Transmission fluid is designed to lubricate and cool a transmission's complex gear system under high pressure and shear conditions. Power steering fluid is designed for a different set of conditions and needs to have specific properties to work correctly with the power steering pump seals and components. Using transmission fluid in your power steering system can:
* Damage seals: Transmission fluid can cause seals to swell, leak, and fail, leading to power steering failure.
* Corrode components: The chemicals in transmission fluid may be incompatible with the materials used in your power steering system, leading to corrosion and damage.
* Reduce performance: Transmission fluid won't lubricate and protect the power steering pump and components effectively, leading to poor steering response and potentially even pump failure.
Always use the correct fluid specified in your owner's manual. For your 2008 Chrysler Sebring, this will be a specific type of power steering fluid. Using the wrong fluid can be a costly mistake.
