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Correct power steering fluid

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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 01:23 PM
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Default Correct power steering fluid

I could not find a specific answer to this, so i hope somebody can clarify this.
I just changed the steering gear box on my 2000 XJ 4.0, and want to use the proper fluid.
I bought some Chrysler MS5931 spec fluid, but a lot of people only says this is only to be used on the Grand Cherokee.
It does seem a little thin in viscosity.
Did i get the right fluid?

Thanks
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 01:59 PM
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There's a little controversy over this one.... Some will swear by using only power steering fluid.. others will say just use the same trans fluid you use in the AW4.
Personally I've always used the same trans fluid I've got in my AW4 and never had an issue with my 99.
I'm sure others will chime in.
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 02:27 PM
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I was curious so I Googled around a bit.
Seems the only people that talk about that stuff on forums are Grand Cherokee owners.
In my old Jeep I use Dex/Merc stuff I used in my tranny and transfer case.
In my '00 I use the Napa power steering fluid.
Not cause I care though.
When I bought the Jeep I had an idea that the previous owners had some of their work done at our local Jeep dealership.
Being tight with the guys there they looked up the VIN and appeared they did.
One thing was a power steering fluid flush.
So I figured they used real power steering fluid and figured I would too. LOL.
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 02:35 PM
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It specifies in the FSM

I used Penrite PS fluid, made my box run quieter

AT runs at about 300psi max

PS can run over 1000psi

It does not like getting hot

You choose
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 02:50 PM
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I run Power Steering fluid.
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 03:05 PM
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Thanks for the replys.
i am just very much in doubt if i can use it.
but i guess it cant hurt?
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by awg
It specifies in the FSM

I used Penrite PS fluid, made my box run quieter

AT runs at about 300psi max

PS can run over 1000psi

It does not like getting hot

You choose
Question.... not arguing the point at all... but out of honest curiosity because I've seen so many conflicting reports myself as to what is truly correct. I've seen time and time again of repair shops some being experienced with older jeeps say they run the ATF...
Why do you think that is?.... just convenience of same fluid in the trans? or? I mean if there's a better benefit of one over the other for the ps pump in my 99 I'll drain and switch... I just want what's best for the jeep... just like the OP here
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 05:23 PM
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They are both hydraulic fluids. The only difference is that ATF has detergents and anti friction additives. Rumor has it that ATF is bad because it can clean the system and introduce dirt in places it shouldnt be. If you run a PS filter, ATF would be perfectly fine.
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 06:14 PM
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Most vehicles I have had specify PS fluid of some kind

One that I own specifies ATF in the FSM, and it also runs over 1000psi, but I use ATF

It probably does not matter

I saw no reason why not to replace the fluid in mine, which was not ATF, with the FSM spec fluid..it does cost about twice as much
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 09:02 PM
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I use power steering fluid, the clear stuff. I use Orielly house brand. The maker of some after market cherokee performance gear box's specify power steering fluid, not ATF, else warrantee is void. if it is true about the power steering fluid has better pressure and temperature stability, then I say it is likely the better choice. I also run a cooler and inline filter as my rig is turnjng rather large off road tires fighting big rocks, so it needs all the help it can get.

Id not mix the two, so make sure the old stuff is flushed out if switching ATF is red, power steering fluid is clear.
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 11:27 PM
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I run ATF in my power steering and my log splitter. Works great.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 12:47 AM
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97 FSM. Grand Cherokee uses that fluid for the hydraulic fan. If you wanted mopar fluid I believe the # is 68234631AA. Or as the manual says any equivalent.
Attached Thumbnails Correct power steering fluid-98f0d051-ad77-42d3-8fca-9c19d6f16f9e.jpeg  

Last edited by Sirsyc0; Feb 5, 2021 at 01:16 AM.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 09:22 AM
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That's great you found documentation on that for a GC.... did you come across anything for our XJs like that? And also I've read that it is model year specific as to which one to use.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 11:08 AM
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I use ATF in mine, same as in the transmission and transfer case.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 11:10 AM
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I guess that was a little confusing. What’s pictured is from the 97 Xj FSM.
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