power steering fluid

[AllanD]

Type F is both slightly thicker and chemically different from the later MErcon fluids.

Type F was contunued in production for a considerable time after the last ford transmission that required it (the C6) was dropped from production because it was still specified as the proper fluid for "box" (as opposed to Rack&Pinion) steered vehicles.

the C2 power steering pump in particular doesn't work well with any other fluid.

AD

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Type F and +3 or newer fluid are not just plain old ATF. Since it is a hydraulic system why would you not use hydraulic fluid? power steering fluid is just that, Hydraulic fluid which is the right viscosity for power steering systems. Transmission fluid is designed to aid in clutch "bite", Why would you put it in something that doesn't have clutches? All it will do is reduce the lifespan. Power steering fluid is easier to buy than type f and cheaper than +3 or higher.

ATF is a hydraulic fluid, all of our hydraulic hoist rams at work run on ATF or Hydraulic fluid, we run ATF in them simply because we have a fair amount of it kicking around the dealership. Plus the ford powersteering pumps all call for ATF, NOT powersteering fluid.