PSF-3: analogue, characteristics. Power Steering Fluid

Stable, long and efficient operation of the car’s power steering is guaranteed by the timely replacement of the power steering fluid and compliance with the operating rules. The compositions that exist today differ from each other not only in color, but also in their main characteristics: plasticity, density, composition and other hydraulic indicators.

The following types of fluids can be poured into the power steering:

• classic ATF, which is used in automatic transmissions;
• an analogue of PSF-3 and ATP – liquid dexron, which is distinguished by a set of additives;
• Several high frequencies;
• liquid PSF-3.

Classifications of hydraulic fluids usually do not take into account the recipes of car manufacturers, since each of them creates an original oil for a specific car model. Mainly universal analogues of PSF-3 are compared, suitable for most cars.

Motul Multi HF Fluid

A high performance synthetic type multifunctional fluid with an unusual green tint. It was created specifically for the latest generation cars, which are equipped with power steering, hydraulic actuators and hydraulic shock absorbers. Multi HF Power Steering Fluid reduces system noise at low temperatures. It has anti-foam, anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties.

It is often classified as an analogue of PSF-3, as it can be used for shock absorbers, power steering and other hydraulic units.

Advantages

The following are distinguished:

• Has approvals for almost all brands of cars.
• Mixing with oils of the same type is possible.
• Specially designed to work with high loads on hydraulic pumps.

disadvantages

The biggest drawback is the price. Too high cost – from 1000 conditional units and above.

Pentosin CHF 11s

High-quality hydraulic fluid, one of the analogues of PSF-3, is widely used by many automakers. It can be poured both into the hydraulic booster and into the air suspension, shock absorbers and other vehicle systems that require this type of fluid to operate. It can be used in extreme conditions, maintains a temperature-viscous balance in the temperature range from -40 to +130 ˚С. The disadvantage of the power steering fluid analog PSF-3 is the high cost. A distinctive feature can be called high fluidity and a large list of tolerances from car manufacturers.

German car manufacturers use pentosine, an analogue of PSF-3 power steering fluid. You can use it in any car except Japanese.

Advantages

The following are distinguished:

• highly inert fluid, can be mixed with ATF, but is most effective when used neat;
• resistant to low temperatures;
• can be used in cars of domestic and foreign production;
• compatibility with various types of seals.

disadvantages

They’re called:

• too high cost – from 800 conventional units and above;
• maintains a stable state of the system, including the pump, but does not eliminate noise during operation.

Comma PSF MVCHF

Semi-synthetic hydraulic fluid for central hydraulic systems, power steering and air-hydraulic suspension. Often used in air conditioners, stability control systems, roof hydraulics. Same color as PSF-3 and similar multifluids: green. Can be mixed with CHF11S, Dexron and CHF202 specification formulations.

It has approvals from domestic and foreign automotive companies that use the appropriate fluids in cars. Experts recommend using Comma PSF in European cars, both cars and trucks.

Withstands low temperatures: the manufacturer claims a temperature range of up to -54 ˚С, however, car owners note that operation at -25 ˚С does not affect its performance.

Advantages

Like these ones:

• the liquid has approvals for all European car brands;
• does not lose its characteristics at low temperatures;
• high quality, coupled with an affordable price – about 600 conditional units per liter;
• it has dexron specification.

disadvantages

Unlike other PSF-3 formulations, this fluid must not be mixed with similar ATFs or other power steering fluids.

Ravenol Hydraulik PSF Fluid

German synthetic type hydraulic fluid. Unlike Multi itself or PSF-3, which have a characteristic green color, Ravenol has an uncharacteristic red tint. Differs in high resistance to oxidation and high index of viscosity. The fluid is based on hydrocracked base oil, to which additives, inhibitors and polyalphaolefins are added. It is mainly used for power steering of modern cars of all types of transmission. The manufacturer claims thermal stability and preservation of characteristics at temperatures up to -40 ˚С.

This fluid is ideal for Japanese and Korean vehicles.

Advantages

The following are distinguished:

• neutral to non-ferrous metals and rubber seals;
• protects parts in any extreme conditions due to the formation of an oil film on their surface;
• affordable price – from 500 conventional units per liter.

disadvantages

The approval list consists mainly of Japanese and Korean automakers.

Liqui Moly Central Hydraulic Oil

Synthetic green hydraulic oil with zinc-free additives. German-made fluid that ensures the operation of various hydraulic systems: hydropneumatic suspension, power steering, shock absorbers, active engine damping system. It does not have approvals from major Korean and Japanese automakers and is not used by all European automakers, despite the possibility of multi-purpose use.

The fluid can be poured into systems designed for classic ATF and PSF-4 oils. Most effective in pure, undiluted form.

A high-quality analogue of PSF-3 fluid for Hyundai and many other car brands does not lose its characteristics at low temperatures and under extreme operating conditions. The downside is that the cost is too high, which makes the liquid almost inaccessible.

Advantages

Assign these:

• excellent viscosity characteristics and their preservation at various temperatures;
• versatility.

disadvantages

Consider the following:

• has a considerable price – 1000 conditional units per liter;
• a small number of recommendations and approvals for use in various car brands.

The motto of Dexron III

Semi-synthetic type transmission fluid, created as a result of technosynthesis. It has an unusual red color for this type of composition and is used in systems requiring Mercon and Dexron fluids: transmissions, automatic transmissions, power steering. Motul Dexron maintains fluidity at sub-zero temperatures and maintains a stable oil film at high temperatures. It can be used in the same systems and conditions as Dexron II D, PSF-4, Dexron III, Dexron II E.

Advantages

The following are distinguished:

• retains its properties and characteristics over a wide temperature range;
• affordable price – from 550 conditional units;
• can be used in power steering of various Dexron classes.

Feb 32600 Dexron VI

Fluid used in demanding steering columns and automatic transmissions operating on Dexron 6 class compounds. Can be used in any systems and mechanisms as a replacement for Dexron II and Dexron III. The composition, made in Germany, is made from high quality additives and base oils. ATF Dexron is considered one of the best PSF-3 analogues for Hyundai and other car brands, as it has the appropriate viscosity level.

Advantages:

Consider this:

• can be used as a replacement for lower grade Dexron transmission fluids;
• affordable cost – from 450 conventional units per liter;
• for universal ATF, designed for power steering and gearbox, has good viscosity.

disadvantages

You can select only one. Has approvals only from European and American automakers.

Mannol Dexron III Automatic Plus Fluid

Universal gear oil. Designed for use in torque converters, automatic transmissions, hydraulic clutches and power steering. Distinguished by red color. The composition includes synthetic components and additives that improve frictional properties at the time of gear shifting and provide chemical and antioxidant stability and preservation of the properties and characteristics of the composition at low temperatures. It has good air displacement and anti-foam properties. The liquid is produced in Germany, it is absolutely neutral to sealing materials, however, it can cause corrosion of parts made of copper and its alloys.

Advantages

You can consider them:

• maintain the viscosity of the composition under the influence of various temperatures;
• affordable price – from 450 rubles.

disadvantages

Causes corrosion of copper alloys.

Castrol Dexron VI

Red transmission fluid for automatic transmissions. It is mainly used in modern automatic transmission models with a maximum level of fuel economy, has a low viscosity. Country of origin – Germany. Produced on the basis of high-quality base oils with the addition of special additives. It meets the requirements of car manufacturers such as GM and Ford, and is approved by the Japanese JASO 1A standard.

Castrol Dexron VI is often recommended by experts as a quality, worthy replacement for the original Dexron ATF for Korean or Japanese cars.

Advantages

We highlight the following:

• affordable cost – from 600 conditional units;
• has approvals and meets the specifications of most of the world’s automakers;
• The composition includes a package of additives that provides protection of copper alloys from corrosion.

disadvantages

It is not known how the fluid behaves when used in power steering or hydraulic transmissions.

Eneos Dexron ATF III

Transmission oil with a wide range of applications, used in power steering, automatic transmission, Step-tronic and Type-tronic. Keeps the car’s transmission clean and in good condition for more than 50 thousand kilometers due to high thermal and oxidative stability. It has a raspberry-red tint, contains anti-foam additives that give the composition air-displacing properties. Complies with GM requirements. On sale you can find both a liter and a four-liter container with a composition. Manufacturer – Japan and Korea. Retains its properties at temperatures up to -46 ˚С.

Included in the TOP-5 of the best analogues of PSF and ATF fluids for power steering.

Advantages

Let’s highlight the following:

• acceptable cost – from 400 conventional units per liter;
• has the best lubricating properties;
• retains properties and characteristics at low temperatures.

disadvantages

Aggressive impact on parts made of copper alloys.