I siphoned out all the fluid from my power steering pump recently. It looked nasty. I had corrosion cause me big problems for power steering in another vehicle and since brake and PS fluid absorbs moisture, I like to change them out now and then. I went to the auto parts store and got some power steering fluid and put it in the power steering resovior. I was browsing the Haynes manual and it said it calls for Type F ATF as power steering fluid. Whats the deal?

The power steering seems very happy since its gotten fresh fluid, so I guess no problem.

 

use lucas power steering fluid.

 

In most Fords never use power steering fluid, it will cause all kinds of problems and also makes noise.

Look at your owner’s manual, if it says use type "F" (and more than likely it will) use it.

ATF type "F" is 10W base oil with anti foaming and some PS fluids are 5W and this can cause leaks.

 

Actually Type F is a 20w oil at temp.

 

It really depends what type of steering box you have, Every newer Ford I've ever been around just used good ole plain jane ATF.

FWIW, If Lucas PS fluid is anything like the engine oil additive, I'd run like you know what, from that over priced garbage additive.

 

Any Ford less than 20 years old can use can use regular ATF. Mercon-rated ATF, to be more precise.

I use Mobil1 ATF in all my Ford PS systems.

 

Difference is that Mercon ATF is filtered with a skunk tail and PS oil is not. That ATF sure does stink!

 

So what have you done? Did you replace it with ATF fluid? Or still taking your chances with ps fluid?
I don't think anyone has told you what the difference is between ps fluid and ATF fluid.

What vehicle did you do this in? I'm in the same boat as you, so i'd like to find out.

 

If you have a manual, check it. The Fords appear to be using 2 or 3 different fluids depending on year and model.

Coincidentally this weekend I was working on my 04 Lincoln, it requrie Mercon(don't think they specified which) for steering fluid. I think but need to check, my 94 F250 uses mercon also.

There are several brands of Power Steering fluid that seem to be generic replacements. Most of the decent brands do mention which spec they meet, so I would look at the manual for that. The two or three bottles I have, Valvoline syn, Prestone and Slick 50(yeow), all talk generically and do not mention F, Dexron, Mercon etc, but they do mention spec. BTW, the Valvoline syn bottle did not mention anything about Ford if I recall.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

THe manual says use ATF. But if i had power steering fluid in there, what kind of damage am I doing? SHould I siphon it out and replace it with ATF?

 

Original question

What's the difference Type F ATF & Power steering fluid?

Answer:

Most Power Steering fluids (except for High Performance full synthetic and Honda PS fluids) are very close to the same formulation as most modern ATF's, I.E they contain friction modifiers.

Type F fluid contains no friction modifiers, but does contain a goodly amount of anti-wear, seal swell, and anti-foam additives.

 

There is no reason that the PS fluid should cause any damage. It will be fine to leave it in. -OR- you could siphon it out & replace it a little at a time with Type F, if it would make you feel better.

 

The listed below are power steering pumps which require Type F fluid:
79-97 All, incl. Explorer, Navajo, Expedition, ex..F150, F250, Ranger
85-95 Aerostar
78-96 Vans
96-98 Windstar
79-95 All, incl. Topaz, Escort, EXP, Lynx, LN7, Pinto
Bobcat, Granada, Tempo, Monarch, Versailles

91-98 Escort, Capri
87-98 Tracer
94-97 Aspire
95 Contour, Mystique

Mecron Transmission fluid should be used for the following:
96-00 All incl. Taurus, Sable, Continental,
ex. Windstar, Tracer, Escort, Capri, Aspire
95 Contour and Mystique
96-00 Ranger, Bronco II, Aerostar, Excursion
97-00 F150, F250, Vans, Navigator
95-00 Explorer, Mountaineer
93-00 Villager
99-00 Tracer

Its alway safer to follow what the Ford Manufacture is requiring for the product.

I worked at a Ford Dealership a number of years, and we used Motorcraft Type F or Mecron on the power steering pumps when recommended.

Type F and Mecron transmission fluid are not interchangable.

It seems easier sometimes to grab the only transmission bottle (say Mecron or ATF3) when Type F trans fluid was not around, to top off a power steering pump.

Here's the process of flushing out the power steering pump https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...2&postcount=10

- - - - - buck - - - - -

 

i didnt think atf or ps fluid absorbed water like brake fluid