Power steering and clutch flushing

[NathanOfSeattle]

Guys I'm planning to do a little maintenance this weekend. Wanted to double check on the correct type of fluids to use. For the power steering, I can use any ATF fluid? And for the clutch, I can use any DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid?

 

[shadow247]

It should say right on the cap. If it says Dot 3 then you can comfortably use Dot 4, just don't mess around with any of the synthetic crap. Also use only NEW brake-fluid from an un-opened container.

 

[nissanh]

If it says DOT 3, use DOT 3. Using different grade will damage the seals.

 

[shadow247]

If it says DOT 3, use DOT 3. Using different grade will damage the seals.

Not true at all. Dot 3 simply has a lower boiling point than Dot 4.

From Wikipedia -

"While a vehicle that uses DOT 3 can also use DOT 4 or 5.1, (a temperature upgrade) a vehicle that uses DOT 4 might overheat the brakes if a DOT 3 (a temperature downgrade,) is used. Additionally, these cannot be mixed with DOT 5.0, which is synthetic."

 

[nissanh]

Anybody can edit wikipedia. It is not a reliable source of information.

The oil fill cap says "use only dot-3 brake fluid" WITH a warning.

 

[theizzardking]

Anybody can edit wikipedia. It is not a reliable source of information.

The oil fill cap says "use only dot-3 brake fluid" WITH a warning.

no this is true, dot 4 is retroactive for dot 3 and covers both 3 and 4, but do not use 5 .....5 will destroy things but 3 or 4 is ok. has been for a long time...

 

[nevada]

no this is true, dot 4 is retroactive for dot 3 and covers both 3 and 4, but do not use 5 .....5 will destroy things but 3 or 4 is ok. has been for a long time...

yup. this.

 

[shadow247]

no this is true, dot 4 is retroactive for dot 3 and covers both 3 and 4, but do not use 5 .....5 will destroy things but 3 or 4 is ok. has been for a long time...

Just to add fuel to the fire, I work in a Ford Parts dept, and we ONLY stock DOT4 and use it in anything that calls for Dot 3 or 4. I have used Dot 4 in every vehicle I have owned from 1995 to 2008, even if it calls for Dot 3. Dot 4 was just an upgrade to Dot 3, creating a higher boiling point for the brake fluid.