Possible wrong Power steering fluid?

tworanger · Nov 22, 2008

I just replaced my power steering pump and put in CarQuest brand power steering fluid, unable to check the specifications when buying it i later found out it met different requirements. Will this hurt the system, it still meets a ford standard but the code it different. Everything it woking great, should i go through the hassle of changing the fluid?

Wicked_Sludge · Nov 22, 2008

it doesnt matter if you use power steering fluid or ATF in the system, but i advise against mixing the two. since you likely still had ATF in the lines and steering box, i would flush the whole system and use one or the other.

people have mixed the two with no known negitive side effects...but i just dont trust two mixed fluids to remain stable.

4x4junkie · Nov 22, 2008

I would stick with the ATF, it's usually cheaper. (Type-F or Mercon, depending on what year it is)

tworanger · Nov 22, 2008

the pump seems to be making a whine, not a weird one just the usual sound they make, It gets louder when i turn. Will this brake in or could it be a result of the atf and new power steering fluid? the system works good other than the pump noise. How would i go about flushing the system?

Wicked_Sludge · Nov 22, 2008

ford pumps whine...louder under load. i wouldnt worry about it.

just drain the system. unhook the lines, turn the motor over (dont start it). turning the wheels lock-to-lock will push most of the fluid out of the box. hook the lines back up and fill with choice fluid. turn the engine over (again, dont start it) and turn the wheels back and forth, adding fluid as required.

Yellowsplash · Nov 23, 2008

ATF Type F will get rid of most of that whine...

tworanger · Nov 24, 2008

I flushed the system and was surpirsed at how little fluid it takes, roughly 1/4 of a quart? it still makes the same noise with new atf-type f. Any other ideas, they seems to be a roughness while turning too, mostly just to the left. Any help is appreciated, thanks

ZMan · Nov 24, 2008

tworanger said:
I flushed the system and was surpirsed at how little fluid it takes, roughly 1/4 of a quart? it still makes the same noise with new atf-type f. Any other ideas, they seems to be a roughness while turning too, mostly just to the left. Any help is appreciated, thanks

you didn't get it all out of the steering box thats for sure. it takes more than that. Of course that will be hard considering it doesn't have a drain..

Bent Bolt · Nov 24, 2008

You can put some friction modifier in the P/S system to quite it up. Works well.

4x4junkie · Nov 25, 2008

Jack both tires up, disconnect the lines at the box and then cycle the steering from lock-to-lock a few times to get the fluid out of the box.

rustyr182 · Dec 28, 2008

ok so i decided to flush my powersteering and i did so but now im having a big problem i think i broke something in the rack and pinnion when i crank the wheel i here a poping noise and air is going inside the pump and now the whine is super loud and the power assistance is barely there i need help i hear the poping noise coming from the rack and pinnion boots cranked

Wicked_Sludge · Dec 28, 2008

sounds like youve got air in the system still. keep cycling the wheels and topping off the fluid untill it calms down and acts normal.

rustyr182 · Dec 28, 2008

i know im doing that but when the bubbles stop and it looks safe i start it and the level drops down to the bottom of the pump but then ill fill it up and back to normal then ill turn the wheel and its still loud then i turn off the engine and the ps fluid i put in overflows over top and spills all over the engine. i hear a poping noise coming from the rack and pinion boots as if air is getting sucked in from there i cant believe such a simple task has caused alot of problems

Possible wrong Power steering fluid?

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