What Power Steering Fluid to use?

[BusaDave9]

I am in the process of replacing most of my power steering components. The gearbox had free play and a bad leak. I am also putting in a AGR high volume / high pressure pump. This will help out my Hydraulic winch.
My question is what should I use for power steering fluid? Many people say to use Dexron ATF fluid. That's what is used in many newer vehicles. I was planning on using regular power steering fluid until I unpacked my new gearbox. After taking off the plastic plugs where the hoses go it looks like they have Dexron in it (its' red). The instructions don't say what fluid to use. Since I am replacing most of the PS system I want to make the right choice now and stick with it for the life of my CJ.
Here's a link of manufacturers recommendations:
http://www.cardone.com/English/Club/Employee/upload/PSFluidTypes.pdf

 

[IOPort51]

I have always used ATF and have never had a problem with it. Is it the best choice?? you got me. I also use ATF in hydraulic jacks when they need it.

 

[coldwater]

Yup, dexronII tranny fluid, good to go.

 

[jeepboy45]

Hey Dave,
I'm reviving this thread...

Was wondering the same question about what fluid to use this afternoon. I recently put in a new gear box and havent filled or purged the system yet, but I wanted to do so this afternoon.

After reading the posts above, I filled the reservoir with ATF but cant seem to get fluid through the system. My instructions say to take the return line off the pump and put into bucket. Crank engine (with coil wire off) and let fluid run through pump and gear, working the steering back and forth. Instead of cranking it forever, I took the belt off the pump and hooked it to a hand-held drill to spin it. But the fluid level isnt dropping in the pump , and therefore obviously nothing is coming out the return line from the gear....

Did you have any issues purging your system?

brian

 

[BusaDave9]

Instead of cranking it forever, I took the belt off the pump and hooked it to a hand-held drill to spin it. But the fluid level isnt dropping in the pump , and therefore obviously nothing is coming out the return line from the gear....

brian

Brian,
Your idea to purge the system and get fluid flowing sounds good. It should work. I re-read your post 3 times and couldn't think of why it wouldn't be working.

Now the only thing that I can think of is the direction of the drill. Could it be that you are turning the pump backwards?

 

[jeepboy45]

Your idea to purge the system and get fluid flowing sounds good. It should work. I re-read your post 3 times and couldn't think of why it wouldn't be working.

Now the only thing that I can think of is the direction of the drill. Could it be that you are turning the pump backwards?

LOL !!

I thought of that myself...!!

GOT IT!!
turns out i just wasnt spinning it fast enough...but when it finally got primed...damn. it put out some fluid..

thanks dave

 

[3QuarterTon CJ]

I always used Amsoil tractor hydraulic fluid in high demand steering systems. Example: the PSC ram assist steering systems I installed in rock buggies. The tractor fluid resists airation, and stays cooler than the ATF and standard P/S fluid.

And the best way I found to purge the system is a bit longer process but works very very well to get all the air out of the system.

1: With the cap off the reservoir, and the front tires elevated, and the engine OFF, turn the steering wheel SLOWLY lock to lock 15 times.

2: Check fluid level and condition, wait roughly 10 minutes if fluid is airated.

3: Start engine and let idle for 2 minutes DO NOT MOVE STEERING WHEEL.

4:Check fluid level and condition, wait roughly 10 minutes if fluid is airated.

5: With the cap off the reservoir, and the front tires elevated, start the engine and let idle, SLOWLY turn the steering wheel lock to lock 15 more times.

6: Check fluid level again, if there is no airation re-install cap on reservoir, and set the front tires down. Do a little road test with a few turns around the block and all should be well.

 

[73CJ]

Hey Busa how is your ARG pump holding up? Mine slowly started dieing a year ago. Using Royal Purple. I winch alot. Running a NAPA pump now with regular power steering fluid. So far so good.

I will send my ARG in for a $75 rebuild, but not sure why with the other pump working fine.

 

[BusaDave9]

Hey Busa how is your ARG pump holding up?

It's holding up good. I also winch a lot and it's been working out good.