I need to put power steering fluid in the car that I am driving. I should stress that this is not my car, so I can't mess it up! Just driving it while my boyfriend is out of town. I tried calling local auto supply stores, but I called two of them and they both gave me different answers! I don't know who to trust!
2006-09-20 09:49:38 · 8 answers · asked by rlandryg 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
DOT 3 is a specification for automotive fluids. Nearly all fluids sold conform to that spec. It depends on what kind of car it is, because some use different fluids. Call the dealer and see what they recommend, and get the name/number of the fluid, go to an auto store and buy their fluid that replaces that. (Dealer will be high priced, because it has their name on it.)
2006-09-20 09:59:41 · answer #1 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All power steering fluid is pretty much the same. It's just hydraulic fluid. DOT 3 means it meets a standard published by the Department of Transportation.
Are you sure you need fluid. If you do you should hear a squeal when you turn the wheel in either direction. Sometimes not until you are near the end of travel or if its really low as soon as you begin to turn. If it is not squealing let it wait until he gets back.
2006-09-20 17:01:10 · answer #2 · answered by Larry T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DOT 3 is just the designation that The US Department of Transportation (DOT) gives to brake fluid that passes certain standards. DOT3 and DOT4 are designations for brake fluids. Power steering fluids are not government mandated.
Yes, all power steering fluids are created equal.
DO NOT! add power steering fluid, or, for that matter, transmission fluid, to your brake master cylinder. That way lies madness, and a very expensive repair bill.
2006-09-20 23:43:23 · answer #3 · answered by d_cider1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on the vehicle, some vehicles like hondas take a specific type, the big three (ford, chevrolet, etc.) you can use automatic transmission fluid, dexron 3/ mercon or mercon 5, whatever you do, DO NOT use dot 3, that is brake fluid, it will ruin your power steering system, it has a swelling agent for brake systems, also DO NOT use power steering fluid in your brake system. unless you want to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a new brake system. I would just use quaker state power steering fluid.
2006-09-20 17:21:51 · answer #4 · answered by jeff j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, listen to Jeff J. DO NOT put DOT 3 brake fluid in your power steering reservoir.
Use Dextron III transmission fluid.
2006-09-20 18:36:48 · answer #5 · answered by x 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not all powering steering fluids are the same. older fords took type F tranny fluid. New ones take dexron. Chevy does not take dexron it takes approved power steering fluid. Honda takes a dealer only fluid. DOT 3 is a brake fluid.
2006-09-21 20:52:00 · answer #6 · answered by rwings8215 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unless it's an imported car, all are the same. DOT 3 is Brake fluid. Do not mix these two. Just pay a mechanic to do it. It should not cost you much at all.
2006-09-20 23:07:12 · answer #7 · answered by tm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the stearing system DOT is a fluid grade, go to your local auto supplier ask him to put in the model, year of the car and he will give you a compatible replenisher. This is not a crytical issue with stearing systems unless you live in extreme temperature conditions ( -40 to +120)
2006-09-20 17:00:53 · answer #8 · answered by chippie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋