My bf accidentally put in a whole bottle of power-steering fluid where the transmition fluid goes (it was too early this morning & he was not alert). Now our Jeep, which was having transmition problems, is working great - but I'm concerned. Are the two fluids different enough that there may be trouble soon?
2006-06-30 14:30:14 · 11 answers · asked by mfg 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You need to drain that fluid and put transmission fluid in it. The difference is the thickness of it. Transmission fluid is thicker because it is going through a lot more heating and more important gears. If you would have put trans fluid in the pump it wouldn't matter but a transmission is kinda important
2006-06-30 14:35:14 · answer #1 · answered by carefulbutcuriouskitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically you can use atf in power steering systems. It works just the same and its a little cheaper by the quart.
However, automatic trans fluid contains many added corrosion inhibitors and friction modifiers for the internal transmission parts.
The good news is your jeep holds 7-12 quarts depending on the state of fill so the power steering fluid is pretty well thinned out and wont cause any serious damage. Id recommend getting an atf flush at your next convieniance or as soon as the fluid starts to discolor.
2006-06-30 14:36:45 · answer #2 · answered by ThisJustin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In all honesty, it's not a lot different. You can interchange the two, but most places don't recomend it, cuz they're money hungry and want to sell you the "proper" fluid. However, power steering fluid has additives that condition seals in your lines to make it work at a higher efficiency. That would be why you're tranny is running smoother. It won't cause any problems. If you put tranny fluid in the power steering, you COULD be asking for problems farther down the line. If it's an older Jeep, it won't make a diff. I wouldn't put tranny fluid in with power steering fluid in a newer make though.
That's just me though, it's not like i was a minor mechanical technician. . . oh wait, YES I WAS
2006-06-30 14:36:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
An exchange is when they drain the fluid and replace it with new. A flush is when they drain it, flush the system to clean it and then replace with new. I would ask my Dealer why they didn't suggest a flush when you had it in last time. Ask them for a specific explanation and what the normal recommended time frames are for this procedure. They could be following the recommended maintenance under warranty. Or, if you don't "feel" right about it, they could be going for a bit of a money grab. Another question to ask is "What will happen if I don't do the full flush?" Make them explain their recommendation. If they are truly into keeping a client happy and your vehicle healthy they will be happy to tell you what, where, when, how and why. d
2016-03-26 23:33:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Jeep was probably having transmission problems because the fluid was low. The power steering fluid doesn't contain the friction modifier package of additives, but probably has superior anti foaming properties. Fix the leak and put the correct fluid in.
2006-06-30 14:39:29 · answer #5 · answered by noah buddy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One more added proviso: do NOT use either power steering fluid or transmission fluid in the BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. Use Brake fluid ONLY (DOT3).
This popular misconception adds tons of dollars to a repair shop. Here is why:
Power steering and transmission fluids are Petroleum-based.
All petroleum-based products have an adverse effect (i.e. dissolving) on rubber. Brake hoses and seals are made of rubber.
If any lubricating or non-compressable fluid, other than brake fluid, is used, rubber parts swell up, thereby constricting the flow.
Solution? Replace everything made of rubber, and flush out the steel brake lines (KACHING! $$$$)
Do not let this happen to you. Be aware
2006-07-01 19:38:17 · answer #6 · answered by d_cider1 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chrysler cars use different trans fluid than most cars. You run a small risk of drying out seals and causing leaks, if you are worried drain it, but youll probably be ok
2006-06-30 14:49:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not much difference between the two. i have substituted tranny fluid for pwr steering very ofetn. but i would HIGHLY caution AGAINST using pwr steering for tranny fluid. drain the tranny fliud (or have someone do it for you) and put the correct type of tranny fluid in you transmission.
2006-06-30 14:36:23 · answer #8 · answered by Ryan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID IS FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND THE POWER STTERING FLUID IS FOR THE POWER STEERING. LISTEN TO THE FIRST GUY WHO ANSWERED. GET IT FLUSHED. NOW.
2006-06-30 14:36:03 · answer #9 · answered by debhead830 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Yes. the transmission needs to be flushed now.
2006-06-30 14:33:57 · answer #10 · answered by lilviper 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋