What Power Steering Fluid to use?

[jonboy1919]

Today, I just removed my second Saginaw remanufactured steering gearbox in three years after driving maybe 500 miles on it. The reason: it leaks like a sieve, just as the one before it did.

Luckily NAPA is honoring its lifetime warranty and is getting me the nearest one (in Nebraska) in 7 days.

Question: What fluid should use or not use?

I've heard differing opinions on Dextron 2 and that it eats the seals like crazy. That opinion is in line with my experience. When I bought my CJ7 in 2011 the steer fluid the PO used was Dextron 2...and it leaked. I installed the same reman Saginaw, not knowing any better, I used Dextron 2, and in one year it started leaking.

Today I was told to either use plain old power steering fluid, OR the Honda spec power steering fluid because it is guaranteed to not eat seals.

Any opinions? What has been your experience?

 

[caveman]

I use the NAPA premium atf in mine for years. I've never had a problem with it. I think they call all their stuff premium. Even the cheap stuff.

 

[CJ]

ATF

Cheapest stuf I can purchase...

 

[IOPort51]

never gave it any thought.

 

[gutthans]

It will help you to know the manufacturer (type) of the seals in your rebuilt, or what vehicle it originally saw service in. If you can determine either, it would be easy to find the correct spec stuff.

Rebuilts don't always reuse the same grade of replacement hardware that the factory unit came with. That may require switching to another type of PS fluid used by a different auto maker.

Saginaw Power Steering Pumps | Hemmings Motor News

I would personally suggest going with Valvoline synthetic or Redline (if you can get it)...but see if you can ID the pump first as it may give you a clue to it's original configuration and thus a better match for fluid.