3 Types of Power Steering Fluid for Trucks

Power steering fluids sound simple, but there is a lot you need to know about them. This guide will let you know the different types of power steering fluid and the differences between them.

The power steering fluid was invented in1951 but was not implemented immediately. Driving the old trucks that had no power steering was cumbersome and tiring. Today, trucks have power steering, so we need not worry about hard steering wheels as long we use the correct power steering fluid.

This guide looks at three types of power steering fluid to know the right one for your truck if you need to perform refilling. A good power steering will keep your system in good condition and offer you the best driving experience.

Types of Power Steering Fluids

The market offers ATF transmission fluid, synthetic-based and universal power steering fluid. These three have different properties, so choosing the right one for your truck is necessary.

ATF Transmission Fluid

In some trucks, the transmission fluid can serve as power steering fluid. If your truck is on this list, consider using Dexron, Mercon, ATF +4, Type F and other types of transmission fluid for your power steering.

Several trucks made between 1970 and the mid-1990s will comfortably use the transmission fluid. And 1984 to 1989, Volkswagen, built in the US, also uses transmission fluid.

Synthetic-Based Hydraulic Fluid

The Synthetic-based power steering fluid is the best option for you because of its ability to flow smoothly under low temperatures. It reduces friction to enable your power steering to work smoothly. The smooth operation gives your system a long life span.

Most Japanese and European truck requires a unique transmission fluid with specific recommendations. The most preferred one is the high-performance synthetic fluids that meet ISO 7308 and DIN 51524T3 standards. Most Japanese truck makers require their customers to use power steering fluid that meets these standards.

The German-made trucks also use the power steering fluid with these specifications. The power steering fluid varies depending on the year and the model of your truck.

Universal Power Steering Fluid

The universal power steering fluid works with any power steering system. This type of power steering fluid is not selective and will suit your truck perfectly despite its brand, year of manufacture and model. It has special additives that offer various benefits. For example, the universal power steering fluids enable your system to work better by reducing friction between its components. It has properties that will allow it to seal leakages that might exist in the power steering system, prevent corrosion and reduce the rate at which the system wears out.

However, it is necessary to check the chemical compatibility of universal fluid before using it in your system. Ensure that these properties are matching for it to assist your system.

Conclusion

Various reasons, such as leakages, will compel you to change your power steering fluid. This guide has discussed three types of power steering fluid. Before buying any, take time to know the available options, and you can consult your mechanic for further assistance on the best one for your truck.

What Is a Quick-Release Steering? How Safe is It?

You are missing the point if you haven’t heard about the quick-release steering, a fun-after part that looks incredible. Such steering can be convenient, but is it safe? After reading this guide, you can tell whether the quick-release steering is worth it in terms of safety.

What Is a Quick-Release Steering Wheel?

There are several fancy aftermarket products that you can install in your truck. The quick-release steering is one of these aftermarket parts. But what is this kind of steering? This kind of steering wheel is not permanently attached to the steering column. Instead, such a steering wheel is attached to a hidden nut, pins, push or pull rings, and cams. Such kind of steering wheel is common in racing cars.

The quick-release steering wheels are used in racing cars for emergencies because they can be easily detached in case of anything to enable the car driver to escape.

Most regular drivers have started to love the quick-release steering wheels. They are considering an upgrade to this aftermarket product. It is, therefore, necessary to know whether such steering wheels are safe for your truck.

Are the Quick Release Steering Safe?

When deciding to install quick-release steering, you will be removing the airbag which is in the OEM wheel. The removal of the airbag makes the quick-release steering unsafe. In case of any accident, the chances of banging your head into the steering wheel are high since there are no airbags to keep your head safe.

Most people that drive with a quick-release steering dispute this claim by saying that they have been in an accident, but their heads have never touched the steering wheel. You will realize that such drivers sit far from their steering wheels and wear seatbelts when driving. 

There is a high chance that the steering might come out when driving. Such can happen when the parts of a quick-release steering start to become faulty. To avoid such, consider buying a strong, high-quality, reliable wheel and hire a professional mechanic to install it.

If something goes wrong with the quick-release steering wheel, you must prepare to use a lot of cash to repair it. Such a wheel is heavy, and as it serves you, it will become loose. If such a thing happens, you will spend a lot fixing it has a lot of interconnected parts.

Any truck will need a steering wheel to drive, and without it, no thief can manage to steal your truck unless they have the time to tow it. A quick-release steering wheel is detachable, an added security feature for your truck. Remember to safely keep the pin whenever you detach the wheel because reattaching the wheel might not be possible without the pin.

Conclusion

A quick-release steering wheel is an aftermarket wheel that is gaining popularity. Even though it fascinates, such a wheel might not be safe for daily driving. First, it does not have an airbag, a safety feature in every modern truck. Before installing such a wheel in your truck, consider the traffic laws of the states you are living. Some states do not allow such a wheel to be installed in a regular drive car.