Power steering fluid ATF DEX3 or CHF

[m9hundo]

So I've read everywhere that dex3 ATF is the fluid of choice for the power steering but when I get to the final word of all fluids it's CHF11s. Is it a price issues that drives people away from the CHF? The reason I raise concern is because a local old timer said that if you put in the wrong fluid into your power steering you will ruin the rack and pinion as well as other components.

[constantin]

What car?


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[m9hundo]

Sorry, 97 M3 Sedan Automatic

[constantin]

Are you just topping it off or doing a full flush?
If you're topping off use whatever is in there. I wouldn't mix.

If you are flushing it out I'd use Dextron III / Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid (castrol).


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[m9hundo]

Full flush, really dex3 huh? How long have you been running with that fluid?

[LoneRaver]

Me and several of my friends who own E36 are using Dexron 3 ATF, they're good enough. Last time I flushed my ATF was when I got the car a year ago with Dexron 3, so far I've had no problem.

[constantin]

About 2k miles. Not long enough to any judgment, however the Bentley manual says to use Dextron III / Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid.
That seems to be the consensus on the forums over the years, from what my research tells me.


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[Joseph]

I'm using Mobil Dexron IV on my automatic 95 M3.

[m9hundo]

Thanks for the input guys I'll be doing an overhaul on my ps lines this weekend with a full flush. I'll let you know how it goes.

[m9hundo]

Well I finished the job now all I have to do is recheck the level and test drive. The only thing holding me back is I have a stripped and seized flange bolt on the exhaust. I have a ireland eng exhaust that is waiting but that last bolt is a PIA to take off

I'll do a complete write up once the test drive is done and share my experience.

Here is a list of what I had done:

1. New high Pressure hose from Pelican Parts $80
2. Feed line from reservoir to pump redone at a local "hose specialist" (will never go there again ) could of done myself for less than $10
3. Return line from reservoir to rack, Homemade less than $10
4. New PS reservoir, $21 Pelican Parts
5. New crush washers from Pelican parts, .25 each
6. SS hose clamps, .50 each
7. Valvoline Dex/Merc ATF, I bought five because I did the optimal flush with the engine running, around $5 a quart