Outer Limits 4x4 Board

G'Day

Just want to know if Power Steering Fluid is really the same as brake fluid?

Thanks

nup, different

like he said.

power steering fluid is the same as auto trans fluid, but check the type recommended by your manufacturer. If in doubt dexron 3 type is a pretty safe bet.

Regardless of the answers posted neither should be taken with alcohol.

Dont mix Dexron III and Dexron IV either, I heard they dont play well together.

power steering fluid is not the same as ATF, but in many cases power steering fluid can be substitued by a good quality synth or syth blend ATF. Otherwise ATF tends to handle the heat less well and can break down.

At least that's what the valvoline tech support line and a well known US supplier told me.

S.

Ridealldayrideallnight wrote:G'Day

Just want to know if Power Steering Fluid is really the same as brake fluid?

Thanks

The other thing is that I have seen people put power steer fluid into the master cyl when they tear a brake line to top it up. Never do this - it will make all the seals swell and it will be a costly exercise to fix.

If you have to substitute something there water would be about you only choice. But is is normally easier to block off the torn lines and limp home with 3 brakes working or 2 etc.

Also another thing is that the fulid absorbs water, so that half used container of fluid that is in your garage is useless now. Keep a spare in the car that is un-opened so it won't go off.

Tom

Thanks for the info guys.

Ryan

RaginRover wrote:The other thing is that I have seen people put power steer fluid into the master cyl when they tear a brake line to top it up. Never do this - it will make all the seals swell and it will be a costly exercise to fix.Tom

A fiend of mine had this happen to him. He was at a 4wd park and something or other happened to his breaks and a fellow camper fixed it for him and they topped up the system with something other than brake fluid (ATF I think) and it stuffed a heap of seals in his master cylinder etc. A very costly mistake.

My Rodeo has 'Dexron III' specified in the manual for use in the power steering system.

Ive always thought if i got that desperate, i would prolly just steal some coolant from the engine. I dont know, maybe the glycol would be bad for the seals aswell, but if not, it would work like water without the worry of rust!

If you need emergency brake fluid... just Pee in the reservoiir.

Bazzle

bazzle wrote:If you need emergency brake fluid... just Pee in the reservoiir.

Bazzle

Make sure the engine is cold when you do. Just in case you slip