Hey guys and gals. Over the next week or so I am going to start taking care of some preventative maintenance stuff on the Ram. I am looking at flushing the power steering, brakes, and changing the transmission fluid. Those are the only fluids I havent changed since I have owned the truck so I have no idea how old they are.

 

Does anyone know about how much power steering fluid it will take to flush and refill? Also how much to flush the brake system front to back?

 

I am going to switch the power steering fluid over to Amsoil full synthetic and the brake system I just put synthetic DOT 3 back in. I will try to get a hold of Amsoil synchromesh for the tranny.

 

Thanks all!!

Why not use atf+4? Its full syn

ATF +4 is about $2 a quart less than Amsoil. You can't even get anything but synthetic ATF anymore.

I've always been leery about using ATF+4 in the power steering system. THe manual specifically calls for power steering fluid. I realize people do use ATF+4 anyway, but there are distinct differences between the 2. Power steering fluid is more of a hydraulic fluid and does not "foam" as much as trans fluid. To each his own, I just can't see using a fluid that isn't recomended by the manufacturer.

I actually performed a flush on my system about two years ago and I bought a gallon of PS fluid. I think I only used about 3 quarts when it was all said and done.

A quart of brake fluid should do the trick, if you think you will need more then buy a quart and a pint. If you use a full quart and buy a second quart your going to end up with a lot of extra brake fluid and once it has been opened it will begin drawing moisture in.

Chrysler actually suggested us to switch over to atf+4 anytime we had to drain power steering. Im not scared to run it at all

For MY03 and up yes. But those systems are different than what's on the 2nd gens.The TSB released by Chrysler specifically states that while it is OK to use ATF in place of power steering fluid on some vehicles, it is NOT OK for 94-02 Ram trucks to use ATF. I'm trying to link the TSB but can't figure out how with the new website.

I know people say they use it and don't have any problems, buat the cost is so minimal why risk it. For Chrysler to release a TSB and not include our trucks in it there has to be a reason. PS fluid has seal swell properties that ATF does not, and it has anti foaming properties that ATF does not.

If someone can guide me through posting a link, I would be happy to post the TSB for you.

Edited April 8, 201411 yr by diesel4life

I've hear the same thing too that ATF should not be used in these truck because of a some design difference. I know people do it all the time but typically the net result is steering box that leaks or other issues.

Thanks all for the input. I did think about using ATF but didnt realize that it was synthetic. I also would like to stick with the manufacturers recommendations and just use the P/S fluid. I can get the Amsoil through my store for cheaper than most people can buy the ATF so I am not concerned about cost. 

If you want to post a link you can just cut and paste. HOWEVER, in order to paste the link you need to have your cursor quite close to where you want it to be.

Don't forget your blinker fluid.....................this long, cold winter could have weakened it!!  

Don't forget your blinker fluid.....................this long, cold winter could have weakened it!!  

Doh!! I completely forgot about that! Here is the stuff most guys use:

When I bought my truck it had ATF in the PS reservoir and the seal inside the cab (brake booster) was leaking by the pedal and onto my floor mat. I flushed it and switched to PS fluid and it hasn't leaked since.

It is a good thing I dont have a muffler otherwise I would probably need to repack these babies too!!

 

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSao7EYnegxQlSYUX1pn91dfJLJipSjEooBwiADFysbIntjcRaruA

 

 

Seriously the 3 forgotten fluids to change on these trucks are.

 

1. Brake Fluid

2. Power Steering Fluid

3. Coolant

That is why I am getting them out of the way. I did the coolant right before winter hit and will get it flushed every 30k. The P/S and brake fluids are the only ones I have not changed so far so I am getting them done. Hopefully there isnt any damage already done because I havent done them yet.

Be aware that any debris is going to settle to the bottom of the caliper and wheel cylinder (if equipped)

I did think about that but at the moment I am going to have to cross that bridge when I come to it. Whenever I need to replace the brakes next I do plan on rebuilding the calipers though.

OK a little late but thought I would post it anyway for anybody that might be interested. They make it a little confusing by posting the numbers rather than "ATF4" or "PS fluid" but once you figure out which is which it's pretty straight forward.

TSB 19-005-03

Power Steering Fluid Usage

Visit Geno's Garage

for Truck accessories.

Date: Aug. 29, 2003

Models: 1994 - 2002 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup, 2002 - 2004 (DR) Ram Pickup

1993 - 2003 (AB) Ram Van

1994 - 2004 (AN) Dakota

1994 - 2002 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup

2004            (CS) Pacifica

1998 - 2004 (DN) Durango

2002 - 2004 (DR) Ram Pickup

1996 - 2000 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (nternational Markets)

1995 - 2000 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze

2001 - 2004 (JR) Sebring Sedan, Stratus Sedan, Sebring Convertible

1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible

2002 - 2004 (KJ) Liberty

2002 - 2004 (KJ) Cherokee (International Markets)

1993 - 2004 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker/300M

1996 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Voyager/Caravan

2002            (PG) Chrysler PT Cruiser (International Markets)

1995 - 2004 (PL) Neon

1997 - 2003 (PR) Prowler

2002 - 2004 (PT) Chrysler PT Cruiser

2001 - 2004 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)

2001 - 2004 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

1993 - 2002 (SR) Viper/Viper Coupe

2001 - 2004 (ST) Sebring Coupe/Stratus Coupe

1997 - 2004 (TJ) Wrangler

2003 - 2004 (VA) Sprinter

1999 - 2004 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)

1999 - 2004 (WJ) Grand Cherokee

2003 - 2004 (ZB) Viper

2004            (ZH) Crossfire

Discussion:

The factory fill power steering fluid for most 2004 model year Chrysler Group vehicles is ATF+4 (MS9602) and it provides superior performance at both low and high temperatures. WJ/WG and ZH vehicles use unique power steering fluids. Refer to the table to identify factory fill and the approved service power steering fluid by year and model. Note that MS9602 is Red in color and MS5931 and MS9933 are Amber/Yellow in color. All three fluids will darken in color with usage and fluid color is no longer an indication of fluid condition.

The part numbers for MS9602 are 05013457AA (quart) and 05013458AA (gallon). The part number for MS5931 is 04883077 (quart). The part number for MB345 is 05127381AA.

MS9602 should not be mixed or used as a “topping off” fluid on systems requiring MS5931. On some past models, MS9602 should be used as the replacement fluid. On these models, if a power steering system is being serviced that results in a large fluid loss, such as a pump, hose or gear/rack replacement, the complete system should be drained and filled with MS9602.

NOTE: This bulletin supersedes owner’s and service manuals for the vehicles listed above that may state to use MS9933 in the power steering system, and that may state not to use automatic transmission fluid in the power steering system.

BODY YEAR FACTORY FILL

POWER STEERING FLUID APPROVED SERVICE

POWER STEERING FLUID

AB 1993 - 2003 MS5931 MS5931

AN 1994 - 2001

2002 - 2004 MS5931

MS9602 MS5931

MS9602

BR/BE 1994 - 2002 MS5931 MS5931

CS 2004 MS9602 MS9602

DN 1998-1999

2000 - 2001

2002 - 2003

  MS5931

MS5931 (built before June 1, 2001)

MS9602 (built June 1, 2001 or later)

MS9602 MS5931

MS5931

MS9602

MS9602

DR 2002 - 2004 MS9602 MS9602

GS 1996 - 2000 MS5931

MS5931

JA 1995 - 1998

1999 - 2000 MS5931

MS9933 MS5931

MS9602

JR 2001

2002 - 2004 MS9933

MS9602 MS9602

MS9602

JX 1996 - 1998

1999 - 2000 MS5931

MS9933 MS5931

MS9602

KJ 2002 - 2004 MS9602 MS9602

LH 1993 - 1997

1998 - 2001

2002 - 2004 MS5931

MS9933

MS9602 MS5931

MS9602

MS9602

NS 1996 - 2000 MS5931 MS5931

PG 2002 MS9602 MS9602

PL 1995 - 1998

1999 - 2000

2001

2002 - 2004

  MS5931

MS9933

MS9933 (built before June 5, 2001)

MS9602 (built June 5, 2001 or later)

MS9602 MS5931

MS9602

MS9602

MS9602

MS9602

PR 1997

1999

2000 - 2003 MS5931

MS9933

MS5931 MS5931

MS9602

MS5931

PT 2001

2002 - 2004 MS9933

MS9602 MS9602

MS9602

RG 2001

2002 - 2004 MS5931 (built before July 2, 2001)

MS9602 (built July 2, 2001 or later)

MS9602 MS5931

MS9602

MS9602

RS 2001

2002 - 2004 MS5931 (built @ Windsor before May 22, 2001)

MS9602 (built @ Windsor May 22, 2001 or later)

MS5931 (built @ St. Louis before June 4, 2001)

MS9602 (built @ St. Louis June 4, 2001 or later)

MS9602 MS5931

MS9602

MS5931

MS9602

MS9602

SR 1992 - 1998

1999 - 2000

2001 - 2003 MS5931

MS9933

MS5931 MS5931

MS9602

MS5931

ST 2001 - 2004 MMC MS9602

TJ 1997 - 2002

2003 - 2004 MS5931

MS9602 MS5931

MS9602

VA 2003 - 2004 MB341 MS9602

WG 1999 - 2004 MS5931 MS5931

WJ 1999 - 2004 MS5931 MS5931

ZB 2003 - 2004 MS9602 MS9602

ZH 2004 MB345 MB345

Policy:  Information Only.

I would like to thank Bob Bergevin, Arthur Cantrall, Barry Drodge, David Lovell, Bill Maurits, and Steve for supplying the information for these bulletins. And a big thank you goes to Geno's Garage for making DodgeRam.info possible.

 

  Top of Page  

  DodgeRam.info Home  

 

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004

Thanks for clearing it up with some good real info. I decided to use Amsoil's universal synthetic P/S fluid as it is a good replacement for the MS5931, which is what our trucks call for. At the moment, I am a little more concerned for my transmission. Over the last few months or so I have slowly started having some noise issues. To me it sounds like bearings in the transmission but its hard to tell over the mighty cummins. If I am sitting still and let out the clutch pedal, the noise starts. When I push in the clutch pedal, the noise stops. I had the same problem on my old ranger and it turned out to be a shaft bearing inside the case.

^^^ that would be your throw out bearing.  If it only makes a little noise you still have time, if its making a ruckus, your gonna want to address the issue a little sooner.

^^^ that would be your throw out bearing.  If it only makes a little noise you still have time, if its making a ruckus, your gonna want to address the issue a little sooner.

The throw out bearing would be making noise with the clutch in and not out.