For a power steering pump change is regular PS fluid useable or is the ACE fluid really necessary? I cannot find a local source of ACE fluid.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

check up at the top of the page on power steering flush. It calls for regular atf fluid but I'm getting ready to the flush tommorow myself

 

Pentosin CHF 11s. $25 @ any big-box auto parts retailer. 1 unit is not enough to completely refill the system so I have used both the Lucas conditioner & Prestone for European makes to add difference; none of them cheap. Do not try to use regular PS fluid. It will ruin your PS pump.

 

I am using Royal Purple Power Steering Fluid.

 

Red line atf 4

 

Everything I've ever heard says use ATF, asa couple others have mentioned.

 

D1 = ATF Fluid
D2 = P/S Fluid

 

According to all my research the only difference is in detergents. Both are simple hydraulic fluids. You should be able to run either one in any vehicle, though with the detergents being different they may react differently with the seals which seal the system. Using the wrong one might cause the system to leak prematurely. That said it won't hurt the pump in any way. I wouldn't hesitate to use either one if I had it on hand. Even dealerships typically just stick ATF in vehicles. One less fluid to keep on hand.

 

In past cars I've used Pentosin CHF 11s PS fluid in my 2004 Disco TD5, 1998 Disco, 2007 VW Passat, 2001 Nissan Sentra, 1967 Jag 420, and now in my 2001 Disco.
No problems ever... touch wood.

 

Unless you get warm fuzzy feeling and enjoy paying the the big $25 buck a quart check out the specs in OM and WM. ACE and PS basically same fluids per affecting seals. Specs for ACE say ok to use cheap ATF when ambient temps above x# of degrees. Unless in Arctics or Iceland would not hesitate to use ATF year round. Viscosity is difference and little else should be a concern. Mfgs. simple CYA with recommended fluids, one size doesn't fit all as we should know.
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