Power steering fluid was put in instead of ATF 4

Tiny
PAPET
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 94,000 MILES
I let my friend change the steering fluid on my vehicle but the problem was he poured power steering fluid instead of ATF 4 that the manufacturer recommends. My question is, does the power steering fluid affects or damages the steering system? I am planning to flush out the power steering fluid that’s in the system right now next week and put in a ATF-4. Thanks and hoping for your most appreciated reply.
Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 8:42 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,052 POSTS
Hi,

Flush the system. Regular power steering fluid in this vehicle will end up damaging the seals in the rack and pinion and the pump.

Chrysler has a power steering fluid +4 but the ATF +4 can be used. See the pic below for recommendations. Note: You don't have to purchase Mopar fluid. Just make sure the product you get replaces the OEM fluid.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 102 POSTS
Does driving for a few days with the power steering fluid still in the system will damage the seals?
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Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 AT 1:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,052 POSTS
Hi,

Honestly, I would flush it at your earliest convenience. The longer it's in there, the higher chance that problems will occur.

Here is a link that explains how to flush the system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Let me know if I can help or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 102 POSTS
Thanks a lot for your reply. I was able to replaced the steering fluid with the manufacturer’s recommendation which is the ATF - 4 and hope that no damage done in the steering system. I have one more question regarding steering fluid. Is it true that power steering fluid are universal? One guy from an oil changer said that steering fluid are universal and he showed me a chart of different vehicles that uses the same power steering fluid. They have this code (61203) that shows different brand of cars that uses this power steering fluid that includes Chrysler and Dodge. How true is this? The guy said this power steering fluid can be use instead of ATF-4 etc. Thank you once again.
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Monday, April 5th, 2021 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,052 POSTS
Hi,

There certainly are some products that can be used in place of others. However, going from what I read in the manual, they don't want you to use it in this vehicle.

Always read the cap to make sure you use the correct type. On some, they have an electric hydraulic pump that requires yet another type. LOL

Regardless, let me know if you have other questions. Also, feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You're always welcome.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, April 5th, 2021 AT 6:09 PM

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