atf additives in power steering?
02-03-2010 | 09:14 PM
#1
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35
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From: Sacramento, CA
atf additives in power steering?
My power steering is notchy and I don't have the time or money to replace the pump right now. I drain the fluid and put in new atf and it's better for about 3000 miles or so, but then gets notchy again, especially when cold. Anybody try any aftermarket additives that might smooth things out for awhile? I assume the power steering additive is a bad all because it's designed to work with power steering fluid, not ATF. Will ATF/tranny additive help a power steering pump?
Thx
Thx
02-04-2010 | 12:55 PM
#3
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 434
Likes: 2
From: Galveston, Texas
Short answer : Flush it out and fill it with Mobile One Synthetic ATF its gonna cost you a couple bucks more than dino ATF but holds up allot better.
Long Answer : There are several problems with ATF that synthetics ones handle better. Problem one is heat, ATF starts to break down around 235-240F. In power steering system such as on the 4runne there is no power steering cooler so fluid temps can very easily get in that range on a warm day of city driving.
The other issue is pressure, ATF was never intended to be subjected to the 3,000 PSI that a power steering system puts on it. Because of this pressure heat builds up easily and quickly and destroys the fluid.
Once ATF starts to slightly degrade, it looses some of its properties so it heats up easier, so it degrades quicker which means it heats up even quicker and so on.
So even if you don't have P/S problems its a wise idea to flush and fill your 4runner and Taco P/S with synthic fluid to prevent a problem from forming.
FOG
Long Answer : There are several problems with ATF that synthetics ones handle better. Problem one is heat, ATF starts to break down around 235-240F. In power steering system such as on the 4runne there is no power steering cooler so fluid temps can very easily get in that range on a warm day of city driving.
The other issue is pressure, ATF was never intended to be subjected to the 3,000 PSI that a power steering system puts on it. Because of this pressure heat builds up easily and quickly and destroys the fluid.
Once ATF starts to slightly degrade, it looses some of its properties so it heats up easier, so it degrades quicker which means it heats up even quicker and so on.
So even if you don't have P/S problems its a wise idea to flush and fill your 4runner and Taco P/S with synthic fluid to prevent a problem from forming.
FOG
02-04-2010 | 01:32 PM
#4
Contributing Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,666
Likes: 5
From: Oklahoma State
Short answer : Flush it out and fill it with Mobile One Synthetic ATF its gonna cost you a couple bucks more than dino ATF but holds up allot better.
Long Answer : There are several problems with ATF that synthetics ones handle better. Problem one is heat, ATF starts to break down around 235-240F. In power steering system such as on the 4runne there is no power steering cooler so fluid temps can very easily get in that range on a warm day of city driving.
The other issue is pressure, ATF was never intended to be subjected to the 3,000 PSI that a power steering system puts on it. Because of this pressure heat builds up easily and quickly and destroys the fluid.
Once ATF starts to slightly degrade, it looses some of its properties so it heats up easier, so it degrades quicker which means it heats up even quicker and so on.
So even if you don't have P/S problems its a wise idea to flush and fill your 4runner and Taco P/S with synthic fluid to prevent a problem from forming.
FOG
Long Answer : There are several problems with ATF that synthetics ones handle better. Problem one is heat, ATF starts to break down around 235-240F. In power steering system such as on the 4runne there is no power steering cooler so fluid temps can very easily get in that range on a warm day of city driving.
The other issue is pressure, ATF was never intended to be subjected to the 3,000 PSI that a power steering system puts on it. Because of this pressure heat builds up easily and quickly and destroys the fluid.
Once ATF starts to slightly degrade, it looses some of its properties so it heats up easier, so it degrades quicker which means it heats up even quicker and so on.
So even if you don't have P/S problems its a wise idea to flush and fill your 4runner and Taco P/S with synthic fluid to prevent a problem from forming.
FOG
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