power steering fluid

[Mutant Pony]

We've had this discussion before but, I found new evidence.
I installed a factory rebuilt steering box and this is the instructions.

Gee. there is a use for power steering fluid after all.

 

[MAKG]

Yet, the same factory said to use Type F ATF into the early 90s. If this really had changed, there ought to be a TSB. I wonder if the instructions mean to tell you not to use Mercon (which was never a good idea).

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Why is mercon such a bad idea?

 

[MAKG]

No Ford power steering unit was designed for Mercon ATF. Some folks have reported leakage when it was used.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

ive had dex III in mine for 4 years...no leaks, no noise (no more then usual i should say), no degradation in performance.

its hydraulic, it really isnt that picky

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

No Ford power steering unit was designed for Mercon ATF. Some folks have reported leakage when it was used.

All of the new ones have mercon in them. Type F is a fluid that isn't used anymore by ford since the late 80's. Mercon replaced it.

 

[Jeepman401]

All of the new ones have mercon in them. Type F is a fluid that isn't used anymore by ford since the late 80's. Mercon replaced it.

+1
MercV is used for everything now

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yup either MerconV or Mercon SP

 

[Bill]

Actually, there is a little page inserted in my new Ranger's manual that specifically states to only use Mercon, or Motorcraft Premium Power Steering Fluid, which is Mercon, and to not use anything else.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yea I guess now that you do mention it we do use just plain old mercon in all the powersteering systems on the new ones too....just the newer auto trannys I was thinking about all using merconV or mercon SP

 

[Totalled]

Owners manual for my 92 explorer says to use Type F...

 

[racsan]

my '93 says to use type "f" i have fresh in mine from recently replacing both lines. type doesnt look/smell good when new. hard to tell when its actually bad.
________
full melt hash

 

[Mutant Pony]

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.

 

[4x4junkie]

Maybe because THE MANUAL RECOMMENDS IT!?

Maybe I'm wrong... but (other than color) "power steering fluid" would sure seem a lot more like type-F ATF than hydraulic fluid (which would be more like brake fluid).


As for the note above...
They probably just generalized and said don't use "ATF" rather than try to break it down to all the different types of ATF that are safe or not to use.

 

[Totalled]

All I can say is... I put a mid 80 crown vic plastic pump on my 302 in the BII and filled it with type F. It was the quietest Ford plastic pump I've ever had. Well... till I ran it out of fluid on the trail anyway...

My explorer's came filled with clear PS fluid and is a whiny bitch.