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Dextron 2 ATF or P/S Fluid?

  • Thread starter Thread starter txstang347
  • Start date Start date Jan 13, 2008
T

txstang347

Member
Aug 9, 2007
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Jan 13, 2008
#1
  • Jan 13, 2008
  • #1
So whats the deal with "everyone" suggesting putting automatic transmission fluid in instead of power steering fluid after replacing the p/s pump and rack and pinion? I'm finishing up this job tomorrow and wondering if I should add Type F ATF or P/S fluid and what the difference is?
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
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Jan 13, 2008
#2
  • Jan 13, 2008
  • #2
Type F or Ford PS fluid meeting the correct spec.

We simply don't use a PS fluid per se (though I know a lot of folks who use PS fluid and Mercon, with seemingly no real side effects).
 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
15 Year Member
Nov 11, 2003
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Jan 13, 2008
#3
  • Jan 13, 2008
  • #3
I've always used DexIII and never had a problem.
 

Lemonade

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Jan 13, 2008
#4
  • Jan 13, 2008
  • #4
This is what I use:



Lems
 

cenok is family

15 Year Member
Jun 25, 2003
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Norman, Ok
Jan 13, 2008
#5
  • Jan 13, 2008
  • #5
i've always just used regular power steering fluid. no known problems
 

93gtmustang

10 Year Member
Oct 21, 2006
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Jan 13, 2008
#6
  • Jan 13, 2008
  • #6
My 93 GT manual specs dexron II.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
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Jan 13, 2008
#7
  • Jan 13, 2008
  • #7
What Factory Ford manual calls for Dexron?

One issue is seal compatibility with different fluids. Not to mention that Type F has a higher coefficient of friction.

Lems, as I recall, RL PS fluid specifies that it's good for PS systems requiring Type F.
 
T

txstang347

Member
Aug 9, 2007
57
0
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Jan 13, 2008
#8
  • Jan 13, 2008
  • #8
HISSIN50 said:
What Factory Ford manual calls for Dexron?

One issue is seal compatibility with different fluids. Not to mention that Type F has a higher coefficient of friction.

Lems, as I recall, RL PS fluid specifies that it's good for PS systems requiring Type F.
Click to expand...

So what should I put in the reservoir for the first time and I guess through out the life of the new power steering set up? I have a 1991 Mustang GT Convertible and don't have the factory manual. Chilton doesn't really specify.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
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Jan 13, 2008
#9
  • Jan 13, 2008
  • #9
txstang347 said:
So what should I put in the reservoir for the first time and I guess through out the life of the new power steering set up? I have a 1991 Mustang GT Convertible and don't have the factory manual. Chilton doesn't really specify.
Click to expand...

The owner's manual for my '88 explicitly calls for Type F.
The 94's manual is a little more cryptic but the listed part number references Type F.

I would use a synthetic that meets Ford's requirement for Type F in PS systems (see Redline's PS fluid verbage for instance - they are quite explicit. ).

Good luck.
 

93gtmustang

10 Year Member
Oct 21, 2006
515
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49
Jan 14, 2008
#10
  • Jan 14, 2008
  • #10
HISSIN50 said:
What Factory Ford manual calls for Dexron?

One issue is seal compatibility with different fluids. Not to mention that Type F has a higher coefficient of friction.

Lems, as I recall, RL PS fluid specifies that it's good for PS systems requiring Type F.
Click to expand...

My bad memory.
I just checked my manual.
Motorcraft Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid-Type F
Ford Specification ESW-M2C33-F
 

Darkwriter77

Resident Ranting Negative Nancy
5 Year Member
Jul 1, 2005
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Apache Junction, AZ
Jan 14, 2008
#11
  • Jan 14, 2008
  • #11
I've always just used plain power steering fluid. I was always under the impression that the only automaker that had a "special" fluid of their own was Honda...?
 

Shakerhood

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 28, 2004
3,356
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Jan 15, 2008
#12
  • Jan 15, 2008
  • #12
My Owners Manual and Service Manual both call for Type F.
 
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