if you put PS fluid in your power steering... - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

broken240sx · 05-23-2006, 06:28 AM

quick fix...tried searching for this but the info that I got was that the pump/rack are probably already ruined

, not so

jackup front
disconnect 2 12mm power steering lines that go into the rack (hard lines)
let it drain, turn wheel all the way left and right (fluind will squirt!)
fill resevior with ATF, let it drain, play with wheel
loosen belt, add more ATF, turn pump by hand

close/tighten everything, top off with ATF

My steering was loud, and barely felt powered @ low speed because I put power steering fluid

when I swapped the SR.... this fixed it 100%, no new parts

projectRDM · 05-23-2006, 11:25 AM

Not really, the OE parts aren't 'ruined' by running PS fluid temporarily. It's the people who've used it since the car was new that have problems, a little bit for a short time is fine.

burgy240 · 08-09-2006, 03:19 PM

Wait so what fluid do you use then if not Power steering fluid??

trsilvias13 · 08-09-2006, 03:21 PM

Read first post It say ATF no need to use the search button but actually reading the post.

Been a member before me and did not know this? I am not being a jerk, but just asking what do you run?

projectRDM · 08-09-2006, 03:57 PM

Owners manual and FSM both tell you to run to Mercon/Dexron ATF.

240-Trevor · 08-09-2006, 04:11 PM

Why can't you use power steering fluid? I mean its designed for power steering and you are putting It In a power steering system aren't you? Whats so bad about It?

FRpilot · 08-09-2006, 04:19 PM

i just flush my ps system because it was leaking and my friend gave me some ps fluid to top it off. i used atf before but it got mixed and i searched that said ps fluid will fuck up your rack.

easier way imo, is to take off the return line on the reservior and let the fluid drain into a bucket or jar. no need to go underneath the car and deal with those hardline fittings. i didnt fill reseriovr with fluid all the way to flush out because i didnt have that much left in my garage, just added a little bit. i think i should flush again.

sw20>>s14 · 08-09-2006, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240-Trevor

Why can't you use power steering fluid? I mean its designed for power steering and you are putting It In a power steering system aren't you? Whats so bad about It?

read up a little and youll find out why...nissan for some odd reason or another designed the PS system to run on automatic transmission fluid...as stated above, using PS fluid in your system for a prolonged period of time will ruin your rack and bearings...

vsp3c · 08-09-2006, 06:39 PM

so... how long would you consider a "prolonged period of time"? a month? a couple of months? a year?

after my car has been running for a while (the engine temp stays normal though) there is a quite loud whining down sound from the engine bay when i brake at slower speeds (under 20mph?). do you think it's from my ps system?

Rittmeister · 08-09-2006, 07:27 PM

How about this: I installed a rebuilt rack about six months ago. The remanufacturer actually specified regular power steering fluid and specifically stated that using ATF would void the warranty because of the seals they use in the rebuilding process. I even called to confirm, and made it clear that Nissan specifies ATF, and they said "yeah, we know, we get that question a lot, use PS fluid and NOT ATF."

Opinions?

kandyflip445 · 08-09-2006, 07:39 PM

Um. If they specifically said that then why wouldn't you listen to them, the people that rebuilt it, and listen to us?

240-Trevor · 08-09-2006, 07:43 PM

I just flushed mine and threw some prestone ATF In, It does feel smoother at idle and It seems to react quicker to my steering so I guess ATF is the way to go when It comes to original Nissan Racks.

Anto · 08-09-2006, 07:53 PM

Synthetic Mercon V

drifter808 · 08-09-2006, 07:56 PM

i had plenty problems running PS fluid. It has a lower boiling point so it would always over flow and get all over the place. Put in ATF and problems went away.

L8-apexx · 08-09-2006, 10:33 PM

yeah i have a rebuilt rack as well, and i put in Syn ATF fluid, and now its about a week later and it almost sounds like my ps pump is going bad.....wtf?

1Via! · 08-10-2006, 01:21 AM

The hydraulic properties of ATF are something that most people dont think about, its great stuff. Its good shit.
Using PS fluid instead of ATF is like using water in a recipe that calls for cream. Dont work no good.

projectRDM · 08-10-2006, 07:20 AM

I typed a nice writeup on the benefits and reasons for using ATF in the PS system not long ago, but I guess no one bothered to do a little research and just decided ask the same random questions again.

As for the usage of ATF, most Japanese manafacturers specify it in their cars, my LS400 uses ATF also, regular PS fluid clogs up the rack filter which is a very common problem on most Toyota/Lexus products.

g6civcx · 08-10-2006, 08:08 AM

Russ, how do you like the LS400? I'm considering switching to the Toyota. I'm looking at the 400 and 430. Thanks.

projectRDM · 08-10-2006, 04:22 PM

When it runs again I'll tell you.

burgy240 · 08-10-2006, 06:19 PM

R240NA---Thank you, I had read a number of threads and got different responses. Now I will be using Mercon/Dexron ATF.

05-23-2006, 06:28 AM	#1
broken240sx Leaky Injector Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: new york Posts: 111 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	if you put PS fluid in your power steering... quick fix...tried searching for this but the info that I got was that the pump/rack are probably already ruined , not so jackup front disconnect 2 12mm power steering lines that go into the rack (hard lines) let it drain, turn wheel all the way left and right (fluind will squirt!) fill resevior with ATF, let it drain, play with wheel loosen belt, add more ATF, turn pump by hand close/tighten everything, top off with ATF My steering was loud, and barely felt powered @ low speed because I put power steering fluid when I swapped the SR.... this fixed it 100%, no new parts

08-09-2006, 03:19 PM	#3
burgy240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Tampa Age: 49 Posts: 2,151 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Wait so what fluid do you use then if not Power steering fluid?? __________________

08-09-2006, 07:27 PM	#10
Rittmeister Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cincinnati OH Age: 48 Posts: 1,033 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	How about this: I installed a rebuilt rack about six months ago. The remanufacturer actually specified regular power steering fluid and specifically stated that using ATF would void the warranty because of the seals they use in the rebuilding process. I even called to confirm, and made it clear that Nissan specifies ATF, and they said "yeah, we know, we get that question a lot, use PS fluid and NOT ATF." Opinions? __________________ E36 M3 - new project 1990 240SR - screamed down the road

08-09-2006, 07:39 PM	#11
kandyflip445 Post Whore! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Arden, NC Age: 40 Posts: 4,460 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: kandyflip445 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Um. If they specifically said that then why wouldn't you listen to them, the people that rebuilt it, and listen to us? __________________ My 240 vBgarage

08-09-2006, 07:56 PM	#14
drifter808 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Big Island Age: 36 Posts: 829 Trader Rating: (4) Rides Gallery: drifter808 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	i had plenty problems running PS fluid. It has a lower boiling point so it would always over flow and get all over the place. Put in ATF and problems went away. __________________

05-23-2006, 11:25 AM	#2
projectRDM Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Age: 51 Posts: 13,812 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	Not really, the OE parts aren't 'ruined' by running PS fluid temporarily. It's the people who've used it since the car was new that have problems, a little bit for a short time is fine.

08-09-2006, 03:21 PM	#4
trsilvias13 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,995 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	Read first post It say ATF no need to use the search button but actually reading the post. Been a member before me and did not know this? I am not being a jerk, but just asking what do you run?

08-09-2006, 03:57 PM	#5
projectRDM Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Age: 51 Posts: 13,812 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	Owners manual and FSM both tell you to run to Mercon/Dexron ATF.

08-09-2006, 04:11 PM	#6
240-Trevor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Edmonds, WA Age: 35 Posts: 28 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Why can't you use power steering fluid? I mean its designed for power steering and you are putting It In a power steering system aren't you? Whats so bad about It?

08-09-2006, 06:39 PM	#9
vsp3c Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: phx Age: 36 Posts: 42 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	so... how long would you consider a "prolonged period of time"? a month? a couple of months? a year? after my car has been running for a while (the engine temp stays normal though) there is a quite loud whining down sound from the engine bay when i brake at slower speeds (under 20mph?). do you think it's from my ps system?

08-09-2006, 07:43 PM	#12
240-Trevor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Edmonds, WA Age: 35 Posts: 28 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I just flushed mine and threw some prestone ATF In, It does feel smoother at idle and It seems to react quicker to my steering so I guess ATF is the way to go when It comes to original Nissan Racks.

08-09-2006, 07:53 PM	#13
Anto Zilvia Addict Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California Posts: 862 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Synthetic Mercon V

08-09-2006, 10:33 PM	#15
L8-apexx Leaky Injector Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stephens City VA Posts: 83 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yeah i have a rebuilt rack as well, and i put in Syn ATF fluid, and now its about a week later and it almost sounds like my ps pump is going bad.....wtf?

08-10-2006, 01:21 AM	#16
1Via! Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Seattle/Olympia, WA Age: 39 Posts: 510 Trader Rating: (3) Rides Gallery: 1Via! Feedback Score: 3 reviews	The hydraulic properties of ATF are something that most people dont think about, its great stuff. Its good shit. Using PS fluid instead of ATF is like using water in a recipe that calls for cream. Dont work no good.

08-10-2006, 07:20 AM	#17
projectRDM Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Age: 51 Posts: 13,812 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	I typed a nice writeup on the benefits and reasons for using ATF in the PS system not long ago, but I guess no one bothered to do a little research and just decided ask the same random questions again. As for the usage of ATF, most Japanese manafacturers specify it in their cars, my LS400 uses ATF also, regular PS fluid clogs up the rack filter which is a very common problem on most Toyota/Lexus products.

08-10-2006, 08:08 AM	#18
g6civcx Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 5,764 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	Russ, how do you like the LS400? I'm considering switching to the Toyota. I'm looking at the 400 and 430. Thanks.

08-10-2006, 04:22 PM	#19
projectRDM Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Age: 51 Posts: 13,812 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	When it runs again I'll tell you.

08-10-2006, 06:19 PM	#20
burgy240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Tampa Age: 49 Posts: 2,151 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	R240NA---Thank you, I had read a number of threads and got different responses. Now I will be using Mercon/Dexron ATF. __________________