Another XT-6 power steering fluid question...Amsoil "Claims" universal and lists it?!?!

[Shadabob]

Hi guys, 

 

I wanted to post this over on the XT forum, but having registration issues.

 

I've tried to do search in both forums to see if anyone else noticed this and didnt see anything.  From what I understand, the power steering fluid that the XT-6 takes has the part number K0209A0080.  I recently stumbled upon Amsoil's multi-vehicle synthetic Power steering fluid.  And low and behold it lists that specific fluid as one of the applications it covers specificly.    I've been out of the XT game for years now, but just recently got back in with a nice 89 xt-6, and power steering fluid is (and was back then) always a "concern"   Just seeing if anyone else is using this/ seen this?

 

Thanks!

[BratRod]

I would imagine It's just a cross reference error between the XT and 6.

 

Is the cybrid fluid still available? Just fix leaks and add fluid.

 

I wouldn't risk it. Apparently one person runs ATF. Converted seals? More to read up on the XT forum - don't member exactly.

[Shadabob]

Yes, it does seem like that could be the case.  Yet, very odd that Amsoil (who is pretty good from what I understand), would specifically reference that part number amongst the other specific part numbers of other manufacturers.  As far as availability of the actual K0209A0080, local dealership (DickHannah in Vancouver, WA) said they could order it, but I would have to buy it by the case lol....and yet, i did consider it, haha.  However, simple search online I located it by part number and ordered some a couple days ago, so now I play the waiting game and hopefully it arrives soon.

 

Ya, I've research over at the XT forum and have seen that.  Hopefully XT forum can resolve the registration issues soon so I can see if anyone over there knows anything.  

Edited September 6, 2016 by Shadabob

[TomRhere]

I'm  a Member over on the XT6 site. Owned an '88 XT6 for a few years before rust killed it off.

 

Running that steering rack in my '88 GL Wagon, have been for roughly 4-5 years now.

Have Dextron ATF running thru it, and drove it roughly 340-375 miles a week during that time frame.

 

No issues with rack seals here. Thinking pump seals should do just as well.

 

Went to ATF by reading various posts on the XT6 site of ones what were doing so in theirs.

One Member even had the XT6 fluid analyzed to see what it's properties were before making the switch. That's what convinced me to go ahead with the fluid swap.

[idosubaru]

I was running ATF in my leaky XT6 for awhile before i fixed it and it operated fine - though the ATF i think leaked out much faster, but maybe that was just coincidental, one experience is certainly no trend.

 

ATF has been used before wiithout issue is my understanding too, i think Dima did it on the subaruxt forum, so i doubt it matters but my guess is the fluid is specific to the pump rather than the rack since EA82 and XT6 racks are interchangeable (and probably nearly the same thing) but pumps are entirely different in every possible respect.

 

someone many moons ago - maybe even before the xt forum existed - using hydraulic tractor fluid or something like that.  i recall them finding a fluid that was similar color, hydraulic fluid (high operating pressures) and they went with it without issue.

i used Kubota Hydrostatic Transmission fluid and that didn't *seem* to work well - but honestly that has to be taken with agrai of salt as that wasn't in a properly operating XT6 power steering system which is why i didn't want to waste the liquid gold stuff on it.  

 

if one wanted to drill down on this then the question becomes what's different about the pump seals and actual pump mechanisms that fluid property may effect?  seals will leak or pump design will cavitate or wear or something - but we all figure it doesn't matter. 

 

what's your username on the xt forum?  the admin/site owner is looking into this as of today.