it out on the repair order. both the power steering and the trans require fluid that holds up under pressure and can keep the system clean. ATF accomplishes both those charicteristics.

[PalmerWMD]

The gurus actually recommend Mobil1 ATF for Q45 PS.

I am sure other Nissan are similiar.

Fred..

[Altiman94]

I never knew that, is ATF less likely to leak versus regular ps fluid?

[IvoryJ30t]

its basically interchangeable, except on honda car, where there is a specific honda ps fluid. otherwise, your ps pump is just a hydraulic pump, nothing special about it, and atf keeps it clean.

[s13sr20chris]

the fsm actually says that atf is an acceptable substitute for p/s fluid.

[ShadowKnight006]

WOW! I guess you really do learn something new everyday, who knew. Thanks for the input guys. So there is really no +/- to using one or the other?

[skitzo]

It actually calls for ATF (dexron type) to be more specific.

[LittleBrotherSilvia]

i use psf, i never heard any real pros to using atf, seems to be pretty much the same, so use whatever ur heart desires.