Replaced power steering hoses, I did not use Red ATF

ernest · **Joined:** Sat Aug 06, 2016 2:04 pm **Posts:** 21

In a Jeep 2006 CRD with 217xxx miles I replaced the power steering hoses and refilled it with a clear power steering fluid. Then I read in the manual that red ATF is to be used as power steering fluid. Now when driving the steering is very hard as if the engine was not running. So my question is did the wrong kind of fluid ruin the pump and/or rack and pinion.

TKB4 · **Posted:** Tue May 28, 2019 7:30 pm

Could be air trapped in the system especially if you just did the work, or perhaps pump not functioning well or not "primed". The recommended fluid is the same synthetic fluid the automatic transmission uses. Others may have more to the point advice. I would drain the fluid and then add fluid a little at a time with front end on stands while turning the steering back and forth. If possible I would have attached lower end of hoses then put fluid in the hoses before attaching upper end. I don't have much experience with power steering but I have added fluid but I didn't raise front end . I suggested that because you already have problems that I didn't.

ernest · **Joined:** Sat Aug 06, 2016 2:04 pm **Posts:** 21

The hard steering was because of air in the system. I used a hand held vacuum pump and pulled air out three times while the engine was parked and running. I would pull air out then drive it half a mile and then repeat. I might have pulled out 10 cc of air total. I noticed that if the rpms were over 1000 it was easy to steer the vehicle. Can I decide that the power steering pump is worn because at low rpms it is not pumping much?

Billybob · **Posted:** Wed May 29, 2019 3:14 am

I know on the early 2002 KJs like my 2002 Export 2.5 CRD they came out with the clear Mopar Steering Fluid. Later in the year the 2002 KJs came out with red ATF fluid and a TSB was issued that early 2002 KJs needed to have the fluid drained and flushed and replaced with ATF ..fluids are not to be mixed! :shock:

Because I do not trust the local dealers here in SA one bit I have stayed with the clear Mopar fluid all these years. I recently sucked out all the fluid in the reservoir with a large syringe and then filled it up with Mopar Steering Fluid and will repeat the process in about a years time which I usually do.

I would suggest you drain and flush your system completely and try ATF fluid. :wink:

TKB4 · **Posted:** Wed May 29, 2019 5:18 am

The power steering unit may be a little worn or you may be just paying more attention to the steering characteristics than usual because of the recent issues. After all the idle speed is about 700 rpm and how often would you be turning with an engine rpm less than 1000rpm? Either way I would just drive it until its a significant problem then deal with it.

ernest · **Joined:** Sat Aug 06, 2016 2:04 pm **Posts:** 21

After about 100 miles of driving the power steering is normal. Turning the steering wheel is effortless at this time. There probably was more air that finally moved as small bubbles in the fluid since the pressure is as much as 1600 psi in the high pressure side of the system.

TKB4 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 06, 2019 1:33 pm

Thanks for the report so many do not let everyone know what the outcome was.

Replaced power steering hoses, I did not use Red ATF

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