Need expert opinion on power steering fluid compatibility

Have you thought about flushing the system with p/steering fluid that is readily available to you?

 

Im using Dexron 4 in my 360. Should be better than the Shell Donax Dexron 3.

Other use the Pentosin which may be even better

The main thing is to change out the old fluid for fresh stuff

 

I'd be inclined to follow the advice on the bottle. Don't mix - there's probably a good reason for the advice there.

Easiest way out from here is probably to drain and flush the system.

 

Shell Donax TX is a synthetic automatic transmission fluid meeting GM's Dexron III standard.

My car is currently running Valvoline Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. Unfortunately, Valvoline discontinued their synthetic power steering fluid, which has worked perfectly in my car and was a cure for power steering problems on many US pick-up trucks.

For my next power steering fluid change, I intend to use Valvoline Dexron VI Synthetic ATF, which is completely back-service compatible with Dexron III fluids.

Here are the specs on all three fluids, including the Pentosin, so you can see if the Dexron VI meets your needs.

Taz
Terry Phillips
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Yes, that.

I am running Redline's D6 ATF in the power steering and all is good. Been that way for a couple of years.

 

JC, to help you out, here is the procedure of the WSM:


FILLING AND DRAINING STEERING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

After having emptied the hydraulic circuit during periodic maintenance, or in case of replacement of a component or of a pipe, only use quality oil and in the prescribed quantity to fill the system.

The system self-drains but, to facilitate this function, carry out the following procedure:

• With the engine at rest and the system filled with oil at the maximum level, make five full steering-wheel turns. During this procedure it is necessary to avoid emptying of the tank.

• Check the oil level in the tank and refill it if necessary.

• Start the engine for about five seconds.

• When the engine stops, check the level.

• With the engine at rest, make another five or more full steering-wheel turns.

• When the engine stops, check the level again and the status of the oil; excessive emulsified air prevents effective self-draining.

If this occurs, leave the engine at rest for a few minutes, to allow the oil to settle.

• Restart the engine and, if this situation persists and the pump seems loud, the liquid in the tank must be replaced with new oil.

• At the end of the procedure the oil in the tank must be at the maximum level.

• Carefully close the tank cap.

Hope this helps,
Stef

 

To be honest with you, Ferrari normally requires the power steering fluid be changed every 2 years on cars through the 575s, but I am not sure what the interval is on the F430. I have the WSM, OMs, flat rate schedule, etc, but no Warranty and Maintenance schedule. If I were low on fluid, I would drain and refill with the new fluid rather than topping off the reservoir with a different fluid. Even though Donax TX meets the Dexron III requirements, it uses a different base stock and additives to meet them than the Dexron III or VI by Valvoline. If I had Valvoline Dexron III, no sweat adding Valvoline Dexron VI, but I would hesitate at mixing manufacturers.

If you change the fluid, either the Pentosin or Valvoline will work. Or Red Line or a few others.

Incidentally, ATF is hydraulic fluid with additives to meet automatic transmission needs.

In the past, both Valvoline and Mobil 1 had a synthetic power steering fluid, but both discontinued it. No idea why.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Dexron 4 is backwards compatible -so you can add it to top off your fluid.

 

MG- You do not get the point. Many manufacturer's fluids meet the GM Dexron III standards, but they do it using different additives and a different base fluid. That means one manufacturer's Dexron III and Dexron VI will be compatible with each other. It does not mean two different manufacturer's fluids, even if both meet the GM Dexron III or VI standard, are compatible.

It is the same for motor oils. If you have to add oil to top off, you are better off with even a non-syntnetic by the same manufacturer than you would be to top off with a different manufacturer's oil.

Dexron III is a standard, as is Dexron VI, and it consists of viscosities at various temperatures, minimum pour temperarure, material compatibility, heat tolerance, etc. There are many ways to meet those requirements.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

I am using Valvoline Dexron 4 and my power steering has been great. No creaking or squealing noises and no roughness or abnormal feedback when turning the steering wheel.

 

MG- We put Dexron VI in my car during this spring's annual and it is working great, as well. If the system is drained and refilled, any of the Dexron III or higher synthetic ATFs or power steering fluids should work fine.

I am not sure why Valvoline and Mobil 1 stopped making synthetic power steering fluids, but have a feeling they may have increased leak problems.

The one reason Volvo recommends Pentosin is the ~15F lower pour point than most other fluids. Important if you are using your car in northern Sweden or Norway, but not so much in our lower 48.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Looking to topup my power steering fluid on my 430 and it looks like Shell may have replace the Donax TX with Shell Spirax S4 ATF HDX... Anyone else seen/used this or is this not to be trusted?

Looks legit but want to be sure....

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-69329-shell-spirax-s4-atf-hdx-formerly-donax-tx-superior-quality-automatic-transmission-fluid.aspx

Cheers,

Jay

 

Anyone have an updated recommendation on power steering fluid for a 430? I'm not sure that the specific fluids mentioned in this post are still available or at least I didn't find them at my local auto parts store. Thanks.

 

I use Castrol Transmax Dexron III in my 360 and it's been fine for years.

 

The Donax is still the factory fill. I buy it from my local Ferrari dealer. There was an older version when the 360 was current, but the new stuff is the same stuff, different only in name according to Shell's website.

 

Thanks. I'm not sure I will be able to get the Donax but I did find some of the Valvoline Dextron VI Synthetic