power steering dilemma

[ryank85]

hows it going people? the gfs mini cooper s is leaking power steering fluid and the regular mechanic cant fix it till next week so we need to top it up now and again. however i went to the garage at her bit earlier and the guy gave me automatic transmission fluid and told me it was the same stuff. me being me asked a million questions then he got the mechanic in and told me they use it in cars as power steering fluid. is this possible? any helps greatly appreciated

[eatcustard]

Yes its the same stuff

[ryank85]

eatcustard is it safe to use in the mini?

[ryank85]

whats the difference between the r50 r53 and r56? all i know is its a 53 reg cooper s

[ryank85]

it was red stuff that was in it before it started leaking tho

[ryank85]

its a funny leak its like its a seal at the driveshaft and only leaks when the wheels turned a certain way. i read the pumps an easy 1 hour job and can be purchased for £200 refurbished

[ryank85]

if it was the previous owner then its been like that for more than 4 years so theres a good chance its goosed. its the gfs car so she can pay to fix it. plus we have a baby due on saturday so itl be getting used

[eatcustard]

I also looked on google and they say both are the same, but also others say they are not, so play safe and use the stuff recommended, as stated up the thread.