First of all let me say that we have (2) 2002 Hyundai Elantra VEs (Cdn models) that have been dealer maintained since new.
Recently, one of the vehicles, had a small leak in one of the feeder lines and it was replaced. Three days later (had to be a Sunday) the wife took that car and went on a short trip to her mothers. When she had almost reached her destination, when turning a corner, had some trouble with stiff steering. She parked the car at her mother's and called to let me know. I checked on line here to find out if there was any special Power Steering Fluid recommended and seen a post where it was indicated that there was less concern over what type was used.
I went to a local auto parts store and picked up some Penzoil Power Steering fluid that was supposedly ok for most domestic and foreign makes.
I went to her mothers place, topped up the resevoir and drove it to the dealership (about 5 miles) and left it there for Mon morning.
When I was notified by the dealership that the car was ready, I went and picked it up and had a chance to talk to the technician who has looked after these cars the past 6 years.
The pressure line had apparently gone. He also said, never ever to use power steering fluid in these cars. Hyundai and most other makes have done away with it and it is now recommended that Hyundai Synthetic Auto Transmission Fluid be used. Normal power steering fluid can totally screw up the system.
Sorry about the long post, but thought the full story might help

:beer: Hello there "saugen48";

Would you be willing to inform me as to which dealer gave you this information?
Steele or O'Reagan?

TheIceAge

:beer:

Steele

Is this true? I'm going to be replacing my power steering pump this coming weekend.

I relayed what my mechanic told me. For any confirmation you may need, call your local Hydundai dealership, service department and check with them

Okay, if I am reading this right, you are saying that your Hyundai technician told you to use Hyundai Synthetic TRANSMISSION fluid in your POWER STEERING system, instead of power steering fluid?

I work for a Hyundai service department, and I believe that it is possible that you have misunderstood what he told you. Hyundai makes a synthetic POWER STEERING fluid, so I don't know why he would tell you to put transmission fluid in your power steering system.

I am calling shenanigans on this one... this information is totally false.

I will double check with him but I am positive that is what he said. I was incredulous when he said it and I repeated to him "Auto transmission fluid???" and he said yes, that most automakers were getting away from power steering fluid and switching. I had asked him how the average person would know this and he said that it wasnt something that everyone would know unless they were getting power steering work done.
As said, I will double check with him as soon as I can and get back. Not trying to jerk anyone around. Just thought it was something that should be passed on.
**UPDATE**Just got off the phone with the Service Manager at the Hyundai dealership and he confirmed, that it is a "semi-synthetic transmission fluid" made by Hyundai that they use

This post has been edited by saugen48: Aug 20 2008, 11:32 AM

I'm sure that this is not something that Hyundai recommends... if this is true, then why does Hyundai MAKE a synthetic power steering fluid? We have even received a bulletin stating that the new Genesis sedan will use this very same PSF4 power steering fluid that I am talking about. And not only that, but the PSF4 power steering fluid and Hyundai's synthetic auto tranmission fluid have two completely different part numbers, which tells me they are completely different. I just don't believe this to be accurate information, regardless of what your tech is telling you. I'm not saying you are trying to lead anyone astray, but that you are being provided with incorrect information by your service department.

I know that GM vehicles can use transmission fluid in place of the power steering fluid, and it's possible that your technician is an old GM tech. However, being as Hyundai recommends their PSF4 power steering fluid for all their vehicles, up to and including the new Genesis, I just don't feel that your information is correct.

:beer:
Hello there fellows HF members;

I have called the following dealers for clarification;

Steele Hyundai
3625 Kempt Rd.
Halifax, NS
B3K 4X6
Tel: 902-454-1000
Fax: 902-457-4199
info@steelehyundai.ca

This dealership says to use Hyundai's synthetic auto tranmission fluid on all of Hyundai's model regardless of year built?!?!?!?

O'Regan's Dartmouth Hyundai
60 Baker Drive
Dartmouth, NS
B2W 6L4
902-465-7500

This dealership says to use regular auto transmission fluid (Dextron 3) on model older than 2008, and use the new power steering fluid PSF4, on models 2008 and newer!?!?!?

THE MYSTERY CONTINUES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:amen:

TheIceAge

:beer:

Well there you go!!!

PSF4 is not "new" power steering fluid... it has been out for a few years now...

:beer:

Hello again fellows HF members;

Here is Hyundai Canada's reply to my questions.......

QUESTIONS:
What type of Power Steering Fluid should I use for these two model cars;
2002 Elantra, and 2007 Sonata?
PSF3, PSF4, DextronIII, or, Hyundai semi-synthetic auto transmission fluid???

REPLY FROM HYUNDAI CANADA:
Thank you for your email. Please note that fluid requirements are available on the lubrication chart in section 9 of your owner's manual. Warranty may be void in case of damage or failure resulting from use of parts and products other than genuine Hyundai parts or not authorized by Hyundai. Confirmation of such warranty guidelines is available on your service passport's general warranty provisions. The service passport is a while booklet contained with your owner's manual.
Regards,
Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

They are not even gonna touch this with a ten foot pole!!!!!

I guess, it's the owners manual that will win this debate???

:amen:

TheIceAge

:beer:

The owners manual for my 05 Elantra (U.S.) states "Power Steering: PSF-3".

This post has been edited by Doohickie: Aug 21 2008, 01:14 PM

Is Power Steering: PSF-3 the same thing as Hyundai's synthetic auto transmission fluid, but with a different part number?

No... it is absolutely not the same. Different part number, different fluid.

Can anyone tell me the name of the power steering hard line on a 2001 Elantra that runs along the firewall and goes into the rack? The hard line is only the length of the firewall, but is attached to the (I believe) pressure line that comes off the top of the pump? This line has a leak in it in my wife's Elantra and is loosing fluid quite quickly.

I've been using STP power steering fluid in the system for years without issue.