With but 17K miles, my truck is low in Power Steering fluid. It says used approved fluid only. What all constitutes approved fluid other than the overpriced MOPAR crapola they specify? Can I use Pyroil fluid from Casey's or does it need something special? (Would prefer using good stuff, live a good jaunt from nearest dealer.) Thanks!

 

It should not be low i'd check to see that you don't have a leak, but about the fluid, dont worry about it use whatever you can get as long as it's power steering fluid it's pretty much all the same if you can get synthetic that would be better imo. but regular power steering fluid will work fine the dealer wants you to buy thier stuff but it's no diff. than the stuff you can buy @ your auto store except about 3X the price! I have use Vavoline synthetic & found that to work very well!

DRecu!

 

The "approved" stuff is ATF+4.

 

That is where you are incorrect. the ONLY approved fluid for the Power Steering is ATF+4
that's right the exact same stuff yo put in the tranny and the transfer case.
Grab yourself a bottle of AMSOIL or get the CRAPOLA from DC

 

ATF +4 is the factory fill and approved. I changed mine and used royal purple EZ Max and it works great. It's quiter now when cold and seems to steer better. I have seen other members use the Valvoline with good results too. As long as it's synthetic PS fluid you should be ok.

 

I use ATF+4 all the time. I have had a leak for almost a year and can't get the dealer to do anything . You should crawl under the truck and see if it is leaking it should not be low.

 

I have had always had this irritating "mouse" noise come from the front end when I turn to the right...not really loud, cant hear it from passenger side...but it has that fluidy squeaky noise like, really like a mouse. Pretty sure it comes from the pump. I don't see leaks anywhere, it isn't very low, just maybe an 1/8 on an inch. What is this Royal Purple stuff? Maybe I ought to drain and refill with it, or just use ATF+4. What is the best way to drain PS system on these trucks? Disconnect line and turn from side to side with engine off and front wheels off the ground?

 

The royal purple is a good quality synthetic after market fluid. I have used it in my 02 when it was noisy on cold mornings and in my 03 after the dealer replaced a bad leaking pump at 18k. I now have 53k and no issues since using it.

 

I used a big turkey baster to remove the fluid and replace it over to or three changes. I am sure there are better ways but it seemed the quicket and easiest way to "get er done"!