Why ATF in Power Steering system?

[MattNC97]

I am so confussed. According to my manual Toyota ask you to place ATF (Dexron II or III) in your power steering reservoir. My first thought was why not Power Steering Fluid? The reason this is causing me such a problem is that I have a leak. Every now and then I have to refill this power steering reservoir with ATF as suggested in the manual. I have seen this product advertsied by Lucas to stop power steering leaks. Well techinically I have a power steering leak but I am not using power steering fluid. The product states that it's power steering fluid. Can I use this in my 1997 Avalion when the manual states use ATF? Thanks for any help!!!

[sickwilly]

there is very little difference between power steering fluid and ATF. I too have the leak. I have had the car for 2.5 years, and driven it just shy of 40K miles. I have used one bottle of STP power steering fluid with stop leak and 1 bottle of Lucas power steering fluid. Both leak out at about the same rate -- my needing to add 3/4th a bottle a year.

I say get whatever brand of oil's you like the most power steering fluid with a seal conditioner/stop leak and drive drive drive!

[toyomoho]

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forum...teering-fluid/

[MattNC97]

Do you think it would be okay to try the Lucas stop leak power steering in the Toyota Availon without fear of it doing damage to the power steering system since it takes ATF Dexon II or III?

[sickwilly]

I thought my prior answer was clear -- sorry. Yes, try the lucas. Plan to add about a bottle a year.

[trboboost91]

maybe you should just put a power steering rack in it and not have a leak and be done with it.

[MattNC97]

Thanks Sickwilly. I am sure it was clear. Unfortunately I am a CFP and know very little about cars (lots about finance just lacking in the car department). Thanks for the information. I really appreicate it.