I just got a new power steering pump for my RR and it looks like there was automatic transmission fluid in it for some reason because red oily fluid drained out of it when I installed it. Is this what these things are assembled with nowadays or could this be a return that someone used auto trans. fluid in. (I've read about people using auto trans fluid in their power steering system for some reason.) Is it safe to just fill it with power steering fluid and bleed it as usual assuming that any remaining ATF will get diluted by the power steering fluid to the point where it won't matter?
New Power Steering Pump for the Bird
- Thread starter taguy16
- Start date
Russ69Runner
Well-Known Member
I would talk to who you bought it from. Some steering pumps use the same fluid as the transmission. This got you away from having to buy two different fluid's. Also did not have to carry two bottles in the trunk for emergency's. But still would call the people that sold it to you.
Plybeep68
Acceleratii Incredibus
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2017
- Messages
- 371
- Reaction score
- 387
All of my older mopars use trans fluid in the power steering
Ranger
Well-Known Member
My guess is it was a return. Never heard of a new pump having fluid in it. That said, if it came from "Auto Joe's", you'll probably be replacing it in short order anyway. They don't call 'em "Don'tLast" parts for nothing.
According to the people at the store the PS pumps are tested with ATF so that's why the one I got had some in it. I have no way of knowing the truth of that statement unfortunately.
My 1973 Chrysler service manual says in the maintenance section to fill the PS pump with the power steering fluid and in bold print "Do not use automatic transmission fluid". Personally I've never used ATF in the PS pump of any car I've owned.
Autozone used to sell really lousy parts, especially their electrical parts (although I once bought a turn signal switch for my Firebird there that was a re-boxed Delco switch, and it has lasted me a long time), but now I'd say the majority of their parts are on par with Oreillys, Carquest, etc. Other than possibly NAPA - which we don't have here anyway - there's really no other places to buy parts that MIGHT be any better other than to order them from somewhere like Rock Auto and pay thru the ear for shipping (I always hate it that their parts always come from multiple warehouses and they charge you separately for shipping for each one). I figure with almost every car part being built or rebuilt in developing countries like Mexico or China nowadays any new part you buy is going to be about the same in terms of quality, and you better make sure you get a warranty with it.
My 1973 Chrysler service manual says in the maintenance section to fill the PS pump with the power steering fluid and in bold print "Do not use automatic transmission fluid". Personally I've never used ATF in the PS pump of any car I've owned.
Autozone used to sell really lousy parts, especially their electrical parts (although I once bought a turn signal switch for my Firebird there that was a re-boxed Delco switch, and it has lasted me a long time), but now I'd say the majority of their parts are on par with Oreillys, Carquest, etc. Other than possibly NAPA - which we don't have here anyway - there's really no other places to buy parts that MIGHT be any better other than to order them from somewhere like Rock Auto and pay thru the ear for shipping (I always hate it that their parts always come from multiple warehouses and they charge you separately for shipping for each one). I figure with almost every car part being built or rebuilt in developing countries like Mexico or China nowadays any new part you buy is going to be about the same in terms of quality, and you better make sure you get a warranty with it.
Ranger
Well-Known Member
They still do. That's how they can offer "Lifetime Warranty". I would only buy dumb parts from them, like wiper blades, bulbs, fluids etc. I once broke my own rule and bought a belt tensioner pulley from them. It lasted a month. I learned my lesson.
Last edited: