I was checking the fluid for my power steering and noticed the cap says to use transmission fluid? Is this correct? 1965 Chevelle.

I have used automatic transmission fluid in the power steering for MANY years.

Verle

Back in the 60s automatic transmission fluid and power steering fluid were the same formulation. But in later years, a special GM power steering fluid was developed for better long term durability as underhood operating temperatures became higher.

The newer power steering fluid is amber in color (ATF is generally red in color.) Power steering fluid has special properties particularly developed to work with the Saginaw power steering pumps. If you are interested in more information on power steering fluid, you may find the following paper quite interesting.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/powerstrgfluidrev18oc07.doc

JIML82

I've always used power steering fluid..........helps in tracking down leaks, by the color.

I was checking the fluid for my power steering and noticed the cap says to use transmission fluid? Is this correct? 1965 Chevelle.
:yes:

Straight from the General's mouth in a 1969 GM Chassis Service Manual: "Fill, if necessary, to the proper level with GM Power Steering Fluid or, if this is not available, Automatic Transmission Fluid "Type A" bearing the mark "AQ-ATF" followed by a number and the suffix letter "A"."

Tom

Go ahead and use automatic transmission fluid "Type A, Suffix A". It went obsolete in the early 1970s so you will need to find a 38 year old can of it. As I mention in my paper, the Fuel & Lubricants Section of GM Research went their own merry way with respect to developing automatic transmission fluids around that time. If I remember correctly, it was the last time that transmission fluid was listed as an acceptable alternative to GM power steering fluid.

Jim