00 Intrepid ES--Sigh...Luck of the Draw?

Hi Rich.

On the steering, I would change the p.s. fluid (using ATF+4). It may help, and can't hurt. I've seen posts on Chrysler forums where replacing the fluid fixed similar problems.

Bill Putney (to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with "x")

ATF+4???

My Haynes Manual has listed "Chrysler power steering fluid (not automatic transmission fluid) or equivalent."

I've never heard of using ATF for that purpose. Can you reconfirm? Thanx, Rich

I also noticed the oil wetness near the transmission on my Intrepid while I had it on the lift (also at a military hobby shop :) yesterday. I recall reading a TSB via allpar that some weeping is normal, although I don't have TSB access at the moment. Of course it's hard to know how much fluid is still in the differential.

Interesting... Kinda makes you wonder if dealerships (not to disparage all) ever look at TSBs... Thanx, Rich

Definitely what I would do. Keep an eye on the differential fluid level.

Try a PS fluid change. Maybe even a couple of changes a few weeks apart. The rack is a Saginaw made by GM, and so all the things you find in GM forums about steering racks apply to this one as well.

I'd get a new dealer.... or skip the dealer and do it ALL myself. After all, you do have access to a lift!

Rich - According to my local dealer (so it must be true!) 8^) they can't even get the official Chrysler p.s. fluid thru their official Chrysler supply chain any more. They tell me that even when they specifically order the p.s. fluid by part number, the Chrysler warehouse substitutes ATF+4, i.e., the p.s. fluid is unobtanium. I've posted this anecdotal info. on a couple of Chrysler specific forums (including this one) and no one has ever disputed it, so I am thinking it may be true. I have looked for a TSB on the subject, but there doesn't appear to be any. It could well be that the ATF+4 is not only adequate but even overkill for p.s. fluid, and so is OK to use (best to flush and re-fill).

Bill Putney (to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with "x")

Bill, Thanx much! Rich

Now this is interesting. My LH 1999 Factory Service Manual (printed edition) Page 19-12 says "In all pumps add fluid as necessary, using only Mopar Power Steering Fluid, or an equivalent. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID." (emphasis theirs)

An electronic copy of the 2002 LH manual, page 19-54, says, "CAUTION: Use only Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid (MS-9602). Do not overfill."

So was their a design change for the newer model years? Or is this change of mind retroactive to 1999 models too?

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For checking the level, both model year manuals say, "The power steering fluid level should be between MAX. COLD and MIN. COLD when the fluid is at a normal ambient temperature of approximately 32°C to 43°C (90°F to 110°F)."

Is this correct, or is at a units (NASA style) typo? I wouldn't consider a normal ambient temperature to be between 32C and 43C, especially for a line marked COLD. Did they mean perhaps between 32F and 110F?

To answer the original poster, and explain thier emphasis, yes, it has been a common practice forever. The only drawback to using ATF for hydraulic fluid is it loves to leak.

If my dealer is giving me the straight scoop, then it is retroactive (intentionally or unintentionally) seeing that you can't even get the official Chrysler p.s. fluid any more (according to them).

I did not know that it had officially been changed for later model years.

Any time they can eliminate a part number from their inventory system, it saves them money in inventory and documentation costs. Hopefully the ATF+4 is an exception to the ATF leaking rule.

I never noticed that before, and I have no explanation. I guess we have to put our cars in an oven for a couple of hours to check the fluid except in the summer. 8^) In reality, I doubt if the level will be significantly different at 60°F than 90°F. Between 60 and 200 - yes, but not at normal ambient temperatures.

Bill Putney (to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with "x")