wipe_out
Well-Known Member
Need to top up the power steering and I have the right ATF (automatic transmission fluid) in the garage but the bottle is a few years old.. Is it still ok to use or does it go "off"?
Does ATF go "off"?
- Thread starter wipe_out
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PotatoNavigator
Well-Known Member
Not sure about ATF, but I know brake fluid will absorb moisture over time if the bottle has been opened.
macd
Well-Known Member
Glycol-based brake fluids are hygroscopic, but they're about as closely related to ATF as your morning cuppa.
There are many different spex for ATF but since it commonly lasts for years in active use (often 50,000 miles), I doubt ageing 'for a few years' is a problem for any left in a sealed bottle.
There are many different spex for ATF but since it commonly lasts for years in active use (often 50,000 miles), I doubt ageing 'for a few years' is a problem for any left in a sealed bottle.
ex-Gladys
Well-Known Member
Just to add, most auto gearboxes from the late 80's on don't have a drain plug...
RichardS
N/A
I'm planning to change my ATF fluid next year when she reaches her 20 year birthday. Unfortunately it's a fairly big job requiring removal of the auto box sump.
Richard
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Sandyman
Well-Known Member
Also just to add..................If buying Hydraulic Fluid do so online. Before we left the Uk I bought 20ltrs of
Telus 10 and the cost including delivery was cheaper than buying a single Ltr from chandlers / garage.
Telus 10 and the cost including delivery was cheaper than buying a single Ltr from chandlers / garage.
wipe_out
Well-Known Member
Thanks.. I knew about Brake Fluid absorbing water but wasn't sure is ATF was the same.. By the sound of it I should be ok to use it..
superheat6k
Well-Known Member
As the stuff stays for years in the hydraulic system and does not degrade, just leaks occasionally, having it from a closed top bottle should be just fine. I would certainly use it. If the bottle has been left open (cap off) for any period then bin it.
Bear in mind none of the hydraulic steering manufacturers, e.g. telefax, recommend periodic fluid changes, probably because the risk of introducing contaminants at a fluid change exceeds any (minor) risk of fluid quality degradation from age.
Bear in mind none of the hydraulic steering manufacturers, e.g. telefax, recommend periodic fluid changes, probably because the risk of introducing contaminants at a fluid change exceeds any (minor) risk of fluid quality degradation from age.
PaulRainbow
Well-Known Member
I have some that's been stored in a Merc gearbox for the past 13 years and 200k miles. It'll have to stay in there for a bit longer too as there is no drain plug.
Len Ingalls
Well-Known Member
maxi77
Well-Known Member
Yes ATF does go off it is a common easy fix for auto gearbox problems is to change the fluid. From what I have heard this takes time and many miles so I suspect uncontaminated stuff in a can should be OK and the same probably applies to the stuff in the steering system as it does not have to work that hard.
RichardS
N/A
Presumably you didn't read the previous posts? If you think that changing auto box fluid is an "easy fix" you're welcome to pop round and change mine.
Richard
PaulRainbow
Well-Known Member
That wouldn't be "going off" though Peter, that's wearing up. It's often not the easy job that it used to be to change either. Many cars are now being turned out without drain bungs and there are even some that have service schedule for changing the fluid anyway.
maxi77
Well-Known Member
Presumably you didn't read the previous posts? If you think that changing auto box fluid is an "easy fix" you're welcome to pop round and change mine.
Richard
Get a vacumn oil removal tool and it comes out through the dipstick hole. Takes a few minutes. Does not always get all the fluid but enough to restore normal function of the gear box
RichardS
N/A
But if there's no drain plus on an autobox, why would the manufacturers bother fitting a dipstick?
The answer is that they don't.
Richard
VicS
Well-Known Member
But if there's no drain plus on an autobox, why would the manufacturers bother fitting a dipstick?
The answer is that they don't.
Richard
There's a dipstick on mine
It leaks slightly so essential to be able to check level and top up when necessary ............ easier than curing the leak!
RichardS
N/A
But see post #4 regarding modern autoboxes.
Yours probably has a drain plus as well?
Richard
PaulRainbow
Well-Known Member
But see post #4 regarding modern autoboxes.
Yours probably has a drain plus as well?
Richard
My Merc doesn't even have an engine oil dipstick, let alone one for the auto box.
Funny though, we have to change the ATF in most boat boxes annually
