Power steering fluid question.........

[40BelowSummer]

Ok so a few days ago I checked all my fluids in my new 93 ATX SHO.

The power steering fluid is questionable. I am new to this, so I am not sure what to think of it.

My power steering fluid is light grey/black!?!? It looks not much different than my engine oil. Is this normal, I am sure it needs changed but could the previous owner have possibly put motor oil in it? I dont know if this has anything to do with my "fishy" sterring problems right now.

So basically what color should used PS fluid be?

Thanks!!

 

[SHOtimer]

No, that is not the color it should be. The proper fluid is Auto-tranny fluid specifically "type F". When I bought my car the fluid looked just like you are describing in your car, it is probably the original fluid. The most popular method to change the fluid with is to suck some out then refill it and repeat this untill the fluid is clean. Ok, to go about this buy several quarts of type F tranny fluid. Along with a cheap 'baster', (turkey baster) whatever you want to call it. Ok with those you will want to suck all of the dirty fluid out of the PS resevour (sp?). Then fill it up with the type F fluid you bought. Now, drive your car for a day or two and do the same thing again. You will have to repeat this for quite a few days before you notice a difference. But, when you are done you will have nice clear red PS fluid.

There are other ways to do it but this (to me at least) is the easiest and gets the job done best.

Doug

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

guitar333:

My power steering fluid is light grey/black!?!?

Bad fluid.

Change it. And it wouldnt hurt to put a larger cooler on it.

EDIT:

Check out the write-up on www.SHOTIMES.com
http://www.shotimes.com/php-bin/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0&sid=106

<small>[ January 12, 2004, 10:02 PM: Message edited by: NotSoSlowSHO ]</small>

 

[Rockledge]

Another method: Changing Power Steering Fluid

I replaced my old greyish PS fluid with Mobil1 ATF a few months agao and it was well worth the minnimal time and effort.

 

[SuperG]

Yes, those insttructions are good. I propped the front end on jack stands. I also got a long, plastic tube to attach over the PS fluid return line, which then goes into a bottle (milk jug or such). Then I start the engine and let it run for only a moment, which pumps a bunch of fluid out. Then turn off the engine and turn the wheel left and right a whole lot...you might even turn the engine on for a few seconds again...then repeat the wheel turning.

After that, I use the cheap ATF fluid to perform the flush, by filling it into the reservior and doing the same as above.

Finally I flush the ATF fluid with nice, purty, clear Powersteering Fluid...I think I used Mobil 1, or maybe it was Pennzoil...it's in a gray/silverish bottle...

 

[SHOtimer]

SuperG
Finally I flush the ATF fluid with nice, purty, clear Powersteering Fluid...I think I used Mobil 1, or maybe it was Pennzoil...it's in a gray/silverish bottle... [/QB]

The manual specifies type F ATF fluid.

 

[SHOZ123]

I use synthetic ATX fluid in both SHO's PS systems

 

[SuperG]

Manual? What's that? Oh that book thing!

Well, you are right...but only partially.

The spec calls for either Motorcraft Type F automatic transmission fluid OR Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid OR any fluid that meets the Ford specification ESW-M2C33-F, which is on several brands of high quality power steering fluids...

 

[SHOtimer]

SuperG:
Manual? What's that? Oh that book thing!

Well, you are right...but only partially.

The spec calls for either Motorcraft Type F automatic transmission fluid OR Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid OR any fluid that meets the Ford specification ESW-M2C33-F, which is on several brands of high quality power steering fluids...

Tiz true. But, I wouldn't just be pourin any ole PS fluid in their. If it isn't type F, make sure that it does meet that requirement.

Doug

 

[40BelowSummer]

SHOtimer:

SuperG
Finally I flush the ATF fluid with nice, purty, clear Powersteering Fluid...I think I used Mobil 1, or maybe it was Pennzoil...it's in a gray/silverish bottle...

The manual specifies type F ATF fluid. [/QB]

is atx type F as well?

 

[SuperG]

That's going to be "Type F ATF" and ATF is Automatic Transmission Fluid. It's very easy to find at the local Wal-Mart or an auto parts store...

Perform a good flush and it will last years!

Plus it's kind of neat to see that nasty stuff come OUT of the steering system!

 

[40BelowSummer]

ok thanks, well i think im gonna do all this stuff this weekend. i live in a small town with a very small expensive parts store, so i am going to take an hour trip to get some filters.

does autozone/checkers have all the filters i will need? which place should i buy them from (cheaper).

thanks guys, appreciate you helpin me out

 

[SHOtimer]

guitar333

is atx type F as well? [/QB][/QUOTE]


NO! The ATX takes "Mercon/Dextron III". Don't put "type F" in your transmission!

Doug

 

[40BelowSummer]

i was talking for PS fluid

 

[SHOtimer]

O, sorry my bad. And yes to your question.

Doug