Has there been a decision made on what PS fluid for 97 Aero, every thread gives a different recommendation ?

Did a fluid changeout because of water contamination, used the fluid I did when I got the van (aprox 7K) no shudder, just water in system, after I put new fluid, had the shudder, changed again with Valvoline Maxlife syn. mercon LV , still have shudder. Will the LV be OK?

Thanks, Bill

 

Water destroys these delicate PS pumps/valve assemblies. Many are noisy and shudder from the factory line.

The overseas rebuilds are worse that what you have now. Can try a rebuilt FoMoCo Motorcraft if you can find one, RockAuto used to carry them
Do a flush with 2>3 quarts of cheap Walmart Mercon to get as much of the rust out of the pump and valves, then flush with 2>3 qts of Mobil 1 multi ATF with a full bottle of Lubeguard at the end as top off in the tank.
Large autotranny PS fluid ATF cooler instead of the **** ant 2 loop.
Inline ATF can filter to remove all the rust particles that will keep breaking loose and ruining the work you do.
Best you can do in these.

Secret is to keep all water out of a good pump, steering valves and rack.
After water gets in and does it's damage, it's all an uphill battle that most just learn to live with the growler pump and shudder.

 

Unit isn't noisy, just the normal growl when you turn. It didn't have the shudder til I flushed it, think I'll just drive it and see what happens, I have another pump I can use if this one goes south. Also which lifeguard, there are different types, PS, ATF, syn ATF


Thanks,Bill

 

did you bleed the system of air?? you need to raise the front, run engine in PARK, release pump fluid cap, and turn the steering wheel left to right (gently without hitting the stops), maybe 100 times each way. Even then you will have some noise.

As to fluid, I use any power steering fluid available, Prestone fluid was the last fluid I used, works fine. You can use transmission fluid too.

Put a can of Pepsi or beer over the pump cap and neck, cutting one side off the can, to prevent water from being sucked in through the cap's hole when it rains. Water draining from the cowl drain finds its way to the cap where it puddles, how else would it get in?

 

I've read on the forum that the old Type F trans fluid runs the quietest in Aero ps systems, but haven't personally tried it.

 

I've been around Fords for a long time and always had very good results with type F fluid. Is there a better fluid? Maybe, but there is something about using what the system was designed for that makes sense to me.

As for the shudder. The best method for pulling nearly all micro air bubbles out of the system is using a hand held vacuum bleeder, with the tapered rubber attachment. You will need to drill a small hole in the cap. Drill a hole the size needed for a small rubber plug. You can easily find one at your local Ace hardware or similar. Add vacuum to the system while turning the rack L to R until your arm gets sore. This is the only way I found to be a guaranteed fix. Plug the hole and add the aluminum can as mentioned previously.

.

 

Autozone has STP dexron/mercon, flushed it again, that helped it somewhat. It didn't have shudder before I flushed, just water contamination. Just gonna drive it for a while, and flush again, don't think there's air.


"edit"......I suctioned the fluid out, turned to left, suctioned, turned to right, suctioned, refilled, turned R&L several times checked/topped off, and drove to warm fluid, checked level.

 

In cold climates pays to run a lower viscosity ATF pwr steering fluid in these.
Reduces pump vibration from fluid draw resistance, slow fluid shudder through the steering valves and the slow moving rack and valves
Dextron VI works well in these. Walmart brand meets the tight DexVI licensing test specs and is low cost.
Has lots of anti friction and antifoam additives plus high level of synthetic base stock to stand up to the high Aero steering system temperatures in summer. Flows easily in sub freezing temps.
Foamed pwr steering fluid makes the system howl like a banshee.
The antifoam and other addtives wears out and breaks down from use and heat over time.

Mine sets out in the winter cold, no garage queen anymore for years.

 

my can of pepsi

 

HOLY CRAP! no one in this thread has told you to put a soup can over it.

Put a soup can on it.

Been rockin the soup can 15 years,,, the same can.

 

chicken with noodles or with rice?

 

Black bean!!

 

I like Cream of Potato myself.

 

Clam Chowdah!!

 

Just plain old mercon will do...and a can....Black beans.lol