Best Mercon V for P/S?
- Thread starter Rocko1
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I have used M1 ATF in my PS pumps for 15-20 years(or ever since M1 started making ATF) and have never had a failure. It seems to hold up well in the heat and performs very well in cold temps. A little pricey but for me it is well worth the price. Not sure about the Mercon V-synthetic connection, but I don't think so.
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Your owner manual should list the capacity of the power steering fluid. I think you don't need more than 2 quarts.
In reference to tig1's suggestion, I'd use either Mobil 1 ATF or Mobil Super ATF D/M, both of which meet the specification. One might be easier to find than the other.
I'm guessing Mercon V doesn't require a fully synthetic fluid if Mobil Super meets it. Mobil Super Dexron-VI is semi-synthetic, for instance, if I recall correctly.
I'm guessing Mercon V doesn't require a fully synthetic fluid if Mobil Super meets it. Mobil Super Dexron-VI is semi-synthetic, for instance, if I recall correctly.
Walmart sells it. Mercon V is at a minimum semi-synthetic. I use their Mercon V in all my Ford vehicles with zero problems.
Valvoline is the least expensive full synthetic Mercon V. That is what I use if I need a fluid for just Mercon V.
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Valvoline is the least expensive full synthetic Mercon V. That is what I use if I need a fluid for just Mercon V.
Valvoline Mercon V is no longer full synthetic, and I don't think that Valvoline Maxlife ATF is really Mercon V compatible. Their literature probably lags the reality. The back of MaxLife ATF does not say that it is Mercon V compatible product. The cheapest Mercon V (when there is no sale) is NAPA Mercon V. There is a rumor that it's just Valvoline Mercon V, being made by Ashland. Another cheap Mercon V fluid is Castrol Mercon V when it is ordered online from AAP with CCABIN code (20 off from purchase of $50 or more).
However, I must say that everyone is over-analyzing the issue. Mercon V is overkill for power steering, much less the "best mercon v". Just use any brand you can find/buy. 2 quarts should be enough. If you want the best, get Mobil 1 synthetic ATF ($10 a quart at AAP).
Valvoline is the least expensive full synthetic Mercon V. That is what I use if I need a fluid for just Mercon V.
Valvoline Mercon V is no longer full synthetic, and I don't think that Valvoline Maxlife ATF is really Mercon V compatible. Their literature probably lags the reality. The back of MaxLife ATF does not say that it is Mercon V compatible product. The cheapest Mercon V (when there is no sale) is NAPA Mercon V. There is a rumor that it's just Valvoline Mercon V, being made by Ashland. Another cheap Mercon V fluid is Castrol Mercon V when it is ordered online from AAP with CCABIN code (20 off from purchase of $50 or more).
However, I must say that everyone is over-analyzing the issue. Mercon V is overkill for power steering, much less the "best mercon v". Just use any brand you can find/buy. 2 quarts should be enough. If you want the best, get Mobil 1 synthetic ATF ($10 a quart at AAP).
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Originally Posted By: Rocko1
Looking to exchange all my power steering fluid in my 08 Ford Expedition. It calls for Mercon V fluid. 1) What is a good brand of fluid? 2) Are all Mercon V's synthetic? Thank you.
1. It's hard to say since we have very little information (in terms of used fluid analysis, etc). Any fluid that's Mercon V certified by Ford is supposed to be up to Ford's standards, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you want the safest and most tested fluid, IMHO, get Motorcraft Mercon V from a Ford dealership.
2. Most of synthetic ATF's that claim Mercon V compatibility are multi-brand ATF fluids. A lot of them, probably do not even have Ford's Mercon V certification. It seems like no one wants to produce a synthetic ATF formula targeted specifically at Mercon V users. If you want synthetic, take a look at Mobil 1 ATF (it's sold at AAP, about $10 a quart).
Looking to exchange all my power steering fluid in my 08 Ford Expedition. It calls for Mercon V fluid. 1) What is a good brand of fluid? 2) Are all Mercon V's synthetic? Thank you.
1. It's hard to say since we have very little information (in terms of used fluid analysis, etc). Any fluid that's Mercon V certified by Ford is supposed to be up to Ford's standards, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you want the safest and most tested fluid, IMHO, get Motorcraft Mercon V from a Ford dealership.
2. Most of synthetic ATF's that claim Mercon V compatibility are multi-brand ATF fluids. A lot of them, probably do not even have Ford's Mercon V certification. It seems like no one wants to produce a synthetic ATF formula targeted specifically at Mercon V users. If you want synthetic, take a look at Mobil 1 ATF (it's sold at AAP, about $10 a quart).
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Power steering systems get HOT.
And they have parts/areas that have extreme loading at times.
I recommend a full synthetic ATF.
Are you going to worry about a few dollars per year or two for the benefits?
This advice is safe and sane.
And they have parts/areas that have extreme loading at times.
I recommend a full synthetic ATF.
Are you going to worry about a few dollars per year or two for the benefits?
This advice is safe and sane.
I have been doing turkey baster changes on my truck with Super Tech Mercon V since about 50K miles, and sporadically at that. 121K miles on the completely original PS pump, rack, hoses, everything and it's still doing great.
Ford used type F forever in the P/S and there was rarely a failure, most times never changed in the life of the vehicle... Get whatever M-V is on sale and you'll be fine...
I have 12qt of Super Tech waiting to do a fluid change on my '98 Grand Marquis(52K mi), that no doubt is still running the original fluid...
I have 12qt of Super Tech waiting to do a fluid change on my '98 Grand Marquis(52K mi), that no doubt is still running the original fluid...
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