Power Steering Fluid

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Apr 3, 2003 | 01:56 PM

KJKozak2

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Joined: Feb 2002

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From: Cleveland, WI USA

Power Steering Fluid

Hi all,

I pulled a bonehead move last night. I was low on PS fluid in my 78 F150, so I bought a bottle and poured some in. As I checked the dipstick, I read a note on it that said "Use Automatic Transmission Fluid". Now I have half & half ATF and PS fluid.

I did try to pump as much out as I could, but I doubt I got it all. Is this gonna be a problem? Should I pull the hoses off and drain/flush, and refill it?

Thanks in advance!

Kevin K.

Apr 3, 2003 | 05:03 PM

warren b

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Joined: Dec 2002

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Power Steering Fluid

I allways used powersteering fluid in the '79 F150 4wd that I drove. I never noticed the dipstick on it, but I never looked either. I'm going to say on the record that you should never mess with brakes or steering, as they are important safety devices on your vehicle. Off the record, however, if it was my truck, I would just check to see that the two fluids arent seporated- like gas and water-and if it all looked happy- I'd run it. But thats just me.

Apr 3, 2003 | 06:18 PM

Torque1st

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Power Steering Fluid

I don't know what is in that "generic" PS fluid. The Ford plastic pumps in our trucks use ATF type F. I do not know what the Saginaw (metal "ham" can) pumps use.

Apr 3, 2003 | 09:14 PM

thelonerangerxlt

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Power Steering Fluid

KJ, power steering and ATF fluids are very similiar. They are both basically hydraulic fluids with an additive package. Since you pumped out the resorvoir, I wouldn't worry about it. The fluids mix very well.

__________

Apr 3, 2003 | 10:40 PM

amwxx

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Joined: Nov 2002

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Power Steering Fluid

i just use power steering fluid in my 78 f-150, im pretty sure it will be fine, many other people probably use it and i havent heard anything negative about using it.

Apr 3, 2003 | 11:16 PM

Torque1st

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Power Steering Fluid

p.s. -I have even used 10W-40 motor oil in a pinch. I can't tell you if it did any immediate harm since the system got a new seal later. It ran for many miles with motor oil in it. I never did drain the system so I suppose it still has some motor oil in it and it still works. Motor oil is used in many hydraulic systems. Motor oil will not work in an auto tranny.