What kind of oil to fill in the power steering
Content
What kind of oil to fill in the power steering? This question is of interest to car owners in various cases (when changing the fluid, when buying a car, before the cold season, and so on). Japanese manufacturers allow automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to be poured into the power steering system. And European ones indicate that you need to pour special fluids (PSF). Outwardly, they differ in color. According to this main and additional features, which we will consider below, it is just possible to decide what oil to fill in the power steering.
Types of fluids for power steering
Before answering the question of which oil is in the hydraulic booster, you need to decide on the existing types of these fluids. Historically, it so happened that drivers distinguish them only by colors, although this is not entirely correct. After all, it is more technically competent to pay attention to the tolerances that fluids for power steering have. namely:
- viscosity;
- mechanical properties;
- hydraulic properties;
- chemical composition;
- temperature characteristics.
Therefore, when choosing, first of all, you need to pay attention to the listed characteristics, and then to the color. In addition, the following oils are currently used in power steering:
- Mineral. Their use is due to the presence of a large number of rubber parts in the power steering system - o-rings, seals and other things. In severe frosts and in extreme heat, rubber can crack and lose its performance properties. In order to prevent this from happening, mineral oils are used, which best protect rubber products from the listed harmful factors.
- Synthetic. The problem with their use is that they contain rubber fibers that harm the rubber sealing products in the system. However, modern automakers have begun to add silicone to rubber, which neutralizes the effects of synthetic fluids. Accordingly, the scope of their use is constantly growing. When buying a car, be sure to read in the service book what kind of oil to pour into the power steering. If there is no service book, call an authorized dealer. Be that as it may, you need to know the exact tolerances for the possibility of using synthetic oil.
We list the advantages and disadvantages of each of the mentioned types of oils. So, to the benefits mineral oils refers to:
- sparing effect on the rubber products of the system;
- low price
Disadvantages of mineral oils:
- significant kinematic viscosity;
- high tendency to form foam;
- short service life.
Advantages fully synthetic oils:
Differences in the color of different oils
- long service life;
- stable operation in any temperature conditions;
- low viscosity;
- the highest lubricating, anti-corrosion, antioxidant and anti-foam properties.
Disadvantages of synthetic oils:
- aggressive impact on the rubber parts of the power steering system;
- approval for use in a limited number of vehicles;
- high price.
In terms of common color gradation, automakers offer the following power steering fluids:
- Of red color. It is considered the most perfect, since it is created on the basis of synthetic materials. They belong to Dexron, which represent the ATF class - automatic transmission fluids (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Such oils are often used in automatic transmissions. However, they are not suitable for all vehicles.
- Yellow color. Such fluids can be used for automatic transmission and for power steering. Usually they are made on the basis of mineral components. Their manufacturer is the German concern Daimler. Accordingly, these oils are used in machines manufactured in this concern.
- Green colour. This composition is also universal. However, it can only be used with a manual transmission and as a power steering fluid. Oil can be made on the basis of mineral or synthetic components. Usually more viscous.
Many automakers use the same oil for automatic transmission and power steering. namely, they include companies from Japan. And European manufacturers require that a special fluid be used in hydraulic boosters. Many consider this a simple marketing ploy. Regardless of the type, all power steering fluids perform the same tasks. Let's consider them in more detail.
Power steering fluid functions
The functions of oils for power steering include:
- transfer of pressure and effort between the working bodies of the system;
- lubrication of power steering units and mechanisms;
- anti-corrosion function;
- transfer of thermal energy to cool the system.
Hydraulic oils for power steering contain the following additives:
PSF fluid for power steering
- reducing friction;
- viscosity stabilizers;
- anti-corrosion properties;
- acidity stabilizers;
- coloring compositions;
- antifoam additives;
- compositions for protecting rubber parts of the power steering mechanism.
ATF oils perform the same functions, however, their differences are as follows:
- they contain additives that provide an increase in the static friction of friction clutches, as well as a decrease in their wear;
- different compositions of fluids are due to the fact that friction clutches are made from different materials.
Any power steering fluid is created on the basis of base oil and a certain amount of additives. Due to their differences, the question often arises as to whether different types of oils can be mixed.
What to pour into the power steering
The answer to this question is simple - the fluid recommended by your car manufacturer. And experimenting here is unacceptable. The fact is that if you constantly use oil that is not suitable in composition for your power steering, then over time there is a high probability of a complete failure of the hydraulic booster.
Therefore, when choosing which liquid to pour into the power steering, the following reasons must be considered:
GM ATF DEXRON III
- Manufacturer's recommendations. No need to engage in amateur performances and pour anything into the power steering system.
- Mixing is allowed only with similar compositions. However, it is undesirable to use such mixtures for a long time. Change the fluid to the one recommended by the manufacturer as soon as possible.
- The oil must withstand significant temperatures. After all, in the summer they can warm up to + 100 ° C and above.
- The liquid must be sufficiently fluid. Indeed, otherwise, there will be an excessive load on the pump, which will lead to its premature failure.
- Oil must have a serious resource of use. Typically, replacement is carried out after 70 ... 80 thousand kilometers or every 2-3 years, whichever comes first.
Also, many car owners are interested in questions about whether it is possible to fill gear oil in gur? Or oil? As for the second, it’s worth saying right away - no. But at the expense of the first - they can be used, but with certain reservations.
The two most common fluids are Dexron and Power Steering Fuel (PSF). And the first is more common. Currently, fluids that meet the Dexron II and Dexron III standards are mainly used. Both compositions were originally developed by General Motors. Dexron II and Dexron III are currently produced under license by numerous manufacturers. Between themselves, they differ in the temperature range of use. The German concern Daimler, which includes the world-famous Mercedes-Benz, has developed its own power steering fluid, which has a yellow color. However, there are many companies in the world that produce such formulations under license.
Compliance of machines and power steering fluids
Here is a small table of correspondences between hydraulic fluids and direct brands of cars.
| Car | Power steering fluid |
| FORD FOCUS 2 (“Ford Focus 2”) | Green - WSS-M2C204-A2, Red - WSA-M2C195-A |
| RENAULT LOGAN ("Renault Logan") | Elf Renaultmatic D3 or Elf Matic G3 |
| Chevrolet CRUZE (“Chevrolet Cruz”) | Green - Pentosin CHF202, CHF11S and CHF7.1, Red - Dexron 6 GM |
| MAZDA 3 (“Mazda 3”) | Original ATF M-III or D-II |
| VAZ PRIORA | Recommended type - Pentosin Hydraulik Fluid CHF 11S-TL (VW52137) |
| OPEL ("Opel") | Dexron of different types |
| TOYOTA ("Toyota") | Dexron of different types |
| KIA ("Kia") | DEXRON II or DEXRON III |
| HYUNDAI ("Hyundai") | RAVENOL PSF |
| AUDI ("Audi") | VAG G 004000 М2 |
| HONDA ("Honda") | Original PSF, PSF II |
| Saab | Pentosin CHF 11S |
| Mercedes ("Mercedes") | Special yellow compounds for Daimler |
| BMW ("BMW") | Pentosin CHF 11S (original), Febi 06161 (analogue) |
| Volkswagen (“Volkswagen”) | VAG G 004000 М2 |
| Geely | DEXRON II or DEXRON III |
If you did not find the brand of your car in the table, then we recommend that you look at the article on the 15 best power steering fluids. You will surely find a lot of interesting things for yourself and choose the fluid that is best suited for the power steering of your car.
Is it possible to mix power steering fluids
What to do if you do not have the brand of fluid that your car's power steering system uses? You can mix similar compositions, provided that they are of the same type (“synthetics” and “mineral water” should not be interfered in any way). namely, yellow and red oils are compatible. Their compositions are similar, and they will not harm the GUR. However, it is not recommended to ride on such a mixture for a long time. Replace your power steering fluid with one recommended by your automaker as soon as possible.
Rђ RІRѕS, green oil cannot be added to red or yellow in no case. This is due to the fact that synthetic and mineral oils cannot be mixed with each other.
Liquids can be conditionally divide into three groups, within which it is permissible to mix them with each other. The first such group includes “conditionally mixed” light colored mineral oils (red, yellow). The figure below shows samples of oils that can be mixed with each other if there is an equal sign opposite them. However, as practice shows, mixing oils between which there is no equal sign is also acceptable, although not desirable.
The second group includes dark mineral oils (green), which can only be mixed with each other. Accordingly, they cannot be mixed with liquids from other groups.
The third group also includes synthetic oilswhich can only be mixed with each other. However, it should be noted that such oils should be used in the power steering system only if this is clearly indicated in the manual for your car.
Mixing liquids is most often necessary when adding oil to the system. And this must be done when its level drops, including due to leakage. The following signs will tell you this.
Signs of a Power Steering Fluid Leak
There are a few simple signs of a power steering fluid leak. By their appearance, you can judge that it's time to change or top up it. And this action is connected with a choice. So, signs of a leak include:
- lowering the fluid level in the expansion tank of the power steering system;
- the appearance of smudges on the steering rack, under rubber seals or on oil seals;
- the appearance of a knock in the steering rack when driving:
- in order to turn the steering wheel, you need to make more effort;
- the pump of the power steering system began to make extraneous noises;
- There is significant play in the steering wheel.
If at least one of the listed signs appears, you need to check the fluid level in the tank. And if necessary, replace or add it. However, before that, it is worth deciding which liquid to use for this.
Results
so, the answer to the question of which oil is better to use in the power steering will be information from the automaker of your car. Do not forget that you can mix red and yellow liquids, however, they must be of the same type (synthetic only or mineral water only). also add or completely change the oil in the power steering in time. For him, the situation is very harmful when there is not enough fluid in the system. And check the condition of the oil periodically. Do not allow it to blacken significantly.
