Let's Settle This...Power Steering Fluid or ATF for Power Steering

and here I am using Mercon V in my 1990 Toyota, and my 09 Tacoma because I have 2 cases left from my shop days!

funny story, my nephew owns my 90 truck, and decided to flush his Power steering because it was dark and not clear like PSF.. it now whines and the pump is leaking.

when I got that truck the pump was blown out after another PSF drain and fill

 

it's the white bottle the 2812

 

Just topped up my reservoir with this based on your recommendation and the other posts about it in this thread. It was pretty low so I think I’ve got some weep happening. I’ll be able to look for it in a couple weeks when I do my 60k tune up.

 

I did not pay much attention as I was not expecting it. Just happened to notice that the wet boots dried out. I would guess that it would take a little time.

Let us know how it goes.

 

That’s where I’m at - I was topping up my coolant the other day and noticed how low the power steering reservoir was. It wasn’t dry, but definitely a fair bit lower than the minimum. I didn’t get any feedback or noise while driving, so I don’t think that it’s about to go out or anything. Hoping it gets me through!

 

You'll know it for sure. We had a car back in 2003 that blew a rack. It was an expensive fix that we put off. My wife was pregnant and more comfortable in that car, so she drove it for 3mo with no PS until we traded it. Pretty wild!

 

So, is it the pump that decides the type of fluid, or the rack and pinion, or both??
I'm asking because I just ordered a new OEM rack n pinion. My pump has been whining off and on, so I need to replace it. However I really dont want to shell out the bucks for OEM pump.