What kind of oil is poured into the UAZ Patriot? Changing the oil in the power steering of a UAZ Patriot SUV

I would like to continue the series of articles about the world of industrial oils and lubricants produced by the German plant Zeller+Gmelin GmbH & Co. KG with material about what hydraulic fluids are and what they are needed for and how they are used.

Developed in a laboratory owned by the plant and produced using the latest technologies, meeting all the requirements (the requirements are quite stringent in a constantly and dynamically developing industry) of the market, as well as the standards and norms of all major institutes for the standardization of tribological fluids, these compositions are in demand in many industries, production and services.

The most basic and used “everyday” in almost every industry are hydraulic fluids.

Hydraulics transmit energy and signals through fluids to provide power for control, drive, and movement. Hydraulic fluids based on mineral oils, synthetic and fire-resistant fluids are used in machines and equipment of all types.

Hydraulic fluids and hydraulics “work” in hydrostatic and hydrodynamic systems. The hydrostatic system requires high pressure at low flow rates to transfer energy, i.e. static pressure, these systems use so-called hydraulic oils.

In hydrodynamic systems, kinetic energy is already used, i.e. The pressure is low and the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid is high; energy transfer fluids work here.

Hydraulic fluids, as mentioned above, are the largest group of lubricants in industry, accounting for approximately 14% of the total consumption of all tribological fluids.

The modern “world” of hydraulics is divided into 3 main areas:

• stationary,
• mobile,
• aviation.

Our supplier, the Zeller+Gmelin plant, produces stationary and mobile ones.

Why is it needed in a car?

In the modern automotive world, manufacturers are striving to improve driving comfort. This did not bypass the “brutal” Russian SUV UAZ Patriot. While taxiing, the owner turns the steering wheel, but does it with ease, since the specified amplifier comes to his aid. All this happens when the engine is running, since the amplifier is driven by a rotating crankshaft pulley. Try turning the steering wheel with the Patriot engine not running. Yes, this is a gym! Off-road driving will turn into a test that not every owner can withstand.

Thanks to the amplifier, the driver can turn the steering wheel with one finger. How did this become possible? The main “person” in the amplification mechanism is the pump. It receives rotational torque from the crankshaft. For such transmission, the designers used a belt. The pump generates fluid pressure, which in turn is sent directly to the steering mechanism. It is due to the “work” of the oil that the driver receives such invaluable “relief” in turning the steering wheel.

To ensure circulation, there is a special main hose in the system, which we will discuss in more detail. It has its own resource, so the owner should be more careful and monitor its condition and frequency of replacement.

Since we touched on this “repair” point, we note that in the list of such procedures regarding the Patriot’s power steering, experts also include replacement:

• hose;
• working fluid (oil);
• pumping unit.

We examined the main areas of repair, without which the normal functioning of the amplification mechanism can only be a dream for a carefree owner.

Selecting power steering oil

When choosing oil for power steering, the car owner, first of all, needs to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, which should indicate the type of power steering fluid. Also, the recommended type of substance is usually indicated on the power steering system reservoir cap. It would be a good idea to consult with a car brand dealership. A car owner who has accurate information about the recommended hydraulic fluid will avoid problems with the hydraulic booster and breakdowns of individual parts.

Before changing the power steering oil, you should understand the classification of fluids intended for this purpose. Typically, power steering oils are classified according to several main characteristics: - color; - Chemical properties; - mechanical properties; — hydraulic properties.

Most often, car owners distinguish power steering fluids by their color. Based on this criterion, power steering oils are divided into 3 groups - red, yellow and green.

Red power steering fluid is usually intended for cars with automatic transmission, yellow is universal, which can be used in both automatic and manual transmissions. Green oil is only intended for vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The characteristics of oils of the same color are almost the same, so when purchasing power steering fluid, first of all, you need to look at the color of the oil in the power steering system reservoir.

It is generally accepted that oils can be mixed depending on their color, that is, red can be mixed with yellow, but neither of them can be mixed with a green substance. In fact, oils differ greatly from each other in viscosity, types of additives and types of base, so before mixing liquids you should carefully study their composition and properties. Red oils that have a mineral and synthetic base cannot be mixed.

Another indicator that is important when choosing oil for power steering is the type of base. Based on this indicator, power steering fluids can be divided into 2 main groups - mineral and synthetic oils.

The design of the hydraulic booster includes many rubber parts that have low resistance to synthetic fluids, so in most cars the instructions require the use of mineral oils. Mineral oil does not cause corrosion to metal parts and prevents rubber parts from drying out.

Power steering fluids of synthetic origin are more chemically aggressive. They can cause accelerated wear of rubber parts and cause cracks in them. Therefore, when choosing power steering fluid, you should buy mineral oil. Synthetic oils are used only if the manufacturer's instructions specifically indicate that the mechanism requires this type of fluid. Typically, synthetic oil is used in technical vehicles.

When purchasing power steering oil, you should also pay attention to whether the product has a quality certificate. The presence of a quality certificate will protect the car owner from purchasing a dangerous product, the vapors of which may be harmful and cause damage to the health of the driver and passengers of the car.

Another sign of a quality product is the ability of the liquid to withstand high temperatures during operation of mechanisms. Low-quality oil can coagulate in the power steering system under certain heat or change its original consistency. Such manifestations reduce the controllability of the vehicle and can provoke an emergency situation when the vehicle is moving.

If you need to change the power steering oil, it is better to choose products from well-known manufacturers. Quality red liquids are produced by General Motors or other manufacturers under license from General Motors. If a car owner needs to buy yellow oil, he should look for products from Daimler or other manufacturers that produce power steering oil under Daimler license. High-quality green oils are produced by the German concern Pentosin.

A little about the oil hose in the Patriot

This main element serves to connect the pump to the steering mechanism. It is not famous for its reliability, so the owner needs to pay special attention to it. If the driver notices a delayed reaction of the wheels to the rotation of the steering wheel, which can be especially pronounced at speed, then this should be a signal to check and subsequently replace the hose. “Thanks to” low-quality manufacturing materials, this hose tends to swell after a certain mileage, which means a loss of pressure in the system.

This state of the element can provoke a rush, which is a prerequisite for an emergency situation. Here the driver needs to have a spare hose with him. Purchasing it is not a problem, the main thing is to know the article number - “3163-00-3408150-01”. This version of the product has gained support from many owners. After replacement, the system will need to be bled. This will remove any remaining air in the circuit. The hose “3163-00-3408150-01” is shown in the photo.

Filter for UAZ Patriot car

Patriot designers used a filter element in the hydraulic boosting system. It is necessary to clean the constantly circulating oil. It is recommended to replace this consumable component along with adding new fluid. Before purchasing, we strongly advise you to check the quality of the product, and it is better to decide on the option in advance.

The plant installs high-quality filters on its UAZ Patriot, so when changing, do not rush to throw away the consumables, but try to read its “details” on it. The number and data of the element manufacturer will help you choose the right option. Experts advise you to look at the product “Livny 4310-3407359-10”.

This is the filter shown here in the photo.

Signs of the need to replace power steering fluid on a UAZ Patriot

The power steering is an integral part of the UAZ Patriot vehicle. The safety and comfort of driving a vehicle depends on its operation. And for the high-quality and uninterrupted operation of the power steering, the presence of fluid in the power steering system is of particular importance.

It is necessary to change the oil not only taking into account the mileage traveled, but also if a number of additional reasons arise.

An unplanned replacement of power steering fluid in a UAZ Patriot is necessary for the following reasons:

• The steering wheel is difficult to turn;
• Extraneous noise when the power steering and pump are operating. Often the pump in the system is the weak element;
• Steering problems;
• Oil leak from the power steering system.

If you encounter one of the problems listed above, you should perform maintenance on the SUV, namely, replacing the working fluid in the power steering system.

The operation of the hydraulic power steering of the UAZ Patriot can be disrupted by wear of the power steering hose, clogging of the cleaning filter, or breakdown of the hydraulic system pump. You can correct breakdowns and improve the operation of the power steering by replacing the worn element with a new one.

Let's move on to the UAZ Patriot pump

This is the main component of the system. The unit is designed to create pressure in the circuit, which allows the mechanism as a whole to provide a strengthening effect when the steering wheel rotates. The task of controlling the car for the driver is greatly simplified. To modify the UAZ Patriot “3163,” the developers used a separate pump, which can be found if you inquire about its catalog number. Here it is - “3163-3407010”. This is the product that the owner should install on his car.

There are several pump malfunctions. If the product body is damaged, it must be unconditionally replaced. Here, owners can be advised to consider the option from. The catalog code of the unit is identical to the one just given - “3163-3407010”.

Is it time to change the oil?

Lubricating fluid is a fundamental component of the hydraulic booster system. It is with its help that the required pressure is created, on which the efficiency of the mechanism depends. Over time, the lubricant loses its quality and requires replacement. The UAZ Patriot reference book speaks of such a need every 100 thousand km. Some owners use transmission fluids from reputable manufacturers for this purpose. These liquids have proven themselves quite well in the markets of many countries.

Let's look at the volume.

UAZ Patriot needs a little more than 1 liter. We recommend purchasing 2 liters.

Changing the power steering oil.

1. First of all, we hang up the front wheels and remove the engine protection.
2. We look at the oil tank under the hood. We loosen the tightening torque of the clamp on it.
3. This tank will need to be tilted. So we will drain the liquid from it. An appropriate syringe will make the task easier.
4. It's time to disconnect the fluid drainage hose from the reservoir. It is also called “return”. We lower its edge into the drain container, while turning the steering wheel fully in both directions. We do this for three full turns.
5. We remove the empty tank (we recommend) and wash the inside. It has a filter. We replace it with a new analogue.
6. We take new oil in our hands and pour it into the washed and installed tank. We ask an assistant to rotate the steering wheel in both directions until it stops during this process. The stronger and more agile the assistant, the less air there will be in the system. We monitor the level in the tank - constantly replenish it.
7. Pay attention to the drain hose. At the beginning of the process, dark oil appears from it. It becomes lighter as the procedure progresses. This means that the new fluid “drives” the old oil into the power steering. This happens until about 700-800 ml is poured. Now the system can be put back together.
8. We make sure that the assembly is correct and start the “engine”. Turn the steering wheel and add fluid to the required level.

Important! We don’t let the engine run!

Power steering fluid replacement is complete.

Information on the types of oil required

It is recommended to fill the hydraulic power steering with lubricants that meet the specifications of Dexron II and Dexron III, as well as GM-6417 (Dexron IIIG). Based on these criteria, the most optimal oils are the following brands:

ATF II E

It is a synthetic multifunctional hydraulic fluid designed for lubrication of transmission systems, as well as for the operation of various vehicle mechanisms that use hydraulic fluids (hydraulic power steering and others). According to the manufacturer, this oil perfectly withstands high loads and sudden temperature changes, which guarantees fully functional operation of hydraulic units. Replacement intervals are calculated at 120 thousand kilometers, which is a pretty excellent indicator.

ATF II E oil has the following properties:

1. Extended replacement intervals;
2. Increased resistance to high-temperature and low-temperature operating conditions;
3. Endowed with optimal viscosity and fluidity;
4. Increased resistance to degradation;
5. Increased resistance to chemical processes;
6. Endowed with excellent anti-wear properties;
7. Has a very low pour point;
8. Has excellent anti-corrosion properties;
9. Availability.

WOLF ATF D III

Semi-synthetic lubricating fluid with a high viscosity index. Used in most automatic transmissions and power steering. Due to the fact that this oil has improved fluidity when used in low-temperature operating modes, it ensures effective lubrication of elements and reliable operation of hydraulic drives.

WOLF ATF D III oil has the following properties:

1. Increased wear resistance;
2. High resistance to oxidation;
3. High resistance to harsh temperature conditions;
4. Great resource.

TOTAL FLUIDE G3

Suitable for use in automatic and semi-automatic transmissions, as well as in hydraulic power steering. It has a high viscosity index, which has a positive effect on stability in operation.

TOTAL FLUIDE G3 oil has the following properties:

1. Hardens at very low ambient temperatures;
2. Has excellent thermal stability;
3. High resistance to oxidative processes;
4. Neutral to sealing materials.

Maintenance of the UAZ Hunter power steering system consists of checking the tension of the pump drive belt, checking the tightness of the hoses and their connections, checking the absence of seal leaks, checking the level of the working fluid and replacing it together with the power steering reservoir filter.

If the power steering hoses are damaged and there is no working fluid in the system, it is necessary to remove the pump drive belt, otherwise it may become jammed and the belt may break. When the pump drive belt is removed, it is necessary to monitor the temperature of the coolant, as it may overheat. Long-term operation of a vehicle with a non-working power steering leads to premature wear of the steering mechanism.

When checking the fluid level in the power steering reservoir, the front wheels of the vehicle must be straight. If necessary, the working fluid must be added to the level of the tank filling filter mesh or above it, but not more than 5 mm. Dexron IID or Dexron III transmission fluid is used as the working fluid. Dexron III can be mixed with Dexron II. The volume of liquid to be filled is 1.1 liters.

Replacing the working fluid and filter in the power steering system of the UAZ Hunter.

According to the plant’s recommendations, starting from 2020, the working fluid and filter in the power steering reservoir are replaced every 45,000 km. mileage or 3 years of operation, whichever comes first, or after repair of the steering mechanism. However, if the fluid in the reservoir is heavily contaminated or darkened, it should be replaced earlier. Replacing the working fluid and filter in the power steering system is carried out in the following order:

1. The front of the car is raised and placed on supports so that the front wheels do not touch the ground.

2. Remove the cover from the power steering reservoir and remove the filling filter mesh. The old fluid is first pumped out of the tank, for example, using a syringe or a rubber bulb, and then its remains are drained from the disconnected fluid return hose into the tank. During the draining process, you must turn the steering wheel alternately in both directions until it stops.

3. To replace the power steering filter, catalog number 4310-3407359-10, you need to remove the cotter pin from the axle, remove the washer, pressure spring, rubber sealing sleeve, and remove the old filter element from the reservoir.

4. Before installing a new filter, you must first clean the internal surfaces of the tank from dirt and deposits, and then install it in the reverse order of removal.

5. After installing the new filter, liquid is poured into the tank until it appears above the filling filter mesh. Then, without starting the engine, the steering wheel is turned several times from lock to lock, until the air bubbles stop escaping. The liquid is added to the tank to the level.

6. Now you need to start the engine. If the liquid in the tank begins to foam, it means there is air left in the system. In this case, the engine must be turned off and the transmission fluid allowed to settle for at least 20 minutes or until air bubbles stop escaping from it.

7. After this, to completely remove the remaining air in the system, the engine is restarted, the steering wheel is turned from lock to lock, without holding it in its extreme positions, three times in each direction.

8. After turning off the engine, you need to inspect the connection points of the hoses to the power steering system units for leaks and, if there are any, fix them. If necessary, liquid is added to the tank to the level and it is closed with a lid.

Checking the tension of the power steering pump drive belt on the UAZ Hunter.

With normal drive belt tension, its deflection in the middle when a force of 4 kgf is applied should be:

— For the UAZ-31519 model with the UMZ-421 engine: 10-13 millimeters. — For the UAZ-315195 model with the ZMZ-409 engine: 10-15 millimeters. — For the UAZ-315148 model with the ZMZ-5143 engine: 8-12 millimeters.

The size of the power steering pump drive belt for the UAZ Hunter with the ZMZ-409 engine is 1195 mm. The accuracy of belt tension adjustment directly affects its service life and the service life of the unit bearings. The pump drive belt is tensioned by moving the power steering pump along the bracket that mounts it to the engine.

The drive belt is replaced with a new one if it is overstretched or if:

– Signs of wear, cracks, cuts, folds, peeling, depressions or bulges on the surface of the belt. – Fraying or delamination on the end surfaces of the belt. – Traces of oil on the surface of the belt.

A belt with traces of engine oil on any of its surfaces must be replaced, as the oil quickly destroys the rubber. At the same time, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of oil getting on the belt.

Owners of a UAZ Patriot SUV are not afraid of off-road travel, mud and ponds. Driving a car weighing approximately two tons is very problematic. But to make movement comfortable and convenient, to improve steering rotation, a power steering system has been created - power steering.

The purpose of the power steering is to ease the rotational forces of the car's wheels. With the creation of power steering, you can turn the steering wheel and wheels without much effort - almost with one finger. The hydraulic booster is equipped with a pump that starts working when the vehicle's power unit is turned on. Rotation occurs due to a belt drive. At this moment, oil begins to flow into the power steering system.

The fluid is the substance that facilitates the operation of the steering wheel. Through a special hose, oil flows from the pump to the power steering control system. As the machine operates, the oil creates pressure, thereby improving the rotation of the steering wheel.

Like any fluid, the oil in the power steering must be replaced periodically. The UAZ Patriot maintenance instructions say that the UAZ Patriot power steering fluid is replaced every 100 thousand km of the SUV.

Let's sum it up

Power steering is useful, especially in such a bulky SUV as the UAZ Patriot. Maintenance of the mechanism is extremely important, since it allows you to protect the owner from large waste on the repair of expensive components. Change the power steering oil on time, especially since changing power steering oil is not a complicated procedure, do not skimp on its quality. You won’t end up “losing.” This also applies to the power steering pump, which will eventually have to be replaced.

UAZ 31512 is a car evolution of the good old 469 “goat”, which was produced in huge thousands both for the Soviet army and for the masses. The main advantage of this car lies in its maximum possible cross-country ability. Without exaggeration, this car will travel absolutely everywhere, even where there has never been a road before.

Its second advantage is its unpretentiousness and unprecedented reliability; it can, of course, be refueled only in extreme conditions, with almost anything that can burn, but it can drive almost always, even with some mechanisms disabled.

There is information that a military UAZ 469 with a broken engine could bring its driver to its destination if the pedal was pressed to the floor and the choke was pulled out, that is, if it was not allowed to stall in time.

UAZ 31512 is somewhat different from its predecessor. The interior has already changed here to improve passenger comfort. Also, a different engine was installed, more powerful and with an injection operating principle. The car has become much more economical and comfortable to move around. The suspension has also undergone significant changes: even on serious bumps, passengers no longer fly with their heads towards the ceiling. And, of course, a power steering was installed, now you can rotate it with your fingers, you no longer need to use all the muscle power of your arms to do this. Today we will talk about this element of the UAZ 31512 car.

Mechanism design

Power steering is a device directly involved in driving a car and designed to improve the comfort of steering wheel rotation.

In addition to the hydraulic booster, there are also:

• Pneumatic.
• Electrically.
• Mechanical.

All of them are designed to simplify the driver's control process, but they work differently and can have different effects on the car as a whole. So, the pneumatic amplifier is based on the principle of air pressure. This option is the most structurally complex and unreliable, which is why it is rarely installed anywhere. In its system, it has a cylinder into which air is pumped, a compressor that pumps this same air and creates pressure and a mass of tubes and a hose through which the air moves into the mechanism. The slightest malfunction in the operation of even one element, and the entire system collapses. Those who, on duty, drove KRAZ vehicles that were produced back in Soviet times know firsthand that this amplifier practically never works and you have to turn the steering wheel of the truck with all your muscle strength.

Our UAZ 31512 is equipped with power steering - this is the simplest and most reliable option that can be offered. All its components, including the reinforcement mechanism, rack, pump for creating pressure, etc., fit in one place and are not dispersed throughout the car.

Only the expansion tank is located separately to make it easier for the driver to change the fluid in the entire system. Power steering works in principle the same way hydraulic brakes work, with the only difference being that there is always a booster pump that creates fluid pressure on the rack, which helps turn the steering wheel in the right direction.

Oil change and troubleshooting

Since our UAZ usually moves a lot off-road, it often happens that oil begins to leak from it. And the power steering is no exception here: overcoming difficult obstacles usually has a bad effect on it, although on this car it is usually made reliable. If oil begins to leak, you need to inspect all components and replace the gaskets. We will tell you how to check where the oil is leaking during the oil change process on this car.

First, the car engine needs to cool down, therefore, the oil in it will cool down and there will be no risk of getting burned while we are poking around in it. While the car cools down, we will start looking for some kind of container to drain the old fluid.

Something that can fit under the car will be ideal, because we will need gravity to help us drain the oil through a flat hose. Now it is necessary to examine the condition of the expansion tank; if there are cracks and chips on it, then the reason has been found. If not, then we drain the oil from the tank: carefully remove the hose at its lower part and put on another one, whose other end is already lowered into the container.

Now we need to start the engine and turn the steering wheel in different directions so that the pump pumps the liquid and all of it eventually flows into our container. Now you need to look at all the pipes that the power steering has, check their integrity and inspect the mechanism assembly itself. Most likely, you will immediately notice oil leaks or cracks in one of the gaskets on the pipes or on the mechanism assembly. If a burst gasket or a crack in the pipe is found, they must be replaced before pouring a new one. Our next step will be to fill the reservoir with new oil. Everything was replaced, the leak was fixed, the pipe was replaced with a new one and the hydraulic booster, in general, looks straight out of the factory. Now we pour new oil into the expansion tank of our UAZ. We fill it two-thirds full and place a canister with the remainder nearby.

Now we start the engine and again move the steering wheel from side to side. It is important that the filler cap of the tank remains open so that the air squeezed out by the liquid has the opportunity to escape somewhere.

At the same time, we make sure that the liquid does not leave the tank completely, otherwise the pump will start pumping air into the system, but we, on the contrary, are trying to get rid of it, so we immediately fill in the oil. The steering wheel of our UAZ needs to be rotated until the little in the tank stops leaving. When we notice this joyful moment, we stop turning the steering wheel and turn off the engine. Add oil to the reservoir to the required level and close the filler cap. Now the steering wheel should rotate softly when driving, and the car will turn more smoothly.

Not really

Fluids used in power steering can be divided according to several criteria:

• Color;
• Compound;
• Variety.

UAZ Patriot PRADORUS › Logbook › Changing the power steering oil

According to my book, the power steering oil should be changed once every 100,000 km or once every 2 years. I changed the factory fluid almost immediately. More than 3 years and about 40,000 km have passed since then. Just in case, I decided to change it. Moreover, the procedure is not complicated and not expensive. You need about 1 liter of dextron 3 (500 rubles) or other ATF liquid. Plus a power steering reservoir filter (80r). I used Dextron 3 before this, there were no problems. There was no filter for the car, I bought a GAZ one. It has a hole in the center larger than the original one. I thought that this was not significant. So let's get started.

We disconnect the hose going from the tank to the pump, the thick one from the pump itself. And pour the slurry into a jar by gravity. So as not to spill everything. It is advisable to prepare a hose as thick as the hole in a thick power steering hose. We pull off the hose and immediately lift its end to the top. We stick an additional hose into it. And it’s already in a jar for draining.

(We still need to get the old slurry out. To do this, we connect the hose back to the power steering. We top it up in the reservoir. And we start the car. We drive back and forth and drain the slurry again. But I didn’t do that.)

Unscrew the tank cap. We remove the mesh.

We take out the key holding the spring pressing the filter.

We take out the filter. I removed the filter using a round magnet from the speaker.

The filter is not visually dirty. The one that stood has a thicker and higher quality top and them.

The filter mesh and the element itself are the same.

To be honest, I still don’t understand how it filters there. The filter does not really have any seals. Well, from the top for sure. If anyone figured it out, please post. Nevertheless, we begin the assembly back. Place the filter on a pin in the tank. Place the spring plate. We put the spring on the central pin and washer. The lower support of the preload spring on the hole of the new filter became approximately edge-to-edge. Therefore, it’s better to look for a native filter next time. We press the spring and place a key on top. We put back the grid of the power steering reservoir. Connect the hose to the guru. We clamp the clamp on the hose. Pour in fresh gur. So that the liquid level would be on the grid in the gur.

Close the lid and tighten the lid handle lightly first. Let's start it up. We steer from lock to lock. Until the engine stops buzzing and the steering wheel stops jerking. Unscrew the tank nut and open the lid. The liquid level will drop a little and will foam.

But this is not scary and normal. When the system is pumped there will be foam. We top it up again to the level along the grid and finally close the lid of the power steering reservoir. All!

Color classification

It is wrong to be guided only by color gradation when choosing oil, although this practice is widespread among car owners. It is also often indicated what color liquids can be mixed and which ones should not be mixed.

Mixing is contraindicated with liquids based on composition and not color, and since now both mineral water and synthetics can be presented in any color, you should treat this information very carefully.

Red ATF gear oil is usually synthetic, the Dexron brand from General Motors is considered the standard, but there are products from other manufacturers, such as Revenol, Motul, Shell, Zic, etc.

Yellow oil, produced by the Daimler concern and under its license, is used in Mercedes-Benz hydraulic boosters. It can be synthetic and mineral.

Green oil. For the most part, multifunctional and universal liquids can be either synthetic or mineral in composition. They are used in power steering, suspension and other systems that operate on liquids. It cannot be mixed with other colors, except in cases where the manufacturer declares full compatibility, for example Comma PSF MVCHF is compatible with some types of Dexron.

Selecting steering fluid

Oil is one of the main elements of the hydraulic system. The lubricant is replaced with high-quality materials and within the specified time frame. It is allowed to fill the power steering with oils that are intended for automatic transmissions. Mobil ATF 220 with a volume of 2 liters is best suited for the Patriot's power steering.

According to their properties, lubricating fluids are:

• synthetic;
• mineral;
• semi-synthetic.

Mixing oils with each other is not recommended, because they contain different additives that will not fit together. To choose the right liquid, you need to look at the manufacturer's recommendations. Most often, information about the fluid can be read on the cap or expansion tank.

Liquid composition

Based on the composition of the power steering fluid, it can be divided into mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic. The chemical composition determines the basic set of oil functions:

• Viscosity characteristics;
• Lubricating properties;
• Protection of parts from corrosion;
• Prevents foaming;
• Temperature and hydraulic properties.

Synthetics and mineral water cannot be mixed with each other, since the types of additives in them have fundamental differences.

Synthetics

These are high-tech liquids, in the production of which the most modern developments and additives are used. Oil fractions for synthetics are purified by hydrocracking. Polyesters, polyhydric alcohols and sets of additives give them outstanding characteristics: a wide range of operating temperatures, stable oil film, long service life.

The main reason why synthetic-based hydraulic fluid cannot be poured into power steering intended for mineral ones is its aggressive effect on rubber products, of which there are many in the hydraulic booster. Where synthetics are used, the rubber has a completely different composition and is made on a silicone basis.

Semi-synthetics

A mixture of synthetic and mineral oils, due to which the latter receive significant improvements in performance: reduced foaming, fluidity, heat dissipation.

Semi-synthetic fluids include such well-known fluids as: Zic ATF Dex 3, Comma PSF MVCHF, Motul Dexron III and others.

Mineralka

Mineral-based oils contain petroleum fractions (85-98%), the rest are additives that improve the performance of the hydraulic fluid.

They are used in hydraulic boosters containing seals and parts based on ordinary rubber, since the mineral component is neutral and is not harmful to rubber products, unlike synthetics.

Mineral power steering fluids are the most inexpensive, but they also have a short service life. Mobil ATF 320 Premium is considered a good mineral oil; Dexron oils up to and including the IID marking were also mineral.

What kind of fluid to pour into the power steering

As we noted above, the actual power steering fluid is oil, which means that it can be classified in a standard way into mineral and synthetic.
But if you own a passenger car, then you are unlikely to need synthetic power steering oil. In most cases, it is used on technical vehicles, while mineral power steering fluid is poured into city cars. It is quite simple to explain why mineral oil is poured into the power steering reservoir - it easily performs all the tasks assigned to it, while allowing not only metal parts to avoid corrosion, but also the rubber elements of the system from drying out. As for synthetic oil, it can only be poured into the power steering reservoir if recommended by the car manufacturer. This is due to the fact that such a liquid contains rubber fibers, which lead to cracks in the rubber components of the steering system.

Different types of oils

Dexron

- a separate class of ATF fluids from General Motors, produced since 1968. Dexron is a trademark, produced both by GM itself and by other companies under license.

ATF

(Automatic Transmission Fluid) - oils for automatic transmissions, often used by Japanese automakers and in power steering.

P.S.F.

(Power Steering Fluid) - literally translated as power steering fluid.

Multi HF

– special, universal power steering fluids that have approvals from most automobile manufacturers. For example, CHF liquid, produced by the German company Pentosin, has received approvals from BMW, Ford, Chrysler, GM, Porsche, Saab and Volvo, Dodge, Chrysler.

Types of power steering fluids

Before answering the question of what kind of power steering oil, you need to determine the existing types of these fluids. Historically, it has happened that car enthusiasts distinguish them only by color, although this is not entirely correct. After all, it is more technically competent to pay attention to the tolerances that power steering fluids have. In particular:

• viscosity;
• mechanical properties;
• hydraulic properties;
• chemical composition;
• temperature characteristics.

Therefore, when choosing, first of all, you need to pay attention to the listed characteristics, and then to the color. In addition, the following oils are currently used in power steering:

• Mineral . Their use is due to the presence of a large number of rubber parts in the power steering system - o-rings, seals and other things. In severe frosts and extreme heat, rubber may crack and lose its performance properties. To prevent this from happening, they use mineral oils, which best protect rubber products from the listed harmful factors.
• Synthetic . The problem with their use is that they contain rubber fibers, which are harmful to the rubber sealing products present in the system. However, modern automakers have begun to add silicone to rubber, which neutralizes the effect of synthetic fluids. Accordingly, the scope of their use is constantly growing. When buying a car, be sure to read in the service book what kind of oil to pour into the power steering. If there is no service book, call an authorized dealer. In any case, you need to know clear tolerances for the possibility of using synthetic oil.

Let us list the advantages and disadvantages of each of the mentioned types of oils. So, the benefits of mineral oils include:

• gentle effect on rubber products of the system;
• low price.

Disadvantages of mineral oils:

• significant kinematic viscosity;
• high tendency to form foam;
• short service life.

Advantages of fully synthetic oils :

Differences in color between different oils

• long service life;
• stable operation in any temperature conditions;
• low viscosity;
• the highest lubricating, anti-corrosion, antioxidant and foam-suppressing properties.

Disadvantages of synthetic oils:

• aggressive effect on rubber parts of the power steering system;
• approval for use in a limited number of vehicles;
• high price.

As for the common color gradation, automakers offer the following power steering fluids:

• Of red color . It is considered the most advanced because it is created on the basis of synthetic materials. They belong to Dexron, which represent the class of ATF - transmission fluids for automatic transmissions (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Such oils are often used in automatic transmissions. However, they are not suitable for all vehicles.
• Yellow color . Such fluids can be used for automatic transmissions and power steering. They are usually made based on mineral components. Their manufacturer is the German concern Daimler. Accordingly, these oils are used in cars produced by this concern.
• Green color . This composition is also universal. However, it can only be used with a manual transmission and as a power steering fluid. The oil can be made from mineral or synthetic components. Usually more viscous.

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Many automakers use the same oil for automatic transmissions and power steering. In particular, these include companies from Japan. And European manufacturers require that a special fluid be used in hydraulic boosters. Many consider this a simple marketing ploy. Regardless of the type, all power steering fluids perform the same tasks. Let's take a closer look at them.

Is it possible to fill the power steering with engine oil?

Motor - definitely not, transmission - with reservations. Next we will look in detail why.

To understand whether other oils, such as motor or transmission oils, can be poured into the power steering, you need to know what functions it performs.

The power steering fluid must cope with the following tasks:

• Lubrication of all power steering components;
• Protection against corrosion and wear of parts;
• Pressure transfer;
• Prevents foaming;
• System cooling.

The above characteristics are achieved by adding various additives, the presence and combination of which gives power steering oil the necessary qualities.

As you understand, the tasks of motor oil are somewhat different, so it is highly not recommended to pour it into the power steering.

Regarding transmission oil, everything is not so clear; the Japanese often use the same ATF fluid for automatic transmission and power steering. Europeans insist on using special PSF (Power Steering Fluid) oils.

Why pour special fluid into the power steering?

The main task of the hydraulic booster is to make the steering wheel “easier” for the driver, so that he can drive the car more comfortably. Without a special power steering fluid, it will not be able to work, since during the operation of the system, the fluid is driven through all its components.

You can say that oil is poured into the power steering, and there will be some truth in this. Indeed, the fluid for this mechanism is formed on the basis of oil, but it contains a number of special additives, and ordinary motor oil should not be poured into the power steering tank.

The fluid in the power steering performs a number of tasks standard for automobile oil:

• Cools parts rubbing against each other, removing heat from them and preventing overheating;
• Lubricates the parts included in the system;
• Protects system elements from corrosion.

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The main function of the fluid in the power steering is to transfer forces from the pump to the piston, which allows the system as a whole to operate.

What kind of fluid to pour into the power steering

Based on this, the answer to the question “what kind of oil to pour into the power steering” is obvious - recommended by the manufacturer of your car. Often information is indicated on the expansion tank or cap. If there is no technical documentation, call an authorized center and ask.

In any case, experiments with steering are unacceptable. Not only your safety, but also that of those around you depends on the health of your power steering.