What Fluid to use for Power Steering

[tmadak]

My manual for the Diplomat says to use Dexron/Mercon ATF for the power steering fluid, but I just changed the PS filter and the fluid is not red but clear. Elsewhere in the manual it says to use AW-46 Hydraulic oil. I believe the hydraulic oil is clear as opposed to the Dexron/Mercon ATF. Since my fluid is clear, should I use the AW-46? Help? Confused!

[Twomed]

Monaco used both at various times (snowflakes). Color is pretty good indication and the AW feels more like a motor oil than the Dexron.

[96 Wideglide]

Yep, my owners manual, and chassis manual says they used Texaco AW-46, yet my fluid had a red tint to it !

[tmadak]

Thanks everyone for your input! I think I'm gonna use the AW-46.
Thanks again
Tom

[Windecker]

Yea, not certain why some have one type and others another and neither may be correct as per the owners manual.

I do however believe that the answer may be dependent upon which engine installation option was ordered with the coach.

It is just a theory but, I believe that if your engine has the hydraulic pump mounted to the "engine", you will likely use the AW-46 or even 15W-40 in some cases.

If your hydraulic pump is mounted to the "transmission" you will likely use the Dextron ATF fluid.

Reason being, fluid leakage in the pump (not if but when it happens), the oils are more compatible

I had this discussion with the legacy Monaco group in 2007 when I purchased my first Monaco and wanted to change that fluid. They explained, AW-46, light engine oil, possibly 15W-40 or ATF but offered no explanation on why different fluids were used, just to look at the color and texture

Again, just my theory about pump location driving that decision.
Windecker

Originally Posted by tmadak

My manual for the Diplomat says to use Dexron/Mercon ATF for the power steering fluid, but I just changed the PS filter and the fluid is not red but clear. Elsewhere in the manual it says to use AW-46 Hydraulic oil. I believe the hydraulic oil is clear as opposed to the Dexron/Mercon ATF. Since my fluid is clear, should I use the AW-46? Help? Confused!

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by Windecker

It is just a theory but, I believe that if your engine has the hydraulic pump mounted to the "engine", you will likely use the AW-46 or even 15W-40 in some cases.

If your hydraulic pump is mounted to the "transmission" you will likely use the Dextron ATF fluid.

Reason being, fluid leakage in the pump (not if but when it happens), the oils are more compatible

Certainly a possibility!

I was thinking it may depend on whether your coach came with a TRW steering box.
I was looking for information on TRW's website once, and recall reading they recommend ATF in their steering box's.

[vito.a]

It's just hydraulic oil, not really lubricating any rubbing parts like a camshaft. I think we can use almost any light oil.

The first time I changed my fluid I used this. Mostly because it was cheap, met specs, and readily available.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline...allon/15125788

The second time I used this, because it was a full synthetic, met specs, and has seal conditioners. This is $4 more per gallon and our system uses 50-55 qts.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline...allon/15125768

[96 Wideglide]

Problem is, it's not recommended to mix hyd fluid with ATF.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by vito.a

It's just hydraulic oil, not really lubricating any rubbing parts like a camshaft. I think we can use almost any light oil.

]

The hydraulic pump is a gear pump, it needs lubrication like any engine part.