Mixing type F in power steering reservoir

[autostick]

Dang, there is a lot of posts about ATF but my search did not reveal if I can mix type F with dexron or other types of tranny fluid in the power steering system. Seems to me that the fluid properties are much less stringent for power steering, so am I going to get into trouble if I mix type F with other trans fluids in my power steering reservoir?

[Suicidekid63]

I dont think mixing would be OK. I would stick with Type F and have fewer worries. If it is already mixed, I would purge and fill with F only. IMO

[TonyC]

I second that "no," loudly. Mixing Type F and Dexron is a terrible idea, unless we're talking about a recycle barrel. If such a mistake can destroy a transmission, it can destroy the power steering. Remember, the pump is an extremely temperamental component that demands exact care if it's going to survive. Any deviation from its stringent requirements will be eventually fatal. That is exactly why nobody here will recommend using the "pink stuff" in these systems--save for a small handful of examples (I had seen bottles of power steering fluid before that specified on their labels that they were Type-F-spec compliant, but they are very uncommon), those fluids simply do not have the proper lubrication needs for the system.

---Tony

[shibbby911]

how do you get all the old power steering fluid out?

[Dan Szwarc]

Open the return line into a bucket. Crank the engine without starting to pump out fluid. When the reservoir is mostly low (you don't want to run dry) add more fluid and repeat.

Then run the car and turn in the wipers and turn the wheels back and forth a couple times. Repeat this whole process a we times, adding more fresh Type F. Eventually, you will have most of it out.

[toddallen]

I think this was a reasonable question. Type F fluid does not have friction modifiers in it like Dextron, which may make a difference with clutch plates in transmissions, but since there are no clutch plates in the wiper motor or power steering system I do not see any reason this would cause any harm.

The only issues I have read is that Hondas and GM cars have power steering systems that require the friction modifiers of the later fluids.

[TonyC]

Trust me, that steering pump is extremely temperamental. Great idea, and great when it works; but its operating requirements are even more strict than the transmission's. If ignored, it will self-destruct, and in short order.

---Tony

[march]

So you guys put transmission fluid in the power steering reservoir? not steering fluid?
Is the ACE hardware store type F ok?

Thanks

[toddallen]

http://www.ehow.com/way_5406591_can-tra ... ring_.html

[autostick]

http://www.ehow.com/way_5406591_can-tra ... ring_.html

thanks so much for posting this Todd, I have been using the two interchangeably. A very fluid thought.

[Dan Szwarc]

http://www.ehow.com/way_5406591_can-tra ... ring_.html

This article only applies to modern cars.

You NEVER want to put power steering fluid in a 60s Lincoln's system. You absolutely MUST use type F in the system as that is what it was designed to use. (As for using Dexron or mixing the two, I'll get back to you.) Baker's tried using modern PS fluid (not sure what kind) in a 60s PS system and the pump self-destructed within minutes. I guess it has to do with the design of the pump that was no good with new PS fluid.

The rule is to use what the manufacturer specified. Sometimes modern fluids can replace old-fashioned fluids, but in the case of 60s PS systems the answer is NO.

[Dan Szwarc]

So you guys put transmission fluid in the power steering reservoir? not steering fluid?
Is the ACE hardware store type F ok?

Thanks

As long as the bottle says "Meets Ford M2C33-C or D" then you are good to go.

[TonyC]

Dan's absolutely right; the steering system was constructed for the Type F specifications, and it must be strictly adhered to, unless you want to replace a $400 steering pump every year.

I have seen some power steering fluids that specified on their labels that they comply with the M2C33 requirements; but they are few and far between, so it's best to just use Type F transmission fluid, which is plentiful in the parts stores and Wal-Mart (the latter being easier on the wallet).

---Tony

[AmmoHouse]

I'm so close to getting my Linc back on the road that I can smell it.
I got ATF for the trans and power steering...no power steeering fluid required that I have read.
Hopefully I'm doing the right thing...I don't want to take this bastard apart for awhile!!!

[Mountain Pilot]

The new to me Mark-V has unknown fluid in it.
Will go ahead and drain the system. What brand of Type-F is best overall. My car has 72,000 miles on it and runs great. Be that as it may, this week plans are to replace the tranny fluid also.