Can I use Power Steering fluid for Trim Tabs
07-09-2015, 12:13 PM
#1
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Can I use Power Steering fluid for Trim Tabs
One of my Trim Tab reservoirs was low last weekend and my Tab stopped working. I didn't have any ATF Fluid on board so I put some power steering fluid in it and it started working again. I know they are both hydrolic type fluids so can I just leave what I have in there or should I pump it out and go with straight ATF?
Thanks
TC G
Thanks
TC G
07-09-2015, 02:20 PM
#3
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You can....just keep in mind that different hydraulic fluids have different viscosity's, so by mixing fluids and changing the mixture you may get one tab working faster or slower then the other since the pump will be pumping the fluid easier/harder....
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-Wally
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy horsepower. And I've never seen a sad person hauling a$$!
-Wally
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy horsepower. And I've never seen a sad person hauling a$$!
07-09-2015, 02:33 PM
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You will be fine.
If there is any change in the speed of the the tabs, that will be short lived until the fluids gets all mixed together.
Chances are you won't notice any difference.
ATF and power steering are pretty close in viscosity, 30wt motor oil is way more viscous.
If you needed a lot of fluid, your tabs would probably be slower with the 30wt.
Ken
If there is any change in the speed of the the tabs, that will be short lived until the fluids gets all mixed together.
Chances are you won't notice any difference.
ATF and power steering are pretty close in viscosity, 30wt motor oil is way more viscous.
If you needed a lot of fluid, your tabs would probably be slower with the 30wt.
Ken
07-10-2015, 06:48 AM
#7
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That's what I've always used. It really slows the tabs down. When your running 80-90+ it's nice to have slow tabs (atleast that's what I like). Sometimes I run it in the drive pump also. Depends... My Old Baja would lay over on the port side of the V if you had it trimmed out and then tucked the drive back in to fast. But that was 24ft long.
07-10-2015, 07:44 AM
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There are differences in how power steering or trans fluid and motor oil react with seals. Never use motor oil when ATF or Power Steering Fluid is called for. Also motor oil doesn't have the anti-foaming agents that ATF or power steering fluid have. which can make your hydraulics spongy. Just saying.
07-10-2015, 08:05 AM
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I run 10-30w in my 280s.
07-10-2015, 08:32 AM
#10
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There are differences in how power steering or trans fluid and motor oil react with seals. Never use motor oil when ATF or Power Steering Fluid is called for. Also motor oil doesn't have the anti-foaming agents that ATF or power steering fluid have. which can make your hydraulics spongy. Just saying.
