Hi all. Going to swap my power steering fluid today. Even though I've searched the forums it seems like nobody's actually sure what the "correct" fluid is other than buying Mitsubishi fluid. Saw a video online where the guy doing the change says a 2008 calls for Mitsubishi fluid or ATF 3. I've called three Mitsubishi dealerships fairly local to me and not one of them will admit that this is true. Wondering if I can use ATF 3, as I have some handy?

 

I've used both atf sp-III and ps fluid....both worked equally well.

 

Thanks again. Would you say any power steering fluid off the shelf would work as well as Mitsubishi power steering fluid? And also, can the reservoir containing Mitsubishi fluid simply be topped off with any power steering fluid?

 

Yep and yep. I would say I'd go for something that differentiates from current fluid. PS is clear, most atf is red. I got some royal purple ps fluid once because it was purple.

Easiest way I found to change is to drink a bottle of wine, save the bottle for the next day. next elevate the front end. Pull the return line and put into bottle. With the 3.0, a bottle will sit very well in correct position. Turn the steering wheel side to side to pump old fluid out. Once all old junk is out, reconnect return line and fill it back up....easy.

 

Thanks. I had the top the reservoir off with a little fluid. Added STP multi-vehicle SP III ATF. Plan on doing the flush and refill with the same fluid on the weekend. Looking forward to following your instructions and will complete step one at Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow... Happy Thanksgiving to you as well, and as always, thanks for your help.

 

I did the same as ccernst - one additional thing, I noticed after draining the system that my reservoir still looked full, because the fluid had made a gunk ring/coating around the inside of the plastic, so I removed it, and soaked it in a solution of dawn and water, then shaking like a martini (with finger over holes) until it looked clear again, then rinsed three times and dried in the sun - since replacing the original fluid, haven't noticed any build up