power steering fluid vs Auto trans?
 

My kids 4 runner is finally complete. All suspension and rubber parts down below done. Tomorrow, 2 things need to be flushed, power steering and brake fluids. Stopped by Autozone today and found only 1 large bottle Perstone power steering fluid left. Went home to look at the manual and it calls for Dexron III. I was ready to buy 3 qts of Dexron but the dumb kid behind the counter talked me out of it and use Prestone. I know they may be the same fluid only Dexron has more detergent in it. Off the to the net I go and try and find an answer. It seems the Prestone fluid may dry out seals and cause leaking whereas tranny oil has chemicals within it that keeps seals from drying. Anyone know anything about this? Man, we need Mr. Lubbie back.

Personally, I would make damn sure I use the correct fluid in both of those systems, especially the transmission. And, I’m not a fan of the Prestone brand, in any shape or form.

The kid making minimum wage at AZ isn't a credible source. Buy the ATF.

My (non expert opinion) is power steering fluid is hydraulic fluid. ATF has a thicker viscosity and more lubricating properties.

Atf in the power steering.

One just can't mix the Atf and power steering fluid. That's a big no no.

FWIW, BMW E36 and E46 calls for ATF to be used in the power steering system.

Dextron for PS fluid is really common. I would just use what the manual says.

Read the owners manual.

What they all said. This isn’t complicated.

Dexron is a lot more common. :)

1. If it says use Dexron III, use that. Period.

2. Find a new parts store.

Do not mix fluids. It WILL leak.

Lots of cars use Dex 3 for PS fluid.

Factory specifications.

Years back had my 92 T bird out to Gingerman Raceway. After 30 min my power steering was screaming so load I could hear it with a helmet on. Pitted and the pump was just about dry. Only had Mercon V in the trunk. There was a Ford rep there so I asked if it was OK to pour that in. His response ‘ better than any power steering fluid you can buy’. Using it ever since.

Rich

Or just don't listen to anything they tell you there.

Thanks. Get his ass out of bed now so we can flush it.

My spelling was closer than Prestone.:)

It was another beautiful socal day but I discovered Dexron doesn't taste very good. I hooked up a hose from the return line into the bucket. The clamp came loose and spray that dirty fluid all over the place. Dang, that's a lot of fluid circulating that system. Spend more time cleaning up then actually changing the fluids. Got it done and its nice, smooth, and quiet now.