My 99 has the typical power steering growl. I had a 98.5 that did the same thing and I swapped the fluid with ATF+4. I wanted your opinion on it and if there was an easier way to fluid swap.  I vacuumed the fluid from the reservoir, filled with ATF, ran it, then repeated the process until I thought I had mostly new fluid.  Ran it for a couple of years with no problem and was noise free. Thanks for amy input. 

Did the same thing and have had no issues

Power steering fluid is what the system is designed for, so that’s what I use. I really don’t know what the benefit (if their is one ) of using ATF would be, it’s definitely not cheaper 

 

you are are going to need 3 to 4 quarts for a good flush 

 

 

Although our 2nd gens are spec'd for power steering fluid only I opted for ATF+4 in both of mine since I view ATF as a high detergent hydraulic oil that is just about the same viscosity of low detergent power steering fluid. I chose ATF+4 for it's synthetic properties. Been running ATF+4 in both of my 2nd gen p/s systems for years with zero negative effects.

Don't do it. It will cause seal failure. Our system are designed for power steering fluid. 3rd gens are a Ford steering box and requires ATF.

Edited August 25, 20186 yr by Mopar1973Man

I agree that the 2nd gen was not spec'd for ATF but I haven't experienced any seal failures in the 10 years the 97 has run ATF in the power steering, or the 5 years the 01 has run ATF in it's power steering.

 

I should probably go knock on wood now so I don't find a puddle of ATF under one of the trucks tomorrow.

Power steering systems have been using ATF since day one. My wood splitter recommends ATF below 30 degrees as do my dump trailers. I have used both on my trucks, currently running power steering fluid in all of them, but on cold mornings the Dodges will groan for a bit. 

interesting.

I know most of us take such warnings with a grain of salt but...this is right out of the 2nd gen FSM.

 

CAUTION: Use only MOPAR power steering fluid or
equivalent. Do not use automatic transmission fluid
and do not overfill.

I watched the reverse... Few big names went to AMSOil ATF in the power steering and ended up eating the pump and steering gearbox multiple times. Our systems are not designed for ATF. Now 2003 on the Sagnaw box was discontinued and Ford steering box was used from 2003 on. Hence way the 3rd and 4th gen use ATF in the power steering.

6 hours ago, NIsaacs said:

My wood splitter recommends ATF below 30 degrees as do my dump trailers. 

In 1976 Volvo switched all 4 and 5 speed transmissions from 90wt and 30wt fluids, respectively, to Dextron ATF due to poor cold shifting characteristics.  They kept it that way through 1995. 

 

Volvo also called for Dextron ATF in the power steering systems until 2001 when it switches to a "European" ps fluid .

 

For me, I run what the FSM says.

1 hour ago, IBMobile said:

 

For me, I run what the FSM says.

 

That's the best advice... Use what the FSM says to use.

 

Unless you are like me. It's only money for the parts and a little of my time to repair what the ATF may eat. I know that's not a good way to look at it but when I put ATF in the power steering of both of my second gens I was not aware of the FSM warning nor had access to the FSM. My opinion of Haynes and Chilton manuals is very low as I've found alot of misinformation. I figure if ATF is going to damage the pump or box enough time has transpired that the damage is already done so switching back to P/S fluid will not help anything at this point. I do however love how quiet the power steering pumps are with ATF especially in the cold winter mornings. It was a night and day difference when I went to ATF in the P/S especially on the 01 as far as growling on those frigid below zero Denver/Aurora mornings.

5 hours ago, 04Mach1 said:

 

That's the best advice... Use what the FSM says to use.

 

Unless you are like me. It's only money for the parts and a little of my time to repair what the ATF may eat. I know that's not a good way to look at it but when I put ATF in the power steering of both of my second gens I was not aware of the FSM warning nor had access to the FSM. My opinion of Haynes and Chilton manuals is very low as I've found alot of misinformation. I figure if ATF is going to damage the pump or box enough time has transpired that the damage is already done so switching back to P/S fluid will not help anything at this point. I do however love how quiet the power steering pumps are with ATF especially in the cold winter mornings. It was a night and day difference when I went to ATF in the P/S especially on the 01 as far as growling on those frigid below zero Denver/Aurora mornings.

An addage I have used many times for myself here, ignorance is bliss. Especially if it works....

Thanks for all information gentlemen.  Should the PS fluid be replaced/ flushed. How often should it be done?  Is the growl just a Dodge thing and not to be worried about?

Yes, you should at least change it and if it has been a long time you might need to flush it. I change mine regular so I don't flush.

 

Pull your pressure line off the pump, it will drain. Jack your front tires off the ground and turn your wheel lock to lock several times, let the pump drain. The pump won't completely drain nor will the hydro boost housing, so if your fluid is dirty you will need to flush.

 

Install your pressure line and fill the pump. I use an automatic tranny funnel that is long and slender. Use a flash light so you can see when the pump is full, make sure you cover the pump casting inside the reservoir.  Install lid and start the truck, let it idle for a minute then shut it off and check the fluid. If it is dirty, drain again. If not, top it off, start the truck and turn wheel lock to lock several times. Shut it off and check the fluid, it will be foamy with air. Let it sit with the lid off until the fluid is clear, no air. Top it off and repeat the lock to lock and repeat the top off and air check the fluid. When the pump stays full and there is no air in it you are done. Keep in mind it will take several start/stops to get the air out.

 

My two Dodges have always growled at times but it don't seem to hurt them, they are both original with 320k+ miles on both of them. I have re-sealed the '01 and the Ford gear boxes, once each. Good luck.

I vacuum out the ps fluid from the reservoir and replace with new each time I do an oil and filter change.  I also draw out as much coolant from the radiator and replace with new every other oil change.