Owner's manual recommends this stuff, but once again, I can't find it anywhere as it appears to be an earlier incarnation. Searches here and via Google reveal no useful info.

Anyone know what works in the XJS power steering unit?
Thanx!

 

For the power steering? Heck, I grab whatever bottle of auto trans fluid is closest on the shelf !

Other may chime in but I really don't think the steering system knows or cares what ype of ATF you use.

As far as Dexron goes, all the later versions are backwards compatible...no worries. No worries, that is, until you get into Dexron VI...which is synthetic (or semi-syn, at least) and much more expensive

Cheers
DD

 

it really doesn't matter.
I typically try to put power steering fluid in it, but Auto tranny fluid is nearly exactly the same as everyone says and if theres nothing else around I use it.
I also don't like how it would be confusing if you were to have the tranny or power steering leak lol.

 

I use Mercon V (compatible with Dexron II/III, but improved) transmission fluid - Valvoline, Castrol, Pennzoil all work great. Please note that GM does not approve of Dexron VI to be used as power steering fluid in most of its older cars. In fact, GM now sells the previous Dexron III now as power steering fluid.

 

Actually, GM sells (and uses) "Power Steering Fluid" as power steering fluid. I don't know the chemical make up but it's a clear oil.

Cheers
DD

 

They must have then two different PS fluids - one for those systems that specified Power Steering fluid and one for those that previously spec'd Dexron III.
As far as I heard p/n 89020661 (89021183 in Canada) Power Steering Fluid is red in color and is the original Dexron III-H formulation.

 

Although it is possible that the new GM Transfer Case and Manual Transmission fluid p/n 88861800 is Dexron III-H. I was under the impression that both the PS and the Transfer Case/Man. Trans fluid are both relabeled Dexron III-H.

Regardless, any licensed Mercon V fluid should work well.

 

Perhaps so but I don't recall it being red....although when the part number changed from 1050017 (Google it) to 89020661 it may have been a different formulation. The 1050017 was clear, as are most products you buy today that are labeled "power steering fluid".

The 1050017 was the spec fluid in all GM cars for...well, decades.

I've used 1050017 and ATF interchangably and never had a problem <shrug>

Cheers
DD

 

We're getting way off topic but my curiosity got the better of me :-)

GM describes the '0661 p/s fluid as a "amber colored mineral oil"

http://www.goodwrench.com/PartsAcces...reProducts.jsp


To add some Jag content I've always wondered why Jaguar specified ATF when virtually all other manufacturers specify an actual p/steering fluid? Even my older Jags, which GM/Saginaw p/s pumps, called for ATF.

I wonder if it has something to do with the rack and pinions themselves ? Perhaps the type of seals used?

Cheers
DD

 

Ford always specified ATF - first Type F, then Mercon, then Mercon V.
I think also most German manufacturers specified Dexron, though some specified the special Pentosin fluids which have very good cold temperature performance.

 

It's good to fill with Dexron III for a 1989 XJ-S?

or there's any other more recommended?

My handbook says to put Dexron II D, but I don't know if Dexron III is better than II D.

 

Was Rocky III better than II?

Was Back to the Future III better than II?

Nevermind...wrong point.

Use Dex III, it'll be just fine.

 

Thanks for your answer!

P.D.: Godfather III wasn't better than II, sure...