Can I Use ATF in the power steering?

[Ritchie6]

I went to my local motor factors the other day for some power steering fluid but he was out of stock but said that ATF would do as it's basically the same stuff. Just wanted to check if anybody else agrees, not that I don't trust him but I'd like confirmation. The stuff I bought is Comma ATF and it says mineral on the label. I'm currently using Comma power steering fluid so it's the same manufacturer but can I mix them for topping up?

Richard

[MandM]

I use the same stuff I put in my BW35, type G for boxes with torque converter's. With No Dextron. Don't have the number to hand.

[Andy S]

I use Lucas Stop Leak.

Andy S

[Ritchie6]

Thanks for the couple of responses so far. I've Googled both fluids and it seems that the only difference is to do with possible detergent content or anti-foaming agents. Both the fluids I have are red in colour and are mineral content rather than synthetic. As I replaced the high pressure hose last year I only expect to need fluid for topping up but just wanted to get a few informed views from other owners.

Richard

[DJT]

Read your handbook. ATF is the fluid recommended in the lubricant chart, although if you have any sign of weeping seals then there are Power Steering fluids available with seal renovation additives. One of these fixed the leaks in the rack on my previous Stag year’s ago.

[Andy S]

Read your handbook. ATF is the fluid recommended in the lubricant chart, although if you have any sign of weeping seals then there are Power Steering fluids available with seal renovation additives. One of these fixed the leaks in the rack on my previous Stag year’s ago.

I replaced the rack the other year and still use Lucas Stop Leak. Also top up BW35 with Lucas stop leak auto transmission fluid.

Andy S

[sujitroy]

I was told to avoid using products with stop leak in the title. they seem to make rubber seals swell and hence do stop leaks. but they should be used as a stop gap.

[Mark Serj]

Have always used ATF with no probs

[DJT]

I was told to avoid using products with stop leak in the title. they seem to make rubber seals swell and hence do stop leaks. but they should be used as a stop gap.

I used it when I found the steering rack gaiters were full with ATF. Drained them out and refilled with one of the ‘stop leak’ power steering fluid products as a stop gap which lasted several years until I picked up a spare rack to rebuild. I eventually rebuilt the original one and it is now on my current Stag.

[Jeff]

On my modern car, I was told by my local motor factor that you cannot mix certain fluids hydraulic oils, when I checked the handbook it stated the same but when I went to my usual local garage he just topped it up with what he had and said never had any problems. Been ok for past 15 years.

[Ritchie6]

On my modern car, I was told by my local motor factor that you cannot mix certain fluids hydraulic oils, when I checked the handbook it stated the same but when I went to my usual local garage he just topped it up with what he had and said never had any problems. Been ok for past 15 years.

As I said previously Jeff,both the fluids I have are made by Comma and they are both mineral based rather than synthetic so hopefully I should be all right. When I came back to classic ownership in 2017 after 20 years away I found it a bit of a minefield with all these modern oils,fluids and spares. I'm getting my head round things but it's always nice to come on here and get guidance from more experienced owners.

Richard

[Andy S]

I was told to avoid using products with stop leak in the title. they seem to make rubber seals swell and hence do stop leaks. but they should be used as a stop gap.

Now many are going disagree with my reasoning here, but I still use it is because of my infrequent use of the car.

My theory is that because of the lack of use, the seals dry out and start to leak. The stop leak will hopefully prevent or reduce the leaks.

Andy S

[dasadrew]

I used it when I found the steering rack gaiters were full with ATF. Drained them out and refilled with one of the ‘stop leak’ power steering fluid products as a stop gap which lasted several years until I picked up a spare rack to rebuild. I eventually rebuilt the original one and it is now on my current Stag.

so in actual fact it's a stop-gap stop-gap fluid!

[DJT]

so in actual fact it's a stop-gap stop-gap fluid!

Possibly.........

[Andy S]

Necessity is the mother of all inventions.