Can I use any ATF for power steering fluid?

skiboard06 · 02-19-2011, 07:35 AM

My power steering fluid resovoir is low and I need to fill it. I do not have access to BMW fluids, can I use just any ATF to fill it?

TIA

edit: This is for my 2006 330i 6-speed.

josephbet01 · 02-19-2011, 09:02 AM

I'm sure it'll work but it's not recommended. I especially would mix the two fluids any longer than needed. You can order a can of CHF11s from online and have it mailed to you.

If it's just low I'd leave it alone. Its not leaking so it's not getting any lower anytime soon.

jzchen · 02-19-2011, 09:06 AM

Alright, so I checked TIS, and there are three types of fluid: CHF, LHM oils and ATF. I think a general rule is not to mix, even between CHF versions for example, as stated there. So don't mix ATF in if CHF is in there. Here's the BMW part number for what is used in cars since 9/91: 82 11 1 468 041. It is for Pentosin CHF 11S.

Chriztofor · 02-19-2011, 09:08 AM

By the way, here is a nice DIY http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...power+steering

Chriztofor · 02-19-2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiboard06

My power steering fluid resovoir is low and I need to fill it. I do not have access to BMW fluids, can I use just any ATF to fill it?

TIA

edit: This is for my 2006 330i 6-speed.

Check your cap mine states, "CHF 11s ONLY". I wouldn't substitute.

josephbet01 · 02-19-2011, 11:04 AM

Not that you need to do this, but when ready an even easier way to flush your power steering fluid DIY is to suck thex fluid out and refill with new, start your car and turn the wheel left/right lock to lock 5 times. Suck the fluid out again and refill, repeat that process until you've gone through the new can. It beats crawling around under the car.

02-19-2011, 07:35 AM	#1
skiboard06 New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: May 2010 Location: Albany, NY USA iTrader: (0)	Can I use any ATF for power steering fluid? My power steering fluid resovoir is low and I need to fill it. I do not have access to BMW fluids, can I use just any ATF to fill it? TIA edit: This is for my 2006 330i 6-speed.
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02-19-2011, 09:02 AM	#2
josephbet01 Private First Class 6 Rep 112 Posts Drives: E93 328i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: York, PA iTrader: (0)	I'm sure it'll work but it's not recommended. I especially would mix the two fluids any longer than needed. You can order a can of CHF11s from online and have it mailed to you. If it's just low I'd leave it alone. Its not leaking so it's not getting any lower anytime soon.
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02-19-2011, 09:06 AM	#3
jzchen Captain 12 Rep 656 Posts Drives: '08 335xi E90 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Arcadia, CA iTrader: (0)	Alright, so I checked TIS, and there are three types of fluid: CHF, LHM oils and ATF. I think a general rule is not to mix, even between CHF versions for example, as stated there. So don't mix ATF in if CHF is in there. Here's the BMW part number for what is used in cars since 9/91: 82 11 1 468 041. It is for Pentosin CHF 11S.
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02-19-2011, 09:08 AM	#4
Chriztofor Colonel 103 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: '06 325i and '13 X5 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (1)	By the way, here is a nice DIY http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...power+steering __________________ If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
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02-19-2011, 11:04 AM	#6
josephbet01 Private First Class 6 Rep 112 Posts Drives: E93 328i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: York, PA iTrader: (0)	Not that you need to do this, but when ready an even easier way to flush your power steering fluid DIY is to suck thex fluid out and refill with new, start your car and turn the wheel left/right lock to lock 5 times. Suck the fluid out again and refill, repeat that process until you've gone through the new can. It beats crawling around under the car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote