ATF for power steering fluid?

BimmerTech · 11-06-2009, 11:55 PM

Just found the manual and answered my question.
is there a cheap alternative to OEM Honda steering fluid?
ie. power steering fluid from Lordco/Napa

omer · 11-07-2009, 02:02 PM

Using ATF instead of power steering fluid leads to be a leakage. This may damage the system for a long term.

BimmerTech · 11-07-2009, 02:59 PM

right, I discovered that after a bit of reading.

my question now is........

can generic/aftermarket P/S fluid be used or does it specifically need to be Honda OEM P/S fluid?

Enigma · 11-07-2009, 07:45 PM

you can just use ATF, but its the same price as power steering fluid... and no you dont need fancy honda power steering fluid

jcdimvic · 11-07-2009, 07:53 PM

the way that i look at it is that honda spent millions and maybe billions in engineering, why not just put in what they say works? If they wanted ATF in it then they would have said ATF or whatever, they specify that honda genuine powersteering fluid only. thats my 2 cents, i kno folks who run ATF, Its just not me

AceCombat · 11-08-2009, 10:20 AM

Because Honda wants to make back their millions and millions of dollars by selling you the 30 dollar bottle of Honda Power steering fluid which is really just ATF fluid in a different bottle. Same with the goofballs who put nitrogen in their tires and think they will get better gas milage and less tire wear. I love the look on their faces when I tell them they could have had almost pure nitrogen for free. Since the air we breathe is about 78% nitrogen.

omer · 11-08-2009, 02:17 PM

Previous owner of my car used ATF instead of PSF.
It leaks slightly at the both end of rack then I must add some oil in every month.
And I think it causes minor pressure loose for low speed operation.
I'm replaced all the seal and washers on power steering system and refilled it with Honda psf. There is no leak at least two years.

However, In my country, unauthorized Honda services uses third party ATF instead of PSF on every Hondas serviced.

AceCombat · 11-08-2009, 10:44 PM

1995 Honda Civic DX Coupe 467000kms on it and has had ATF in it for at least 10 of those years. Previous owner did it when the original pump dies from get this " leaking" I just looked and there are no leaks or wets pots anywhere on the power steering pump or the rack. You decide, I will stick with the ATF fluid as its about 25 dollars cheaper.

11-06-2009, 11:55 PM	#1
BimmerTech New Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5	ATF for power steering fluid? Just found the manual and answered my question. is there a cheap alternative to OEM Honda steering fluid? ie. power steering fluid from Lordco/Napa Last edited by BimmerTech : 11-07-2009 at 12:03 AM.

11-07-2009, 02:02 PM	#2
omer New Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 25 Images: 3	Using ATF instead of power steering fluid leads to be a leakage. This may damage the system for a long term. __________________ 94 USDM Civic EX.

11-07-2009, 07:45 PM	#4
Enigma REAPER Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: at the computer Posts: 12,398	you can just use ATF, but its the same price as power steering fluid... and no you dont need fancy honda power steering fluid __________________

11-08-2009, 02:17 PM	#7
omer New Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 25 Images: 3	Previous owner of my car used ATF instead of PSF. It leaks slightly at the both end of rack then I must add some oil in every month. And I think it causes minor pressure loose for low speed operation. I'm replaced all the seal and washers on power steering system and refilled it with Honda psf. There is no leak at least two years. However, In my country, unauthorized Honda services uses third party ATF instead of PSF on every Hondas serviced. __________________ 94 USDM Civic EX.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

11-07-2009, 02:59 PM	#3
BimmerTech New Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5	right, I discovered that after a bit of reading. my question now is........ can generic/aftermarket P/S fluid be used or does it specifically need to be Honda OEM P/S fluid?

11-07-2009, 07:53 PM	#5
jcdimvic New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1	the way that i look at it is that honda spent millions and maybe billions in engineering, why not just put in what they say works? If they wanted ATF in it then they would have said ATF or whatever, they specify that honda genuine powersteering fluid only. thats my 2 cents, i kno folks who run ATF, Its just not me

11-08-2009, 10:20 AM	#6
AceCombat New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 21	Because Honda wants to make back their millions and millions of dollars by selling you the 30 dollar bottle of Honda Power steering fluid which is really just ATF fluid in a different bottle. Same with the goofballs who put nitrogen in their tires and think they will get better gas milage and less tire wear. I love the look on their faces when I tell them they could have had almost pure nitrogen for free. Since the air we breathe is about 78% nitrogen.

11-08-2009, 10:44 PM	#8
AceCombat New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 21	1995 Honda Civic DX Coupe 467000kms on it and has had ATF in it for at least 10 of those years. Previous owner did it when the original pump dies from get this " leaking" I just looked and there are no leaks or wets pots anywhere on the power steering pump or the rack. You decide, I will stick with the ATF fluid as its about 25 dollars cheaper.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)