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Old Oct 29, 2003 | 09:15 AM
  #1  
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power steering fluid

I have a 1999 expedition 5.4 L. 4x4. Which power steering fluid should I use? The manual said to use For Spec ESW-M2c33-F. I got a bottle of Ford Type F ATF-power steering fluid with Spec. M2c33-F (without the prefix ESW). Are they the same? The dealer I go to for parts said I should use For Mercon ATF.

Any input would really be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2003 | 10:50 AM
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Any ATF will work. It is just being used as hydraulic fluid in a PS unit.

Jim
 
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Old Oct 30, 2003 | 06:18 AM
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I bought some synthetic stuff for our '92 Aerostar and then since the number didn't match my manual I called the manufacturer of the fluid and was told not to use too much or the pump could get noisy and possibly burn out the bearing because mine needed Type F. So I exhanged for the Type F. In your case, you may be OK, don't know.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2003 | 09:54 AM
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The person answering the phone is just going to tell you exactly what the owners manual does for CYA reasons. Do you really think you were talking to an engineer or chemist? Ford kept type F in the manuals for years because someone was to lazy to change the spec. They changed the spec to Mercon without changing the design of the pump.

Jim
 
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Old Oct 30, 2003 | 07:55 PM
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I put synthetic dexron in mine that I had left from a tranny fill, and squawked like crazy. I sucked it out with a huge syringe and put in clear 'power steering fluid' and it went back to the normal Ford squawking.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2003 | 10:26 PM
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kind of amusing to go into walmart and other stores. They carry specially labelled bottles of "power steering fluid" that sell for several times the actual contents i.e. transmission fluid. For instance, my 97 f150 as per factory manual runs on mercon tranny fluid.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2003 | 06:51 AM
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Originally posted by jimandmandy
The person answering the phone is just going to tell you exactly what the owners manual does for CYA reasons. Do you really think you were talking to an engineer or chemist? Ford kept type F in the manuals for years because someone was to lazy to change the spec. They changed the spec to Mercon without changing the design of the pump.

Jim
I was told by the Valvo techs that I could use some and it might squawk, but to fill the whole thing could ruin it. Terryr's post indicates he seems to have had that experience. But you are absolutely right, they will tell you exactly what is in the owner's manual because they don't want to be sued. And when I was a pump jockey in the 70s we were told that Type F could go in a GM buy the GM type (what was the letter?) could not go in a Ford--or was it vice versa?
 
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Old Oct 31, 2003 | 08:52 AM
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Re: power steering fluid

Originally posted by tradingden
I have a 1999 expedition 5.4 L. 4x4. Which power steering fluid should I use? The manual said to use For Spec ESW-M2c33-F. I got a bottle of Ford Type F ATF-power steering fluid with Spec. M2c33-F (without the prefix ESW). Are they the same? The dealer I go to for parts said I should use For Mercon ATF.

Any input would really be appreciated. Thanks.
I have been told by several ford mechanics that the quickest way to destroy a ford PS pump is use powersteering fluid in it. If the manual says use MERCON ATF then use it.
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 10:22 AM
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Boy, this is an old thread, hope this post works...

Comments here just go back-and-forth, no resolution.

'94 F150 4.9L basic model, power steering fluid: old shop manual calls for using "ESW-M2C33-F", ATF type F. Adv Auto Parts says their computer calls for ATF type F. Call to the Ford dealer was told, "Just use any old power steering fluid." What?

Well, which is it? Not concerned about cost, just whichever is easier/better.

Thx for any help with this mystery
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 12:52 PM
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Hey, not only did it work but my notification still worked. I got an email that there was a post.

Now here is a really screwy thing. I had a new ps pump installed in the Aerostar about 3-4 years ago. So you would think it would be Mercon? No, the instructions specifically said to use Type-F.

Anyhow I am running clear Valvoline syn ps fluid and it ain't type F. No squaking, only leak is a loose fitting. Man these aerostar rack and pinion systems have a rat's nest of ps lines on them.
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 01:57 PM
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Oh yeah, that's awesome. Thanks for reply.

Well, dang, I've got a '94 F150 and I've already got her taken apart and I bought two big bottles each of ordinary PSF and Type F. Which would you use when putting back together? THANKS for any thoughts.....
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 02:08 PM
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I am hardly an authority on this stuff. It seems like a crp shoot. If it's all cleaned up and nice seals (not crud encrusted) could try the syn, if no squaking, good, if it squawks, replace with Type F.. Actually I would check out what Redline has to offer. may as well go with the best.
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 04:35 PM
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Thanks, TallPaul, for reply.

I'll tell ya'... Bein' as how I had her all apart and only had the two to choose from, PSF or Type F, I just went with the Type F. She is definitely way old and dirty and has already run the better part of 300,000 mi so I figure I just want to get some more miles and not try nuthin' fancy.

Dang, still, that whole question is one unresolved mystery. Who knows, mebe ordinary PSU would have worked and been actually better?

Thank you highly, Sir, for taking time to reply Appreciate second opinion
 
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 08:00 AM
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Seeing as how our P/S systems have metal, plastic & rubber parts in them, the fluid & it's ad pack needs to be compatable with All of the systems components & parts, so imo we'd be wise to use the manufacturers specified fluid, whos recipe is compatable with all of the systems components.

Seeing as how P/S fluids additives & base oil oxidize/wear out/weaken over time & get loaded with wear particles, change/flush the systems fluid & change it's filter if it has one, at least as often as we flush/change the tranny fluid & filter.

For my severe service the P/S & tranny get a full fluid change out/flush & filter change about every 25-35K miles, with the Specified fluids.

I don't use P/S fluid, because it doesn't have to meet any spec & who knows whats in it, or in what quantity, so we aren't certain it's compatable with All of the systems components or the fluids ad pack!!!

Of course our vehicles are ours, so we can pour in whatever we like, but then we have to warranty our work!!!!! lol

More thoughts for pondering.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2011 | 08:35 AM
  #15  
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In my 93 f150 I had a power steering leak, started using 30w motor oil and didn't effect the steering or noise from the unit.
 
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