Power steering fluid...

Topic: Power steering fluid... (Read 1344 times) previous topic - next topic

Power steering fluid...

June 09, 2006, 03:54:51 AM

Hello again!
I thought that it's time to change the power steering fluid in my T-bird as the one in the car seems to be orginal!
I got a STP fluid which is "recommeneded by Ford and Chrysler" and when I came home with two bottles I found a note on the back of the bottle: "do not use in P/S systems which need Ford Type F ATF or in Borg Warner P/S pumps".
I was wondering if 1987 T-bird pump needs Type F or it's a Borg Warner unit?

Power steering fluid...

Reply #1 – June 09, 2006, 12:17:13 PM

Type F is usually the fluid that you use in these systems. It's better and cheaper than 'power steering fluid'.

Power steering fluid...

Reply #2 – June 09, 2006, 05:06:27 PM

Why is the Type F better?
I don't have the owners manual, what kind of P/S fluid is mentioned there?

Power steering fluid...

Reply #3 – June 09, 2006, 05:50:53 PM

Quote from: Shevretti

I don't have the owners manual, what kind of P/S fluid is mentioned there?

Type F

Power steering fluid...

Reply #4 – June 09, 2006, 06:08:15 PM

OK, so I have to get Type F. Wonder why this one can't be used in P/S systems which work on Type F?

Power steering fluid...

Reply #5 – June 10, 2006, 05:27:53 PM

Check my "84 owners manual as a result of this thread. It says Type F transmission fluid.
I have owned the car since it was new and have always used power steering fluid.
I guess I should have checked the owners manual sooner.

Power steering fluid...

Reply #6 – June 10, 2006, 05:34:48 PM

Is there any serious difference between them that may affect on the P/S components? Think they would be better lubricated with P/S fluid than Type F?

Power steering fluid...

Reply #7 – June 10, 2006, 05:43:52 PM

I've never had any issues with using "power steering" fluid in my cars.

Power steering fluid...

Reply #8 – June 10, 2006, 09:36:47 PM

I heard it eats the seals

Power steering fluid...

Reply #9 – June 10, 2006, 11:31:30 PM

Quote from: Chuck W

I've never had any issues with using "power steering" fluid in my cars.

I've got "F" in the T-bird, and "PS fluid" in the Cougar. 6 one way, half a dozen the other I suppose.

Power steering fluid...

Reply #10 – June 11, 2006, 12:20:36 AM

How would it eat the seals? Is power steering fluid made for use in something other then a power steering system? Also isn't using Type F ATF just a cheap way to get by without paying extra for power steering fluid? after all they are both generally a hydraulic fluid right?

Power steering fluid...

Reply #11 – June 11, 2006, 12:42:18 PM

Ford does reccomend type "F" fluid for the P/S... However I flushed the system and used P/S fluid when I replaced my pump 4-5 years ago, so far so good...

Now in my AOD it's type "F" all the way...(no it ain't reccomended, but about all the races use it)

Power steering fluid...

Reply #12 – June 13, 2006, 07:18:21 PM

A parts store guy handed me Type F tranny fluid (store brand yet) and said --this is the stuff! At the time I was a little hesitant. Had never put tranny fluid in the power steering before. Both our '80's Fords have it now---as that is what I flushed with. Both original pumps and I did this work 2 years ago. He commented that some power steering fluids can gel up in cold temps---plus tranny fluid has higher tolerance for heat. I do not know if there is any downside.

Power steering fluid...

Reply #13 – June 14, 2006, 01:13:41 PM

The Type F is just an awesome fluid, it holds a higher line pressure according to what I've heard, switching a trans from Dexron to Type F will make it shift harder, so I assume it's a little thicker and handles temps better than most other PS and transmission fluids. Other types of fluids will probably make the infamous PS whine worse, while Type F seems to keep it pretty quiet. Toyota Camries call for Dexron in the PS, so don't worry about it, there's probably not much difference in them anyway, but when in doubt, run what Ford recommended if it's available.