DSMblue

Since Dexron II is no longer manufactured, what is an acceptable alternative to use for the power steering on the 944/968?

GPA951s

Ive been using any- ole Dex Fluid on the shelf... the pump just ha solid vanes in it much like an air tool... If you want to do the research im sure the info on dex is out there.. typically the higher the number is the latest REV and they are backwards compatible.

DSMblue

Thanks! Just wanted to be safe instead of sorry. I saw that they are backwards compatible, just avoid Mercron fluids.

pfarah7

Actually, I found fluid that meets the spec...

DSMblue

Read up on Dexron standards, and Dexron III is backward-compatible with Dexron II. Dexron VI (newest standard) is backward compatible with Dexron III, but not backward compatible with anything else. So it makes me wonder if III is backward compatible with II, and VI with III, can you make the leap that VI is backward compatible with II? Just curious, will likely just find some Dex III and be done with it.

MAGK944

Not this ole discussion again... here is a compilation of everything that has been discussed before on various forums.

Approved Fluid: The factory manual calls for Dexron IID which is nla and later Dexron formulations are only approved as backwards compatible in GM vehicles, no other manufacturer has approved them as such. In fact vehicles that use ZF manufactured racks like ours (BMW, MB, VW, Audi & Porsche) now all approve Febi 08971. Some also approve Pentosin CHF 202 however that fluid is specifically excluded for use in the 944 by Pentosin in their spec sheet whereas Febi 08971 is specifically included as fully compatible with Dexron II (see below).

...and the follow-up question usually asks for this:

Flush and Fill: This method was provided by Kuehl.

1. Raise the front wheels off the ground and securely support the car;
2. Disconnect the return line at the reservoir and place it in a suitable container;
3. Disconnect the supply line at the reservoir and drain the hydraulic fluid from both the reservoir and line into a suitable container;
4. Replace the reservoir with a new item, connect the supply line and cap-off the return port;
5. Fill the reservoir with Febi 08971 hydraulic fluid and leave the cap off;
6. Start the engine and have an assistant monitor the reservoir level;
7. Turn the steering wheel lock to lock at normal turning speed for a few cycles ensuring you achieve full lock at each extreme;
8. As the reservoir level drops your assistant show replenish the fluid in the reservoir;
9. Repeat 7&8 until the fluid draining from the rack is clean and sludge free. Note: the fluid will never be absolutely clean as it is impossible to remove all the sludge and contaminants in the rack without disassembling or replacing it.
10. Remove the cap and reconnect the return line to the reservoir.
11. Ensure the fluid in the reservoir is at the full mark.
12. Lower the car to the ground and test drive.

Hope this helps until the next time

DSMblue

Just spoke with dealership, and they use Dex III. If it's good enough for the dealer, good enough for me.

MAGK944

Iol I wouldn’t trust any dealership, I’ve had to put them right on a number of occasions regarding the older Porsche’s. The bottom line is Porsche has not made any statement that III is backwards compatible with II in their racks and ZF have also not approved III. Only GM (and maybe Ford) has stated that the III is ok to use instead of the II on their cars and only Febi has been approved by ZF as a substitute for II on our racks.

Like I said there’s much misinformation and misunderstanding but it’s right there plain to see in the spec sheets if you read them

StoogeMoe

Where does one buy this Febi stuff?

MAGK944

My local Napa carries it but I don’t see it on NapaOnline so ymmv. Search “Febi 08971”, I came up with FCP Euro, Amazon, eBay, Worldpac, AutohausAZ.

thomasmryan

the Mercedes 722.3 up to the 722.5 use it...ie the 928 automatics and the pre '96 Mercedes.

autohauz is usually the cheapest by far.

DSMblue

I appreciate all the help, I really do. I understand your reluctance to necessarily trust dealerships when dealing with older vehicles. Did a bit more googling on ZF, and found that this was separated from current ZF, and is now part of Bosch. Bosch has a list of recommended lubricants, which I have attached. It does include Dex III.

audi49

Redline seems to have an alternative. Anyone try this one?
States...
'RED LINE POWER STEERING FLUID satisfies the service fill requirements of most auto manufacturers and can be used where the manufacturer calls for any automatic transmission fluid such as Dexron®, Dexron II®, II-E®, or Dexron III®, Ford Type-F, Mercon or M2C138-CJ such as required by Ford, AMC, Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar, VW, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, SAAB, Subaru, Volvo, Porsche, Mitsubishi, Mazda and many others. '

https://www.redlineoil.com/power-steering-fluid

tempest411

Has anyone put fluid in their ps system and have it NOT work? I think that would be the more relevant question. The older cars aren't typically very picky about what you put in there. I bet you could just buy that generic stuff on the shelf that says 'Power Steering Fluid' and it would be fine.

V2Rocket

^^ do NOT buy the product labeled as "Power Steering Fluid"...it's the yellow stuff meant for older steering gearboxes on trucks and even older cars.

944 rack takes ATF for the PS system.