Power steering fluid is one type of hydraulic fluid but is not the type normally used in a jack. You need general purpose hydraulic fluid which is slightly thicker than tranny fluid.Click to see full answer. Similarly, it is asked, can power steering fluid be used as hydraulic fluid?The term “hydraulic fluid” is a general term that would refer to any fluid used in a hydraulic system. There are many different hydraulic fluids. Depending on the use, they can be mineral, synthetic, or even water based. However power steering fluid *IS* a hydraulic fluid, so the answer is *yes*.Additionally, what can be used as a substitute for hydraulic fluid? ATF, or automatic transmission fluid, for use in automobile auto transmisions does function as a hydraulic fluid in the car and can be used in other hydraulic systems. It is specified in some industrial applications. Light weight motor oils or machine oil (10/20W) could be used as a substitute for hydraulic oil. In this regard, can you use power steering fluid in a bottle jack? Power steering fluid is a good choice because it is a hydraulic fluid. Hell you can use olive oil, when push comes to shove you can even use water, at least for a while. If your jack needs fluid you may have a Pso problem.What kind of oil do you use in a hydraulic jack?Liquid Wrench® Hydraulic Jack Oil is made for use in all hydraulic jacks, snow plows and refillable shock absorbers. Intermixes completely with all other standard hydraulic jack fluids. This is an SAE 10 weight oil, ISO rating of 22, and 32 cSt at 40°C.