Steering Fluid

[THRobinson]

New hood supports installed so had a chance to check the fluids in more depth... When it was safetied the mechanic said he aded some steering fluid because a bit low, checked today and was at the low line. No idea if leaking or just didn't add that much... Don't see any leaks... Will have to watch it.

I did however notice that it wasn't red like atf fluid... It looks like regular steering fluid, the colour of cooking oil.

Could it be leaking out because the wrong stuff? I'm not sure if the viscosity is different, maybe thinner and leaking through seals when in use? But, I assume that it is a good idea to flush it out and use atf+4 like it's supposed to be?

Could this have damaged it?

 

[xtremewlr]

Definitely won't hurt to drain the system and refill with the proper ATF+4.

When you are checking the level, is it cold or hot? Make sure you are looking at the correct level line the fluid is at. Steering won't mysteriously eat fluid, it either leaks out somewhere or wasn't filled properly.

 

[THRobinson]

I check the ground when I go to my car after work, paved parking lot (dirt/stone at home so harder to spot leaks)... wondering if maybe leaking while driving and turning. But again, no idea how full he had it... had the wrong stuff to begin with so, who knows.

I checked the level about an hour after I got home. Tonight I'll check before I go home, and immediately after I get home and see where things are at.

I want to drain the trans and changed the fluid and filter, so will do both at the same time. Trans fluid is pink and looks pretty new, which is good... but I checked it last night as well and well over the MAX line so needs at least drained out some to lower the level. I'd drain the transmission fluid cooler which will probably be enough, but again, just got the truck so, better to just drain everything, replace the filters, and know it's been done.