Power steering and ATF fluid

[msnbcnnbcbs]

Guys,

I just got my truck back after having one of the Power Steering lines replaced (the one that screws in from the top) I asked the Service guy "Did you use ATF?" and he assured me that he did.

I got home and smelled the fluid....smells like regular fluid. I compared the smell to the ATF+4 Castrol that I have next to me. Long story short, it seems like they used regular power steering fluid in the resovoir after they replaced the hose, after they said they used the "right one".

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being I can leave it that way, and 10 being "Drain it out RIGHT NOW" how bad is this? And why does Dodge use ATF+4 in the power steering lines anyway?

Getting the truck back to the dealer is going to be a bitch, and it might be less hassle for me to drain it myself, and refill with ATF+4.

What do you all recommend?

 

[Chuck B]

While I don't think its as critical in a pwr steering pump as a transmission I do believe in using manufacturer recommended fluids. I'd go back and ask them to show you which fluid they used. If its an aftermarket product I'd look to make sure it has Chrysler lic number indicating it meets/exceeds Mopar ATF+4 requirements. Just saying it meets ATF+4 is about as convincing as Scoobert telling us how rich and knowledgeable he is. Otherwise I'd do a drain and refill.

 

[Django]

I don't believe it's cause for concern....

I had to top off my power steering the other day cuz it was making a bit of noise on start-up.... I called my ace wrench and asked him what I should use... He said, "we use ATF ..Dextron specifically". Yet he did admit that it wouldn't hurt anything if they just put regular power steering fluid in it instead...

I stopped at a small garage and asked them to top me off with Dextron... I asked for it specifically and they did it for me - no charge....

D

 

[Bone]

I think you will be ok. Was it at a Dodge Dealership? Just hold on the receipt.

Obviously, we don't know what fluid he put in. So it couldn't hurt to check on the specific fluid.

If it is peace of mind you want, bring the fluid you want them to install and have them do it over again. That's not out of the question to ask that. May piss off the mechanic, but it is your truck. He will get over it and you are driving a Viper truck.

 

[JTS VENOM PERFORMANCE]

the atf+4 jsut means sythetic, its not gonna hurt a thing

 

[Prof]

Mobil 1 ATF is pretty!

 

[msnbcnnbcbs]

Didn't want to start disconnecting lines last night, so I ended up siphoning it out (and don't ask me how )

I went through about 2 1/2 quarts. Siphon, fill ATF+4, run, turn steering to extremes a few times, stop, Siphon, fill, etc. It smells nice and putrid now.



EDIT: It was at carmax.