Power Steering Fluid Question
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Brockport USA
Power Steering Fluid Question
I have a 79 F250 I just put on the road. The Power steering pump is making lots of noise. When I replaced the engine I used the pump the came with the replacement engine, (A 400ci out of a 77 Tbird). I filled the Pump with Power steering Fluid from Walmart (Clear Stuff). My question is... Is that fluid OK? ... or what kind of fluid is recommended? If I change the fluid should the pump quiet down? The Original pump seemed to be noisy also.....
Thanks
Wrecker
Thanks
Wrecker
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
"Clear stuff" sounds like the newer friction modified fluid. Your unit likely takes Type-F ATF, which I believe does not have friction modifiers. It is possible the unit is just bad, or maybe the wrong fluid (if that be the case) is causing trouble. What does the bottle say on this clear fluid?
My pickup takes type-F for the power steering and I called Valvoline about their clear power steering fluid and they said not to use it unless just a little bit in a pinch. Is all clear stuff the same? Don't know.
My pickup takes type-F for the power steering and I called Valvoline about their clear power steering fluid and they said not to use it unless just a little bit in a pinch. Is all clear stuff the same? Don't know.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Southern California
I always used type F when that was recommended. But it never made my PS pumps immune to noise and leakage. When I had my truck engine replaced I got a new PS pump too. I asked the shop if I should use type F or Dexron in the pump. They said "just use power steering fluid and don't worry about it!" Well knowing they were a NAPA shop and that's what they filled it with, I got a quart of NAPA PS fluid for 'all Ford vehicles". After the first time I adjusted the level, I have never had to add any since then. So far so good for two years now.
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Southern California
For sure. I always thought there was a compability issue with the different fluids and the PS system seals though.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by BlueRanger94
You could have used transmission fluid but power steering fluid is just fine. Ford pumps are never really quiet but it might be time for a new pump.
I know a few people are going to want to lambast me for suggesting this, but you might even consider dumping a bottle of (gasp) Lucas Power Steering Fix in there. The pump is over 25 years old, right? So what have you got to lose?
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