I've done some searching, and it seems like people use either.
I went to the auto store to get PS fluid and the kid was adamant that I MUST use ATF.
First, can I use basic PS fluid?
And where did this whole ATF hoopla come from?

 

I recently changed the fluid in mine and used PS fluid. Both are hydraulic fluids except the ATF has detergents as an ingredient which some say extends the PS pump life. You can use either in the PS. But of course not vice versa.

 

That kid has no idea what he is talking about.

You can use ATF but the Jeep did not come with it from the factory, you would want to flush the system fully if you want to change fluid types. I replaced all my PS components and went with standard power steering fluid
I would just use the Valvoline or Lucas Power Steering fluid - I run AMSOIL in my XJ but it didn't really make any difference other than price

 

I went to return the ATF since I have some PS at home.
The kid insists I need to use ATF+4, and in no way should I use PS.
He says ATF+4 is the equivalent of whatever the "Mopar" fluid is.

He says back in '98, what was called PS fluid is not what 2017 PS fluid is?
Is he saying that '98 PS fluid was basically ATF ?

What the heck do you think his logic is?

 

And you paid attention to him?


Why?

 

The FSM says to not use automatic transmission fluid. MOPAR power steering or equivalent only. It also cautions against overfilling.

 

Found this but I can't find which post '98 vehicles are exempt. Some say it's the XJ's but I can't verify it.

http://www.cardone.com/docs/default-....pdf?sfvrsn=16

 

BINGO
Use what the FSM recommends. Bottom line.

I would only use something else in a pinch, to get off a trail, or to a suitable spot to work on it/tow it.

 

What logic? Power steering fluid is called power steering fluid for a reason, yet he says you should in no way use it? What does he use for motor oil. Pam? Go back and slap him, once for each member on this forum.

 

You can use atf in a pinch. I had atf in my power steering for about 6 months before i finally fixed my pressure line but once you have no leaks drain the system and put in ps fluid like normal.

 

FSM explicitly says to not use ATF. And you if didn't believe the others that said it before me, here it is (from my 2000 service manual):


Now it's up to you to believe the people that designed and made the car or believe some jackass with little to no qualification, training or knowledge.

 

"But that's what the kid said".

I'd print this out and show it to the little ***** who is disseminating incorrect info.

 

40-50 years ago it was common for power steering systems to specify the use of automatic transmission fluid. In fact I happen to have the owner's manual for 1972 AMC vehicles handy and here is their recommendation for power steering:



AMC used a GM power steering setup, so it's a good bet that GM cars of the era carried a similar specification. That's probably where the kid's "recommendation" comes from, possibly sourced from an old-timer talking about classic vehicles.

What works in a 1965 Impala or a 1972 Hornet is not necessarily the best thing to use in an XJ. Short-term you might get away with it but I wouldn't want to bet what the long-term consequences would be in a newer power steering system. (And yes, I realize the basic XJ design is over 30 years old, but dedicated power steering fluids became common in the 1980s.)

 

It also said, "don't listen to the morons at auto parts stores, as they don't know ****."

 

I once had a 75 Monte Carlo with a leaky power steering box and it went dry on me on the road. I put Dextron on it and it started leaking a whole lot worse! I drained the reservoir in about 5 minutes! You can use anything that's compatible with the seals that are in it, but you've got to know what seals are in it first. I was told to NEVER use ATF in a power steering system, EVER!

Case in point, My 2000 WJ had dark fluid in it when I bought it, so I thought I'd change it. I went to my dealer's parts department and asked what it was supposed to take. He asked me if it had the hydraulic fan or not because that uses a special hydraulic fluid. I said no, so he gave me a number but said that's been superseded by another number, but he was out of stock right then. He went into the back and came out with 2 bottles of the old stuff and gave them to me just to get them out of his inventory. I don't remember the numbers but it is still working. I probably should change it again, but I'm afraid to rock the boat. 243K miles and it still isn't leaking.