To choose the right power steering fluid, it is important to be guided by the performance parameters and properties of the product. Selecting hydraulic fluid by color is a mistake, and the consequences can be disastrous for the entire hydraulic mechanism. How to find the right oil , which brands are better and what is important to know about replacing power steering fluids?
What kind of oil to pour into the power steering
Most often, car owners distinguish power steering solely by color - red, green and yellow. But its other characteristics are much more important:
- Kinetic viscosity
- Operating temperatures
- The raw materials from which it is made
Red products are made on a synthetic basis, very rarely on a mineral basis. These mixtures are included in the ATP and are used on a limited number of models. Mineral red oil is often a Dexron 2 and Dexron 3 . Red compounds are poured into transmissions; Dextron is rarely used in power steering.
Yellow oil is made on a mineral base, this makes the cost of products more affordable. The yellow hydraulic mixture is used in both hydraulic boosters and air suspension.
The green mixture can be made from both synthetic and mineral components. It is more viscous than yellow and red. Green lubricant is never poured into an automatic transmission.
Related material: How to change power steering oil on a Hyundai Solaris?
find out which oil is suitable for a particular model in the car’s owner’s manual or on the top of the expansion tank cap. The manual contains recommended parameters and the name of the composition, the same information is usually written on the lid.
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The best power steering fluids
Power steering fluid is divided into classes: ATF, PSF and Dexron. ATP fluids are rarely used in power steering mechanisms. PSF stands for “ power steering fluid” , literally translated: “hydraulic power steering fluid”. The Dexron family is sometimes called Dextron or Dextron, these mixtures are classified as “ATF” - automatic transmission fluid.
You can get lost in the variety of products for hydraulic boosters, but choosing the right brand is actually simple. It is enough to understand the performance indicators of the mixtures. Let's compare the best power steering fluids and compile the top best fluids by class.
Signs of a Leak
Signs that may indicate a power steering fluid leak or indicate the need to replace it:
- level drop in the tank;
- smudges have appeared on the seals or seals of the system;
- There is a knocking sound in the steering rack when driving;
- the steering wheel turns tightly, with effort;
- The power steering pump makes strange noises, a hum.
To fill the power steering fluid, you must first of all use the manufacturer's recommendations. Try to use one brand and avoid mixing. If you have to mix different oils, remember that mineral and synthetic oils are incompatible, even if they are the same color. It is also necessary to regularly monitor the oil level and its condition.
Is it possible to mix power steering oils?
Hydraulic products can be mixed if they are similar in performance.
You cannot be guided only by the color of the composition. Yellow cannot be mixed with red and it is better not to experiment with mixing, even with mineral green, this can cause foaming.
Green products made from synthetics and mineral water should not be mixed. Red will not tolerate mixing with green.
In case of an emergency, you can take a risk and add a mixture made from similar raw materials, but driving this mixture further than a service station is not recommended. Upon arrival at the service center, it is better to immediately drain the mixture and replace it with original power steering lubricant.
Application area
ATF Dextron was originally developed for automatic transmissions. Oil in an automatic transmission performs different functions: transmits torque, creates pressure on the clutches and guarantees proper friction, lubricates parts, protects against corrosion, and removes heat. When choosing ATP, you need to check the product for the Dextron specification.
Dextron specifications indicate the optimal viscosity index for each type of ATP. High viscosity oils increase the slippage of friction discs and increase wear on the rubbing parts of automatic transmissions. With low viscosity, the protective film on bearings and gears is thin and breaks quickly. Bullies appear. The seals are deformed. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking.
The operating viscosity of ATF Dexron III H is in the range of 7 - 7.5 cSt at 100℃. This indicator guarantees that Dextron 3 oil in automatic transmissions will last a long time without replacement, maintaining its performance properties.
ATF Dexron III H is used in 4 and 5-speed automatic transmissions manufactured before 2006. The boxes are installed in cars, commercial vehicles, and buses.
With the expansion of the functionality of the transmission fluid, the scope of application has also increased:
- hydraulic systems: power steering, hydrostatic transmission, hydraulic drive, hydropneumatic suspension, hydraulic brake system;
- gearboxes for construction, agricultural and mining equipment;
- industrial equipment.
The requirements for power steering oil are similar to those of automatic transmissions, so Opel, Toyota, Kia, Geely allow the use of ATF Dexron in the hydraulic booster. BMW, VAG, Renault, Ford recommend pouring a special power steering fluid - PSF, CHF.
The use of ATP Dextron is divided into climatic zones:
- for regions with winter temperatures down to -15℃, Dextron II D is suitable;
- with temperatures up to -30℃ - Dextron II E;
- with temperatures up to -40℃ - Dextron III H.
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How to correctly check the oil level in an automatic transmission with and without a dipstick
Changing the power steering oil
If the power steering mechanism works properly and without leaks, the composition needs to be changed every 1-2 years , depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Periodically you need to check the fluid level; it should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Adding fluid
The lubricant in the power steering can gradually evaporate due to high temperatures in the system. If during the service interval some of the mixture has left the power steering system, you can add the required amount. To do this, open the expansion tank, fill the product up to the MAX mark, turn the steering wheel, pump the system and, if necessary, add more.
Complete replacement
You can change the power steering oil using two jacks, a syringe and a container for waste material.
- The front of the car must be raised so that the wheels are in the air.
- Open the expansion tank and use a syringe to pump out the bulk of the old mixture.
- Next, you need to remove the main hose from the pump, it is usually located below, and lower it into a container to drain.
- Turn the steering wheel to bleed the mechanism, wait for it to drain and put the hose in place.
- Remove the return hose, lower it into the same container, pump it and install it back.
- The engine must be turned off during this procedure.
When the used material is completely drained, fresh material can be poured in. Pour in up to the maximum mark, pump the mechanism by turning the steering wheel. Part of the composition will leave the tank into the system; you need to top it up again. It is necessary to pump and top up several times until the entire power steering mechanism is filled and the oil is at the same level.
What is Dexron
With the development of the automotive industry in the mid-20th century, standards for automatic transmission oil began to appear. The fluid is called Automatic Transmission Fluid - ATF. The standard described the requirements for fluid composition based on the design features of the gearbox.
General Motors (GM) has been more successful in development than others. The first fluid suitable for all automatic transmissions, Type A fluid, appeared in 1949. After 8 years the specification was updated under the name Type A Suffix A.
In 1967, GM developed the technical standard ATF Dexron type B. The automatic transmission fluid consisted of a stable, hydrotreated base and received anti-foam additives, high heat resistance, and anti-oxidation. The mileage guarantee between replacements was 24,000 miles. The oil was colored red to make it easier to detect leaks.
Sperm whale spermaceti substance was used as friction additives for the first fluids. In 1973, Dexron type II C replaced it with jojoba oil, but the automatic transmission parts quickly rusted. After the problem was discovered, corrosion inhibitors were added to the next generation, Dextron II D, but the automatic transmission fluid quickly aged due to its high hygroscopicity.
By 1990, the automatic transmission became electronically controlled, which required a revision of the specifications. This is how Dextron II E was born. In addition to adding new additives, the base changed from mineral to synthetic:
- viscosity improved;
- the operating temperature range has expanded;
- increased resistance to oil film rupture;
- the durability of the liquid has increased.
In 1993, the Dextron IIIF standard was released. This type of oil had high viscosity and friction properties.
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ATF Dexron IIIG appeared in 1998. New oil requirements solved the problems with automatic transmission torque converter vibrations. ATP began to be used in power steering, hydraulic systems and air compressors where low-temperature fluidity is required.
In 2003, with the release of ATP Dextron IIIH, the additive package was updated: friction modifier, anti-corrosion, anti-foam. The oil has become more durable. The fluid is suitable for automatic transmissions with and without an adjustable torque converter lock-up clutch.
All licenses for Dextron IIIH expired in 2011, but companies under this standard continue to release their products.
Which power steering fluid to choose in 2022
When choosing hydraulic products, you should be guided by the chemical composition and operating conditions of the products. The best hydraulic oils are presented in this selection. Each of these products meets quality standards and has excellent characteristics in its class.
It is necessary to select a hydraulic product taking into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer, but you can easily replace the original oil with a similar one from the TOP 20 best.
Specifications
The characteristics of oils of different specifications differ in the direction of tightening. Thus, the viscosity at a temperature of -20℃ in Dextron II ATP should not exceed 2000 mPa×s, and in Dextron III oil - 1500 mPa×s. The flash point of ATP Dextron II is 190℃, while in Dextron III the threshold is 179℃.
Manufacturers of automatic transmission fluids create the product not only according to Dextron specifications, but also according to other standards and tolerances:
- Korean ZIC ATF 3 (article 132632) is produced using self-produced oil with the addition of a package of additives specifications: Dextron III, Mercon, Allison C-4.
- ENEOS ATF Dexron II (article OIL1304) is approved by Dextron II, GM 613714, Allison C-4, Ford M2C 138-CJ/166H standards.
- Ravenol ATF Dexron D II (article 1213102-001) meets the requirements of ATF Dexron II D, Allison C-3/C-4, Caterpillar TO-2, Ford M2C 138-CJ/166H, MAN 339, Mercon, ZF TE-ML and etc.
The variety of specifications indicates the use of oil in different equipment. At the same time, the parameters of the standards may be contradictory. Thus, in the Ford M2C-33G, the friction coefficient must increase as the sliding speed decreases in order to engage the gear faster. GM Dextron III in this case strives to reduce friction and smooth transition.
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