Owners manual specifies Dextron 2 or 3 for Power steering. I want to replace the fluid in my Power Steering and noticed that the MMAL Workshop Manual stipulates Genuine Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid. What's the go? Just so happens I have both genuine PS fluid which I bought some time ago for the old TJ and Dexron 3. Don't see the point in using Dexron 2 if it is even available today.
Any ideas?

Thought i'd resurrect this one seeing as i'll be doing it next weekend. Does anybody have any preference on PS fluid? Any particular brands to steer clear of or is it a case of using genuine stuff again?

Looking forward to a knowledgeable answer.

I have never heard of anyone having to change the fluid......

Ok, that's not what i was expecting......

I looked in the reservoir today and it seemed crappy dirty (not literally looked in, i dripped some fluid onto a clean white rag). Just thought i'd do it next weekend when i do the rest of the fluids. I'm on call all weekend so i'll spend it on the car.

I have never heard of anyone having to change the fluid......

Most 380's are still relatively young but those that are young but have high mileage may benefit from a change....

Power steeing fluids are the same as/almost the same as auto trans fluids.

They get hot and deteriorate over time.

In 2010, I changed out the power steering fluid on my 1990 Nissan Skyline that had
240,000km at the time.

The PS fluid was FILTHY, and the in-reservoir filter( not the visible one at the top - I'm assuming
there will be another smaller one lower down in the reservoir) was pretty much blocked with a fine sludge.

I know that was 20 years old, assuming that the fluid had never been changed - only topped up,
but I am reasonably certain that at even only 10 years there will be some sludge build up.

A change of fluid and a thorough bleeding of the PS system significantly improved the steering feel
and reduced the noise.

At the same time, I tightened up all the PS hose leaks.

I still have that car, and the steering is good with the exception of leaking rack seals
- expected at 25 years old.

If I keep the car into next year, I may get a reco. rack fitted.

All I need to know now is if it is OK to use Dextron 111, rather than having to buy ANOTHER bottle
of a "Genuine" fluid when I already have supplies of the other sitting around.

Owners manual specifies Dextron 2 or 3 for Power steering. I want to replace the fluid in my Power Steering and noticed that the MMAL Workshop Manual stipulates Genuine Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid. What's the go? Just so happens I have both genuine PS fluid which I bought some time ago for the old TJ and Dexron 3. Don't see the point in using Dexron 2 if it is even available today.
Any ideas?


I have never heard of anyone having to change the fluid......

As Madmagna said in another thread:


also the most neglected area is the power steering fluid

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106211&p=1633868&viewfull=1#post1633868

So I joined the "big spenders" club the other day.....

.....Genuine Mits. PS fluid 1 litre = $15 retail or $12.65 trade from Albion Park Mits.

I'll use up some Dextron 111 on the Skyline which needs a top up.

When i was changing the transmission fluid on the weekend i had a good look at the blurb on the containers. It very clearly said "Not to be used in power steering systems."

That was the genuine Mitsu stuff.

I'll go with Dexron III anyday or for that matter, any ATF fluid. Just use a old shampoo pump like this
http://www.coolblades.co.uk/images/P/nioxin-backwash-shampoo-conditioner-pump.jpg

pump the old power steering fluid out and pour new fluid in, real easy 5min job.

Ii know this is a 380 thread but for what it's worth, I did my TW at the 5 year mark . used Dexron as mentioned in the SM but I think the OM says Mitsubishi specific. Anyway I've had nil issues, which reminds me, I think I'll give it another birthday and do it again and do some seals as well as i think my input shaft is weeping slightly and the level has dropped.

As stated Power Steering fluid is often the most neglected area of the car, it is for some reason not in any service book for any schedule other than to check which I guess if it fluid is getting dirty means to change.

Not sure if anyone has ever actually looked in the bottom of the reservoir or at the filter in the Magna's but they often black as are higher mileage 380's in the bottom of the bottle

We use a flushing machine here, simply pumping out the bottle and re filling does little, if doing it manually make sure you flush it also to clean out the fluid in the rack

How does one flush out the fluids in the rack then?