What kind of fluid is poured into the power steering (power steering)

In this article we will talk about what kind of fluid needs to be poured into the power steering reservoir. All types of oils will be considered: yellow, red, green. It is also worth paying attention to the regulations for replacing this lubricant. So what is the difference between lubricants intended for power steering, and how and when to change them? In this article you will find answers to all these questions.

Diagram of the power steering mechanism. The hydraulic pump, steering rack, and hydraulic oil reservoir are clearly visible

When is it necessary to change the power steering oil?

Most car manufacturers claim that power steering oil does not need to be replaced and is capable of performing its functions throughout the entire service life of the vehicle. In fact, this is not so: a lubricant for power steering is nothing more than a consumable; it, just like any other petroleum product, is subject to loss of performance.

The lubricant change interval is 1-2 years. This will extend the life of the hydraulic pump and also keep the steering wheel moving smoothly. The replacement schedule depends on the operating conditions: the greater the load, the more often it is recommended to change the lubricant in the mechanism.

The power steering oil is changed ahead of time due to a malfunction of any element of the power steering system. After replacing a failed part, the lubricant must be completely replaced. This is required for the coordinated operation of all elements - both old and newly installed.

Also, do not forget to check the hydraulic oil level in the power steering reservoir. This procedure is recommended to be performed once every 3 months. If the amount of liquid has decreased, it means that the mechanism has depressurized; in this case, it is necessary to perform a pressure test of the system, identify and eliminate the leak, and then add lubricant to the required level.

A universal lubricant for power steering, very convenient if you do not know what kind of hydraulic oil is in your mechanism

When does power steering fluid need to be replaced?

Land cruiser 200 power steering fluid should be replaced periodically. During use, the oil constantly overheats, causing its properties and color to change.

Reasons for replacement:

• damage sustained on high pressure pipelines;
• complications of turning the steering wheel;
• if the color has changed;
• oil leak.

Manufacturers usually do not regulate replacement.

However, experienced Toyota car owners recommend replacing them at least once every 10 thousand km. mileage

In addition, the oil must be replaced in case of any defects in the power steering, including its replacement.

What kind of oil to pour into the hydraulic booster

The oil is poured into a special container - the power steering reservoir, it is easy to find under the hood

In order to understand this issue, you need to study the classification system of power steering oils. Most motorists, when choosing hydraulic oil, pay attention only to its color. This is not true. It is also necessary to keep in mind the base of the lubricant and its performance characteristics.

There are two types of oil based on it: mineral and synthetic. Each type of petroleum product has its own characteristics: mineral has its own advantages, synthetics have their own.

Mineral hydraulic oils are most often used, since they carefully preserve the rubber elements used in the power steering design, and such fluids effectively remove heat, protect friction pairs from wear and prevent the formation of corrosive deposits on mechanism elements.

Synthetic hydraulic oils are not particularly widespread in hydraulics. They contain rubber fibers, which contribute to the destruction of the rubber elements of the mechanism. Synthetics are mainly used in hydraulic boosters of special equipment, and its use in cars is permissible only with the recommendation of the manufacturer.

Manufacturers' recommendations table:

When choosing a lubricant for power steering, the majority of motorists are guided only by the color factor. This can be done, but it is not necessary, because most lubricants of the same color have different bases and additive packages. Therefore, it is recommended to read about the miscibility of each liquid.

Red

Synthetic or mineral-based hydraulic oil is used in most automatic transmissions; it is rarely used in power steering systems. It is strictly forbidden to mix, since the lubricant has two types of base. So when purchasing such a lubricant, a complete replacement is required.

Yellow

This liquid is considered universal. This type of oil can be found in most hydraulic power steering systems. This lubricant is also used in manual and automatic transmissions.

Green

Synthetic or mineral based oil. For use exclusively in manual transmissions. You can use such a lubricant in power steering, but before doing this you need to drain all the old fluid and flush the system.

The best ATF fluids for power steering

Mobil ATF 320 Premium Fluid

has a mineral composition. Place of application: automatic transmissions and power steering, which require Dexron III level oils. The product is designed for freezing temperatures of 30-35 degrees below zero. Mixes without consequences with red ATP fluids of the Dextron 3 classification. Compatible with all conventional seal materials used in transmission mechanisms.

Mobile ATF 320 will not only be an excellent choice as an analog for filling into an automatic transmission, but also a good option, in terms of its behavior and characteristics, in a power steering system.

Meets Specifications:

• ATF Dexron III
• GM Dexron III
• ZF TE-ML 04D
• Ford Mercon M931220

Price starts from 690 rub.

.

Reviews

• — I drive a Mitsubishi Lancer at 95 thousand miles. I filled it with Mobil ATF 320. Everything is fine. The hydrach really began to work more quietly.

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1

• Pros:
• ATF 320 is well suited for used power steering systems;
• Does not harm rubber seals;
• Can be used as a topping.

• Minuses:
• Not designed for use in northern regions where temperatures drop below -30°C.

Motul Multi ATF

— 100 percent synthetic red oil, designed for all modern automatic transmissions. Designed for use in power steering systems and hydrostatic transmissions that require the use of fluids that meet Dexron and MERCON standards. Replaces ATF according to Dexron III standard. The leader in the test in terms of viscosity stability, low-temperature properties, and protective functions, it also has high performance properties. Compared to special fluids for power steering, it significantly loses in viscosity characteristics at positive temperatures - 7.6 and 36.2 mm2/s (at 40 and 100°C, respectively), since it is designed to a greater extent specifically for the gearbox.

French ATP liquid meets the standards of Jatco JF613E, Jalos JASO 1A, Allison C-4, ZF - TE-ML. It has a large list of specifications and approvals for all car brands, but you need to look in the technical data to see if the approval is suitable for the hydraulic booster of a specific model.

List of popular tolerances:

• MAZDA JWS 3317;
• Audi G 052 182, TL 52 182, G 052 529;
• Lexus/TOYOTA ATF type WS, Type T-III, Type T-IV;
• Acura/HONDA ATF Z1, ATF DW-1
• RENAULT Elfmatic J6, Renaultmatic D2 D3;
• FORD MERCON
• BMW LT 71141
• JAGUAR M1375.4
• MITSUBISHI ATF-PA, ATF-J2, ATF-J3, PSF 3;
• GM DEXRON IIIG, IIIH, IID, IIE;
• CHRYSLER MS 7176;
• and others.

The corresponding price is 890 rubles.

per liter

Reviews

• — It fits perfectly on the Volvo S80, it’s true that I didn’t fill it with power steering, but in an automatic transmission, but still, compared to the Mobil 3309 ATF, this one behaves much better in winter. Not only has it become faster and the shifts are softer, but also the jerks that were there before have disappeared.
• — I drive a Subaru Legacy; I couldn’t buy the original fluid; I chose this one because it fit the tolerances. I flushed the entire system with a liter and then filled it with a liter. Previously there was a hum in extreme positions, now everything is normal.

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2

• Pros:
• It not only prevents extraneous noise, but also treats it after using other ATP oils.
• Has recommendations from European, Asian and American manufacturers.
• Can be mixed with similar oils.

• Minuses:
• High price;
• Mostly designed for use in automatic transmissions.

Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1100

is a universal German hydraulic fluid based on hydrocracking synthesis oils and a package of high-performance additives. Liquid Moly ATF 1100 is designed for both automatic transmissions and power steering. Can also be used for topping up systems for which the corresponding ATF specifications apply. ASTM color is red. When choosing it as a power steering fluid, you need to carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations, since the fluid has a high viscosity index.

Complies with tolerances:

• Dexron IIIH
• Dexron IIIG
• Dexron IIE
• Dexron IID
• Dexron TASA (Type A/Suffix A)
• Ford Mercon
• ZF-TE-ML 04D
• MB 236.1
• ZF-TE ML02F

If it fits the specifications, instead of the original liquid, this is an excellent option for little money, because the price starts from 650 rubles.

Reviews

• — I filled Top Tec ATF 1100 into the power steering of my Lanos at 80 thousand kilometers, it has already exceeded a hundred, there were no pump noises.

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3

• Pros:
• Can be used as a top-up when mixed with other ATF;
• An excellent oil for those power steering systems that require increased viscosity;
• Good price.

• Minuses:
• Has only Dextron specifications;
• Applicable to a greater extent only on American, some European and Asian cars.

Formula Shell Multi-Vehicle ATF

— transmission fluid produced in the USA can be used in power steering, where the manufacturer recommends pouring Dexron III. A good product for a very modest price (400 rubles per bottle), characterized by balanced low-temperature properties. It also has improved anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion properties, resistance to high and low temperatures, which allows the transmission to operate reliably in any climate. Can be used in manual transmissions of some vehicles, as well as in hydraulic steering systems of certain specifications.

Together with Motul Multi ATF, Shell fluid showed one of the best results during testing by the “Behind the Wheel” website for use in an automatic transmission. Like any ATF, it has a poisonous red color.

Meets Specifications:

• Type A/Type A Suffix A
• GM DEXRON
• GM DEXRON-II
• GM DEXRON-IIE
• GM DEXRON-III (H)
• Ford MERCON

Price 400 rubles per liter

, very attractive.

Reviews

• — I filled it into the Impreza, until the severe frosts everything was fine, but when it hit over 30, the liquid foamed and the pump began to howl.

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4

• Pros:
• Good thermal and oxidative stability;
• Inexpensive liquid with good technical characteristics.

• Minuses:
• According to tolerances, it is suitable for a very small number of car brands; it can only be poured where Dextron 3 is required;
• A high level of viscosity is good for an automatic transmission, but worse for a power steering pump.

ZIC ATF III

— semi-synthetic oil of bright crimson color based on YUBASE VHVI base oil. Designed for use in automatic transmissions and power steering. It has balanced performance characteristics, which allows the liquid to be used in both new and not so new cars. Excellent adhesion and strength of the oil film make it possible for both the automatic transmission and the hydraulic fluid to work well under conditions of elevated temperatures. Has low volatility at high operating temperatures.

Complies with tolerances:

• ATF III G-34088
• GM Dexron III H
• Ford Mercon
• Allison C-4 Toyota T-III
• Honda ATF-Z1
• Nissan Matic-J Matic-K
• Subaru ATF

Price from 1900 rubles

4 liter canister.

Reviews

• — I use ZIC in automatic transmissions and power steering on various cars, brands TOYOTA, NISSAN. Although it’s budgetary, it’s enough for a couple of years. It performed well both in winter operating conditions and under high loads on the automatic transmission.
• — I filled it up at the beginning of summer, the pump worked without a hum in the heat, and the rack itself worked great. It also performed well at low temperatures; after the engine warmed up, the hydraulic booster worked perfectly, without hesitations or jamming. When the budget is limited, then feel free to take this oil.
• — I’ve been driving the semi-blue ZIC Dexron III VHVI for 5 years, there are no leaks, I’ve never topped it up, I replace it every 2 years along with the tank.
• — After replacing it with a Subaru Impreza WRX, the steering wheel became heavier.

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5

• Pros:
• Ideal for cars with high mileage, as it is inexpensive and has high viscosity.
• Good anti-wear properties.

• Minuses:
• Too thick to be used as power steering fluid in northern regions.
• It is inconvenient that a liter canister is very difficult to find on sale; it is mainly offered only in 4 liters. canisters.

Since the design of the hydraulic booster contains parts made of various materials: steel, rubber, fluoroplastic - when choosing a suitable fluid, you need to look at the technical data and take into account the compatibility of the hydraulic oil with all these surfaces. It is also important to have additives that provide better friction between mating surfaces.

In power steering, synthetic oils are used quite rarely (they are aggressive to rubber); synthetics are often poured into the automatic transmission of a car. Therefore, only fill the power steering system with mineral water, unless the instructions specifically indicate synthetic oil!

If you want to buy a really high-quality product, and not a fake, and complain that the liquid is bad, it is advisable to inquire about the availability of quality certificates for the products.

Differences between hydraulic fluids

Dexron. Lubricants have been produced since 1968. This is a separate class created by General Motors Corporation. Dexron is an official brand and is not manufactured exclusively by GM.

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - lubricants intended for automatic transmissions. Widespread among Japanese manufacturers. Often such hydraulic oil is found in power steering, most of it has a red tint.

PSF (Power Steering Fluid) – oil for hydraulic booster.

Multi HF are universal hydraulic oils for use in hydraulic power steering systems, allow complete mixing and interchangeability, and have approvals from many automakers. This oil is the best choice when purchasing.

Changing power steering oil - description of the process

Replacing the lubricant in the power steering is a rather painstaking task; you should take the procedure seriously and follow the instructions.

Adding fluid

To add oil, it is recommended to purchase Multi HF universal fluid, since it can be mixed with absolutely any lubricant.

Instructions for adding hydraulic lubricant to the power steering:

1. Inspect the power steering reservoir and mechanism for leaks. If there are any, they need to be eliminated;
2. Check the hydraulic oil level in the power steering reservoir;
3. After removing the plug, add fluid to about;
4. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from the extreme left to the extreme right;
5. Check the lubricant level in the power steering reservoir and, if necessary, top up to about.

Complete fluid change

A complete lubricant change requires great perseverance and coordination. Hydraulic oil must be selected based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

1. Hang up the car. This is done to facilitate rotation of the steering wheel when the engine is off;
2. We will need a syringe - we need to pump out all the fluid from the power steering reservoir;
3. Then loosen the clamps on the hoses, remove them from the tank, rinse the container itself thoroughly;
4. Direct the return line (steering rack hose) into an empty jar - the liquid remaining in the rack will drain there;
5. By turning the steering wheel, remove any remaining lubricant from the mechanism. It is required to make quite intense and prolonged movements with the steering wheel;
6. After the hydraulic oil stops leaking, you need to fill (rinse) the rack with freshly purchased fluid. To do this, insert a funnel into the second hose and fill it to capacity;
7. After this, we repeat the manipulations with the steering wheel again. When all the oil has flowed out of the return hose, the procedure can be completed;
8. Then reassemble the hydraulic power steering system in reverse order;
9. Fill the mechanism reservoir with oil according to the level;
10. After the system is filled, you need to turn the steering wheel from the extreme left position to the extreme right. Such manipulations should be carried out with the engine running;
11. We turn off the engine, lower the car, check the tightness of the connections, and add fluid to the amplifier tank to the maximum.

Belt Drive Power Steering Pump

Is it possible to mix power steering fluids with each other?

When adding (and not completely replacing) fluid into the power steering reservoir, you need to follow a few simple rules:

• Mixing mineral and synthetic fluid is unacceptable!
• Green power steering fluid must not be mixed with fluids of other colors!
• to mix mineral Dexron IID with Dexron III, but keep in mind that the manufacturer uses the same additives .
• Mixing yellow hydraulic fluid with red , mineral type, is acceptable .

TOP 10 best power steering fluid manufacturers

In general, it is worth noting the fact that choosing power steering oil is a rather complicated matter. The main thing is to choose a lubricant that is suitable for the car. To do this, you should use the recommendations of the manufacturer, and you should also carefully check the authenticity. It is very easy to run into a fake, so it is recommended to buy oil only in trusted stores.

Below is the TOP 10 best power steering fluid manufacturers:

1. Motul is a manufacturer of luxury oils of any category. Hydraulic oils are no exception;
2. Pentosin is a fluid used by most German automakers, it is of high quality and has a long service life;
3. Castrol is a global manufacturer of auto chemicals. By filling the power steering with Castrol lubricant, you can be sure of the high-quality operation of the system;
4. Mobil is a concern that deals with petroleum products for automobiles. High quality power steering lubricants;
5. Comma makes excellent hydraulic power steering fluids. Oils from this manufacturer have a huge number of approvals from auto giants;
6. RAVENOL - hydraulic oils are of high quality and low price;
7. LIQUI MOLY - their power steering lubricants have good zinc-free additive packages and a high-quality base;
8. Febi is a manufacturer of good fluids for the most demanding automatic transmissions and power steering;
9. Mannol - a line of budget and high-quality lubricants;
10. ENEOS is a Japanese manufacturer of petroleum products for automatic transmissions and power steering.

All of the above manufacturers have gained an impeccable reputation among car enthusiasts. Their oils have high performance qualities, stable viscosity values ​​and good anti-wear additive packages.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them