Power Steering Fluids vs ATF

[Kestas]

I keep a one-page list of all the cars I take care of. It is basically a Cliff notes version of the owner's manual, and has all the recommended fluids, capacities, and specifications.

This is the power steering fluid recommended for my cars:
Dexron III
Dexron
Type F
Mercon ATF
Mercon
ATF (just ATF!)

I use generic PS fluid for all of them.

I'm kind of thrown why my 91 Grand Marquis specifies Mercon for the transmission, and at the same time specifies Type F for the ps fluid. It goes against the thought of simplifying inventory at the dealer.

 

[Whimsey]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
I keep a one-page list of all the cars I take care of. It is basically a Cliff notes version of the owner's manual, and has all the recommended fluids, capacities, and specifications.

This is the power steering fluid recommended for my cars:
Dexron III
Dexron
Type F
Mercon ATF
Mercon
ATF (just ATF!)

I use generic PS fluid for all of them.

I'm kind of thrown why my 91 Grand Marquis specifies Mercon for the transmission, and at the same time specifies Type F for the ps fluid. It goes against the thought of simplifying inventory at the dealer.


I have a 1996 Contour that is spec'd for Mercon in the auto and manual trannies yet the PS calls for Type F ATF. I finally changed the ps fluid after 9 years, the car is now approaching 14 years old. I wasn't having any problems but just thought it might be a good idea. The factory fill was still red, although darker than most brand new ATF fluid. I have rack and pinion steering and don't want to pay for repairs so I began using the "turkey baster" method and have used about 4 quarts overall so far. I continue to use the Type F ATF. The steering is really good and I have no leaks. It may be an "old" style fluid but it still works good for me.

Whimsey

 

[Donald]

Most Merc I/O engines in boats have power steering and I would guess that almost none have had anything done to their power steering system.

 

[OVERKILL]

Ford has back-spec'd all the PS pumps to Mercon V now IIRC. I've got it in my Expedition and it works great. I also did my sister's Explorer ('97) and it made the pump SILENT! We are quite impressed with the results.

My '87 GT spec'd Mercon for the PS pump, as did my '89 Townie, and the Explorer, and my Expedition.

 

[AzFireGuy79]

You definately don't drive a toyota!

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

Both of my Isuzu and Toyota called for Dex 3. I replaced about 1.5 Qts in my Isuzu with Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, and steering improved quite a bit. Definitely lighter, more like it used to be when it was newer.

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Most Merc I/O engines in boats have power steering and I would guess that almost none have had anything done to their power steering system.


Those Marine I/O are only good for 1000-1200 hours, so the PS would not have much wear by the time the engine is done

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Ford has back-spec'd all the PS pumps to Mercon V now IIRC. I've got it in my Expedition and it works great. I also did my sister's Explorer ('97) and it made the pump SILENT! We are quite impressed with the results.

My '87 GT spec'd Mercon for the PS pump, as did my '89 Townie, and the Explorer, and my Expedition.


Ford had no choice but to back spec to Mercon V. It's all that's available now.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Ford has back-spec'd all the PS pumps to Mercon V now IIRC. I've got it in my Expedition and it works great. I also did my sister's Explorer ('97) and it made the pump SILENT! We are quite impressed with the results.

My '87 GT spec'd Mercon for the PS pump, as did my '89 Townie, and the Explorer, and my Expedition.


Ford had no choice but to back spec to Mercon V. It's all that's available now.


There are still a multitude of DEXRON III/Mercon "compatible" or "dex/merc" ATF's available. I am aware that "MERCON" has been discontinued.

Similar to how you can still buy Type F fluid.

 

[mechtech2]

Who's logic should be relied on?
ATF is VERY common in PS systems.

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Who's logic should be relied on?
ATF is VERY common in PS systems.


You are correct. I suggest following the manufactures recomendations

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream

You are correct. I suggest following the manufactures recomendations


I followed manufacture's recommendations and the whining did not stop. What should I do, live with it or try something else ? I'm glad that I tried MaxLife PSF.

 

[AzFireGuy79]

Im sure both amsoil PSF and RL would have accomplished the same thing. I have seen exactly what you descibe in a few vehicles that were picky. All of my cars love ATF in the P/S.

 

[Whimsey]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Ford has back-spec'd all the PS pumps to Mercon V now IIRC. I've got it in my Expedition and it works great. I also did my sister's Explorer ('97) and it made the pump SILENT! We are quite impressed with the results.

My '87 GT spec'd Mercon for the PS pump, as did my '89 Townie, and the Explorer, and my Expedition.


Interesting that my "newer", 1996 Contour with Rack and Pinion steering recommends Type F ATF versus your 87 GT and 89 Townnie which recommends Mercon. I believe your "87" and "89" do not have Rack and Pinion steering but the older style "worm and roller"

or shall we say NON Rack and Pinion. My wife's 2005 Explorer and my 2002 F-150 have this PS, the NON Rack & Pinion steering, and use Mercon V and Mercon respectively.

Maybe The early Ford Rack & Pinion PS's worked better with Type F ATF even though Mercon was used in the trannies

. It's working so far for me after almost 14 years. In fact I think I'll do another "turkey baster" PS change this weekend

.

Whimsey

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Whimsey
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Ford has back-spec'd all the PS pumps to Mercon V now IIRC. I've got it in my Expedition and it works great. I also did my sister's Explorer ('97) and it made the pump SILENT! We are quite impressed with the results.

My '87 GT spec'd Mercon for the PS pump, as did my '89 Townie, and the Explorer, and my Expedition.


Interesting that my "newer", 1996 Contour with Rack and Pinion steering recommends Type F ATF versus your 87 GT and 89 Townnie which recommends Mercon. I believe your "87" and "89" do not have Rack and Pinion steering but the older style "worm and roller"

or shall we say NON Rack and Pinion. My wife's 2005 Explorer and my 2002 F-150 have this PS, the NON Rack & Pinion steering, and use Mercon V and Mercon respectively.

Maybe The early Ford Rack & Pinion PS's worked better with Type F ATF even though Mercon was used in the trannies

. It's working so far for me after almost 14 years. In fact I think I'll do another "turkey baster" PS change this weekend

.

Whimsey


The Mustang has rack and pinion, the Lincoln has a steering box.

Ford does strange things