What is The Best PSF-3 Alternative?

PSF-3 (Power Steering Fluid 3) is a proprietary steering fluid formulated for certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles from the mid-2000s, including the 2006 Hyundai Elantra, 2007 Kia Sedona, and 2008 Kia Sportage. 

Hyundai discontinued PSF-3 and replaced it with PSF-4, a newer synthetic or semi-synthetic fluid. PSF-4 is typically green in color and was developed specifically to address cold-start noise issues in power steering systems.

These are the general rules when it comes to interchangeability:

PSF-4 into PSF-3 systems: You can top off a PSF-3 system with PSF-4, up to 50% of the total system volume. If possible, drain the old PSF-3 completely and replace it with PSF-4.

PSF-3 into PSF-4 systems: Not acceptable. Moreover, adding conventional PSF-3 to a synthetic PSF-4 system degrades the synthetic properties.

There are many substitutes for the PSF-3 from LubeGard, Amsoil, and another version from Genuine Hyundai.

What is PSF-3?

PSF-3 is an OEM power steering fluid approved for Hyundai vehicles that predate Hyundai’s acquisition of Kia from Ford. To Hyundai vehicles manufactured during the mid-to-late 1990s, when you check the lubrication chart in the owner’s manual, you can see Power steering fluid: PSF-3 type fluid.

With PSF-3 discontinued, Hyundai owners have struggled to find equivalent options for their vehicles. Here’s what you need to know about quality PSF-3 alternatives.

PSF-3 Equivalents

Genuine Hyundai psf-4 power steering fluid

Check Price at Amazon

LUBEGARD 23232 synthetic power steering fluid

Check Price at Amazon

AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Power Steering Fluid

Check Price at Amazon

PSF-4 – The Advanced PSF From Genuine Hyundai

Genuine Hyundai PSF-4

Check Price at Amazon

Hyundai’s OEM PSF-4 is the fluid you’ll find at Hyundai dealerships, and it’s what technicians use when servicing your vehicle’s power steering system. The formulation uses refined lubricating oils combined with a proprietary additive package designed to reduce wear in Hyundai power steering systems.

If your Hyundai owner’s manual specifies PSF-3, this modern OEM fluid is a newer but compatible formulation. If you’re unsure which specification your vehicle requires, check your reservoir cap or owner’s manual before adding fluid.

• Protects from sludge and rust
• Designed especially for Kia and Hyundai Vehicles
• Made by adding only the finest quality lubricating oils
• Added with a technologically advanced additive system

Interchangeability of Genuine Hyundai PSF-4

Can I use PSF-4 to top off PSF-3?

Yes, you can. The newest PSF-4 specification is backward compatible with PSF-3. However, there is a note that you need to keep in mind when performing the oil swapping. 

Do the top-off job by adding not more than 50% of the PSF-4 to the existing PSF-3.

However, I DO NOT recommend mixing 2 types of power steering fluid even though they are the same brand. The oil components may get reacted to in the heat and may cause unknown failures. It’s best to completely wash off PSF-3 when it comes to refueling with PSF-4. 

For most power-steering vehicles, this is what you need to do to drain the steering fluid out:

Step 1: Use a fluid pump or turkey baster to draw out as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Turning the steering wheel from lock to lock helps pump more fluid back into the reservoir.

Step 2: Disconnect the low-pressure return line from the reservoir (it’s the thinner line), cap the reservoir port to prevent leaks, and attach an extension hose to the disconnected line that drains into a catch container.

Step 3: Pour fresh fluid into the reservoir, then unlock the steering wheel without starting the engine and slowly turn it from lock to lock. Stop frequently to refill the reservoir so it never runs dry, and continue until the draining fluid runs clean.

Step 4: Reattach the return line, fill the reservoir to the maximum mark, then start the engine and turn the wheel lock to lock for about five minutes to purge any trapped air. Shut off the engine, top off the reservoir, and confirm the steering operates smoothly without noise or stiffness

Note: Do not ever try to mix and use PSF-3 on a vehicle already running on PSF-4.

Read more: Power steering fluid coming out of reservoir cap
Causes & Solutions

LUBEGARD 23232

LUBEGARD 23232 PSF

Check Price at Amazon

Lubegard Complete is a fully synthetic, multi-vehicle power steering fluid that’s compatible with Hyundai’s PSF-3 standards. It is engineered with two proprietary technologies: Synergol TMS and LXE (Liquid Wax Ester). The formulation targets three specific performance areas: wear reduction, temperature stability, and seal protection.

This fluid is designed exclusively for power steering and hydraulic systems. Do not use it in brake systems, automatic transmissions, or manual transmissions.

Lubegard Complete Synthetic Power Steering Fluid comes in the following size variants: 

LBG 23255 – 55-gallon drum for high-volume fleet or dealership operations

LBG 23232 – 32-ounce bottle (sold in cases of 6), the retail size for DIY use

LBG 23205 – 5-gallon container for professional shops

Compatibility:
Hyundai PSF-3 and PSF-4
Various GM part numbers (1052884, 89021184, 89021185, 1050017, 89020661)
Pentosin CHF 202, Pentosin CHF 11S
Mercedes-Benz 000 989 88 03, 001 989 20 03, 001 989 24 03 10
Audi/VW G 002 000, G 004 000 M2, G 055 145 S2
Porsche 000 043 206 56
Kia PSF-III and PSF-IV
Nissan PSF and E-PSF
Toyota Type EH

AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Power Steering Fluid

AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Power Steering Fluid

Check Price at Amazon

Amsoil’s multi-vehicle power steering fluid is a fully synthetic formulation that’s compatible with a wide range of specifications, including Hyundai’s PSF-3. Its synthetic base provides advantages over conventional fluids in both cold-weather operation and high-temperature stability.

Amsoil’s formulation has a pour point of negative 51°C (negative 60°F), ensuring the fluid flows immediately even in severe cold. This eliminates cold-start noise and maintains full steering assist from the moment you start the engine.

However, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to your PSF-3, AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle Synthetic PSF is not for you. The fluid costs more than the OEM PSF-4 when it comes to topping off. 

Compatibility:
Hyundai/Kia PSF-3, PSF-4, PSF 00232-19017
Ford M2C138-CJ, ESW-M2C128-C&D, M2C195-A, M2C204-A, M2C33-F
GM/Saginaw PSF 9985010, 9985835, 89021184
Chrysler MS-1872, MS-5931, MS-11655, MS-9602
American Motor Corporation C 4124
Mercedes-Benz 236.3, 345.0, 001 989 24 03 10, 001 989 24 03 12, Q 1 32 0001
VW/Audi TL-52146, G002000, G 004 000 M2, G 004 000 M7, G 004 000 M8
BMW 82 11 0 148 132, 83 29 0 429 576, 81 22 1 468 879, 82 11 1 468 041
Porsche 000 043 206 56
Volvo 1161529, 30741424
Saab 93160548, (45) 30 09 800, 30 32 380
Nissan PSF-II
Toyota Type EH (P/N 008886-01)
Mitsubishi Diamond SP III and PS Fluid
Subaru K0209A0080

Amsoil recommends following your vehicle manufacturer’s service interval for power steering fluid changes. Power steering fluid accumulates wear material, moisture, and other contaminants over time that degrade its protective properties. 

Read more: What Power Steering Fluid Is Compatible With MS5931

Final Verdict

Each one of the above-mentioned Power Steering Fluids has some unique and joint benefits to offer. If your vehicle is still under warranty, you should stick to the OEM product- PSF-4 for the best protection and dealership service. 

On the other hand, the above-mentioned PSF-3 Equivalents are safe to use for your Hyundai, as I have tried and tested them. In the end, I found that if you want to go for a cheaper substitute, LUBEGARD 23232 is one of the closest alternatives to the PSF-3 / OEM PSF-4 fluid.

Related Reads

• What Power Steering Fluid Is Compatible With MS5931 Discover fluids compatible with MS5931 to find the best alternatives to PSF-3 – Learn more.
• Nissan PSF Equivalent [Nissan E, II, Dexron] Explore Nissan PSF equivalents to identify the best substitutes for PSF-3 – Read more.
• What Power Steering Fluid is Compatible with GM 89021184 Understand the compatibility of various power steering fluids with GM 89021184 to determine suitable PSF-3 alternatives – Find out more.
• Mopar Coolant Equivalent [OAT & HOAT] Learn about Mopar coolant equivalents, providing insights into selecting compatible power steering fluids for PSF-3 – Explore here.
• Mopar ATF+4 Equivalent Discover equivalents to Mopar ATF+4, informing your choice of the best alternatives to PSF-3 – Discover now.