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Can i use automatic transmission fluid to put in my power steering?

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Old 12-31-2013, 12:20 PM
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Can i use automatic transmission fluid to put in my power steering?

Hi, i am about to do all the fluids change on my automatic nisssan maxima 2001 and i saw that some people use transmission fluid in their power steering. I was wondering if it would be better to use real power steering fluid? or would the transmission fluid would to the same job? is there one that will last longer? is there one that will work better or is it the same thing?
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Old 12-31-2013, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Toaster514
Hi, i am about to do all the fluids change on my automatic nisssan maxima 2001 and i saw that some people use transmission fluid in their power steering. I was wondering if it would be better to use real power steering fluid? or would the transmission fluid would to the same job? is there one that will last longer? is there one that will work better or is it the same thing?
I believe in your case you can use ATF just make sure you are using the right one. Which would be the same as what your tranny takes. There should be a guide you can look at where you purchase it. Probably dex 3 but if your not sure use a multi vehicle. Mobil 1 is a good one or if you really want a good one to use just for the power steering fluid try the amsoil synthetic power steering fluid which is a multi vehicle application and is great stuff.
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Old 12-31-2013, 01:46 PM
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I'm using auto tranny fluid in my power steering lol no problems at all. You do not need any special fancy ps fluid either the cheap stuff works just fine.
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Old 12-31-2013, 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by maxima.713
I'm using auto tranny fluid in my power steering lol no problems at all. You do not need any special fancy ps fluid either the cheap stuff works just fine.

very nice to know, im very happy hahaha since how long you running like this and how many km does your car have?
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Old 12-31-2013, 03:02 PM
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They are the same for Nissan. No worries.
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Old 12-31-2013, 06:17 PM
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I used Nissan's ATF D-Matic on the transmission and power steering. Never had a problem.
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Old 12-31-2013, 06:34 PM
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doesnt matter at all, ATF is a exact equivalent substitute for power steering fluid
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Old 01-01-2014, 12:16 AM
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Yes, you can use Dexron III (but not Dexron VI) as p/s fluid.
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Old 01-03-2014, 04:34 PM
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Perfect i'll do it thank you guys!
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Old 01-03-2014, 08:47 PM
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yes you can, even states it in the owners manual. As mentioned before, use the cheap atf and you'll be fine. that is what I have running in my 99 right now.
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Old 10-21-2014, 06:08 PM
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Power steering went out after putting Atf in it.

A mechanic friend of mine put ATF in my power steering because it was leaking and I didn't have time that day to get hose replaced. After about 2 miles I lost all power steering. Please help. I don't know what is going on.
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Old 10-21-2014, 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by melonhed161
A mechanic friend of mine put ATF in my power steering because it was leaking and I didn't have time that day to get hose replaced. After about 2 miles I lost all power steering. Please help. I don't know what is going on.
ATF had nothing to do with it. either all the fluid leaked out and you lost power steering, the pump is bad, or the serpentine belt broke off
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Old 06-13-2021, 02:44 PM
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Question

I accidentally put 4 oz of antifreeze in my power steering reservoir, I never started the can and siphoned the reservoir, and put the right fluid in. Should I be worried?
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