Power Steering Fluid help
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2020
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Power Steering Fluid help
I'm sure there are already a million threads on here for this but i need some opinions. I have a 1992 F150 Supercab short bed 4X4 with auto hubs. The steering box is trashed and the power steering pump has several leaks. I am getting ready to start the project of replacing the pump and steering box but have no flippin' clue on what power steering fluid to use to replace what it already has. Should I just purge the system after removing the pump and steering box and start fresh? the truck has roughly 186,XXX miles on it and I don't know if anything has ever been done to the steering system or even if it is the original fluid in there. I'm leaning towards just purging the system and going with a brand new fluid but I'm not sure what type to get since I'm almost positive that the OEM Type F was conventional and most of the stuff on the market is synthetic. Thanks in advance for your opinions!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
I have also had good luck using the Walmart brand type F automatic transmission fluid in all my Ford power steering systems. As far as purging out the old fluid, if you change both the pump and the steering box at the same time the old fluid will be all out except for maybe the inside walls of the fluid lines.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Pittsburgh
Type F is the spec but it is a really old standard. I run straight Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak to help quiet the pump a little bit. It works fine. I'm not a fan of most Lucas products but I like the PS Stop Leak.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2020
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Thank you all for your input. I also happened to find a valvoline type F on amazon (of all places) that I am going to try. Does anyone happen to know the capacity of the power steering system? When I bought my truck, it didn’t have an owners manual.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
It's been several years since I did a steering box and pump, but I bought 3 quarts for safe measure. Having extra on hand won't hurt. I want to say it's no more than 2 quarts.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
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The system hasn’t changed. Type F works just fine for me but whatever you think works better than what it was designed to use...
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2020
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I was able to find Valvoline Type F ATF on amazon and what appeared to be actual Ford Motorcraft Type F ATF on rock Auto. I went with the Valvoline from amazon after I did a quick cost analysis (I have prime so I got free shipping). I also purchased the Cardone Power steering pump and steering box through amazon as they were 50% of the cost of the re-manufactured equipment through the local parts stores and slightly cheaper than Rock Auto and much faster once you factor in shipping costs. Does anybody have any experience in "bench bleeding the pump and the steering gear? I know its easier to do it outside the truck for things like the master cylinder but I'm not sure if you can "bench bleed " the steering equipment.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
I just get everything mounted in the truck and fill with fluid. Ideally raise both front tires off the ground, start the engine and slowly turn full right then full left many times. You will likely have to add more fluid along the way. After this if the power steering is working it may be a bit noisy, but just drive it and check the fluid level often. If noisy at first it should quiet down. This is my experience with these.
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