30 wt oil in the power steering pump?

[nickyg]

During a water cooler talk at work the subject came up of running 30wt motor oil instead of power steering fluid in the power steering system. "It's cheaper and your pump won't groan when it's at full lock" was his argument.
Now I consider myself an expert in hillbilly engineering but I never heard of this. Has anyone else??

[4.3LXJ]

Shouldn't do it. It will foam. However you can use heavier hydraulic oils in one. Tractor oil is fairly heavy and will not foam

[nickyg]

I figured if it was really "cheaper and easier" they would've done it at the factory or orliley's would sell a flush and fill kit or something.

[Brasscatz]

I'd go with Steve on this for sure. When my sister was in college, she told my dad her brakes felt squishy and he told her to put more brake fluid in the reservoir.... well, she accidentally put it in the power steering pump and it completely trashed her power steering. I wouldn't ever put anything in there that doesn't belong.

[msmoorenburg]

hyrdaulic oil is fine helps stop the moaning (done this numerous times)