Can Transmission Fluid Be Used as Power Steering Fluid?
2 Answers
Using transmission fluid as power steering fluid, transmission fluid primarily serves a lubricating function. Hazards of not changing transmission fluid: 1. Damage to the gearshift control mechanism of the transmission; 2. Abnormal wear of gears and clutch plates inside the transmission; 3. Affects the normal operation of the transmission, leading to damage of the transmission valve body. Transmission fluid is different from engine oil. Although both fluids serve a lubricating purpose, their effects are distinct and should not be confused. Differences: Engine oil is the lubricating oil for the engine system, possessing certain properties such as oxidation resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion prevention. Transmission fluid, on the other hand, is mainly used to keep the gear system clean and extend the service life of internal transmission components. Due to the different structures and operating environments of transmissions and engines, transmission fluid cannot be used as engine oil, nor can engine oil be used as transmission fluid.
I've specialized in automotive fluids, and transmission fluid and power steering fluid are definitely not interchangeable. The steering system requires extremely precise pressure control, and transmission fluid simply can't meet the high anti-foaming performance requirements. I've seen car owners mix them during repairs before, resulting in loud pump noises and extremely heavy steering. The key issue is the vastly different additive formulations - the phosphorus and sulfur compounds in transmission fluid will corrode the rubber seals in the steering gear, inevitably causing leaks over time. If you're really in an emergency without power steering fluid, it's better to temporarily use high-grade hydraulic fluid as a substitute, but you must thoroughly flush the entire system afterward and replace it with the proper specialized fluid.
