Discussion
hows it going people? the gfs mini cooper s is leaking power steering fluid and the regular mechanic cant fix it till next week so we need to top it up now and again. however i went to the garage at her bit earlier and the guy gave me automatic transmission fluid and told me it was the same stuff. me being me asked a million questions then he got the mechanic in and told me they use it in cars as power steering fluid. is this possible? any helps greatly appreciated
There will be a spec in your handbook. You can then compare the specs of the ATF you've been given to the spec via Google.
It's not unheard of, but I'd check the particulars. I know next to nothing about BMW Minis so will decline from commenting on the suitability of ATF as PAS fluid in that application, but I've found them to be compatible on some other cars in the past.
It's not unheard of, but I'd check the particulars. I know next to nothing about BMW Minis so will decline from commenting on the suitability of ATF as PAS fluid in that application, but I've found them to be compatible on some other cars in the past.
As found on Google, not sure if it helps tbh....
Power steering fluid and transmission fluid both expand when heated, but they are different. On the old Fords, they used transmission fluid in the power steering systems, because they were designed for either type of fluid. That does not mean you could use power steering fluid in the transmission. Power steering fluid expands alot more than transmission fluid does, although it doesn't take as much cooling as transmission fluid requires. Some cars don't even have a cooler for the power steering, while some of the newer cars have found electric power steering pumps with electric cooling fans to be the way to go. The jury is still out on that since Chevrolet and BMW are both having trouble with their electric cooled power steering pumps, on the Malibu and Cooper S, respectively.
Power steering fluid and transmission fluid both expand when heated, but they are different. On the old Fords, they used transmission fluid in the power steering systems, because they were designed for either type of fluid. That does not mean you could use power steering fluid in the transmission. Power steering fluid expands alot more than transmission fluid does, although it doesn't take as much cooling as transmission fluid requires. Some cars don't even have a cooler for the power steering, while some of the newer cars have found electric power steering pumps with electric cooling fans to be the way to go. The jury is still out on that since Chevrolet and BMW are both having trouble with their electric cooled power steering pumps, on the Malibu and Cooper S, respectively.
A very quick google finds:-
"The MINI power steering system is filled with Pentosin CHF 11S hydraulic fluid. DO NOT top up with ATF or other types of steering fluid. Mixing hydraulic fluid types will damage the seals in the steering system and cause them to leak."
and
"MINI specifies the use of CHF-11S fluid ONLY. This fluid is available from Pelican Parts from and is specially formulated for use with electric power steering pumps. The fluid itself is thinner than regular power steering fluid and prevents the power steering pump from overworking itself. Don’t try to run regular fluid in the car because it’s likely to overload the pump. "
Of course that's the interweb and so could be a load of tosh
"The MINI power steering system is filled with Pentosin CHF 11S hydraulic fluid. DO NOT top up with ATF or other types of steering fluid. Mixing hydraulic fluid types will damage the seals in the steering system and cause them to leak."
and
"MINI specifies the use of CHF-11S fluid ONLY. This fluid is available from Pelican Parts from and is specially formulated for use with electric power steering pumps. The fluid itself is thinner than regular power steering fluid and prevents the power steering pump from overworking itself. Don’t try to run regular fluid in the car because it’s likely to overload the pump. "
Of course that's the interweb and so could be a load of tosh
The fluid you need should be green. It was first used by Audi in the Quattros and is a mineral based fluid. If you mix it with ATF you can get an acidic chemical reaction that will contaminate the seals and ruin them.
You MUST use the correct fluid although it doesn't have to be a specific make, just the correct grade.
J
You MUST use the correct fluid although it doesn't have to be a specific make, just the correct grade.
J
Couple of things, it should be Green and Ive always used the Castrol Stuff on my Minis. What dealer where you at? Sounds like the sound advice and handy work of John Clarke. Where in Scotland are you? I know a few good places to take it to have a look.
It will be the power steering pipes that wrap round the bottom of the pump, they are prone to failing on the higher mileage minis, I replaced the pipes on both of mine.
It will be the power steering pipes that wrap round the bottom of the pump, they are prone to failing on the higher mileage minis, I replaced the pipes on both of mine.
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