Power Steering Fluid - Type F ?

[itwonder]

Threads have asked about PS fluid many times and the usual recommendation is any synthetic PS fluid or ATF. But I surprised myself today when I read my Owner's Manual and noted that it specifies "Ford ESW-M2C33F spec, such as Ford Type F ATF or Ford's Premium Power Steering Fluid, E6AZ-19582-AA or equivalent"

The results of some Googling suggest Ford specified type F for PS systems in most of its vehicles through 1996. So I'm guilty of using the wrong specification fluid for many years. No off the shelf PS fluid meets type F or ESW-M2C33F, and I used Valvoline SynPower which does not meet it.

This was really rather unimportant until now. I happen to be installing a remanufactured rack so I have renewed interest. I planned on using Mobil 1 ATF, but wonder if should look for some Mobil 1 Type F ATF, which I think I have seen in some stores, or use regular Type F. I'm still baffled about why the PS system would need Type F?

Is anyone out there using Type F?

 

[TYSHO]

Yes, I use Motorcraft Type F in my SHO's.

 

[93 SHO Tuner]

I just changed my PS pump and my Ford dealer and Penzoil said use Type F for 95 and older SHO's so thats what I'm using as well.

 

[Racer X]

****, are you serious?

I've been using the wrong fluid for going on 6 years.

 

[trainguy1989]

I have been using Mobile 1 ATF for years with no problems. Pretty quiet too.

 

[sdpatt]

I actually read the manual and use Type F also. Just changed the fluid last weekend for a refresh. I have used Mobil1 synthetic and MERCON over the miles, but the shifting feel and coloration of the drained fluid has caused me to return to the Type F. When I replaced the blocking rings and seals at 268K, the OEM fluid was clear red in color and all internal parts were in great shape.

 

[rubydist]

iirc, type F fluid was 'stickier' than the Dexron, so Ford clutches wouldn't slip under load. none of that should be important to your power steering system......

 

[Chuckblvd]

Type F is is a little thicker than dex/mec ATF. Possibly to keep noise down?

 

[itwonder]

From what i've been able to find out, Type F ATF does not have friction modifiers in it. Friction modifiers in Dexron/Mercon make it "slicker" than it would be without them. Racing ATF is more like Type F, no friction modifiers, to get firm shifts. Some racing ATF's claim they can be used where Type F is specified.


i cannot find a synthetic Type F ATF, except for Amsoil Racing ATF. But they don't say it meets the Ford ESW-M2C33F spec, just that it can be used where type F is specified.

 

[cmwwit]

Hello, my power steering was making noise and i drained out the fluid from the resevor and put in a bottle of Lucas power steering fluid and wow what a difference, no noise, steers smooth so far its great. Chris.

 

[hawkeye18]

Ah shit, I've been using mercon/dextron for like five years now.

I hope it isn't a huge deal.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

I have been using Merc V in PS system for about 7 years and well over 200k with the original PS pump and rack. I never changed either since I owned my SHO and I bought it with 112k and it now has 314k. The only thing I do is flush it every 2 or 3 years.

 

[JohnSawyer]

You need to be careful when specifying power steering and transmission fluid, to be clear which Taurus generation you're referring to:

Gen 1 (1986-1991)/Gen 2 (1992-1995) Taurus:
• Power steering fluid: originally spec'd for Type F, and no spec changes have been made since then. Ford recommends not using any type of Mercon, or Dexron III, in the Gen 1/Gen 2 power steering system.
• Transmission fluid:
1986-1987: Type F or Dexron II
1988-1995 (end of Gen 2): Dexron III/Mercon. In 2006, Ford announced that Mercon V was suitable/preferable in Gen 1/Gen 2 transmissions originally spec'd for Dexron III/Mercon, rescinding their earlier dire warnings about using Mercon V in these transmissions when they realized that the problems these transmissions were having after Mercon V was put into them, were actually due to pre-existing hardware problems and "power flushes" being done by some shops.

Gen 3 Taurus (1996-1999):
• Power steering fluid: originally spec'd for Mercon; Mercon V approved later
• Transmission fluid:
1996-1997: originally spec'd for Dexron III/Mercon; Mercon V approved later
1998-1999: spec'd for Mercon V

Gen 4 Taurus (2000-2007):
• Power steering fluid: originally spec'd for Mercon; Mercon V approved later
• Transmission fluid: spec'd for Mercon V

 

[DeepPower]

I've been using the Valvoline Maxlife Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak. Says it meets Ford Spec. M2C128C & D. Is this the right fluid? Certainly the stop leak doesn't work.

 

[SHOdded]

Well, this site says the spec Type F meets is ESW-M2C33-F. So offhand I'd say no, the MaxLife is not suitable for Type F.
https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubrica...nd+Power+Steering+Fluid&category=Transmission Fluid

Valvoline's Max Life PS Fluid w Stop Leak PDS:
GM part number 1050017 (Spec. 9985010), Chrysler Spec. 5931, and Ford Spec. M2C128C & D
http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_psf_with_stop_leak.pdf
http://www.carquestprofessionals.com/catalogs/chemicals/V-6217 ATF Application NON-Laminated Guide 6.10.13.pdf

Valvoline Type F:
http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/type_f.pdf
Ford M2C33-F
Ford M2C33-G

 

[DeepPower]

Well, this site says the spec Type F meets is ESW-M2C33-F. So offhand I'd say no, the MaxLife is not suitable for Type F.

Damn. Well, I hope I can mix Type F with my existing fluid? When I get home I'll siphon out as much as I can, and add Type F.

 

[SHOdded]

Turkey baster is what most folks use to siphon out, or just use a cheapo pump, being careful to only extract to the bottom of the reservoir to prevent air pockets. Drain & fill a few times, turn steering lock to lock with car running to knock out any air pockets that may have happened. Solution to pollution by dilution

I don't think you can mix Type F with the Max Life fluid, but I don't know what the differences in specs are. Ford has clearly stated Mercon is not compatible with Type F, so ...

 

[pjtoledo]

nice try fella's but reviving a 6 year old thread doesn't even come close to the record.

as for swapping out the fluid, divert the return to the reservoir into a bucket, plug the ******, start engine and quickly add at least 1/2 gallon of new fluid as the wheel is turned.


Perry

 

[xFallenxCripplex]

Threads have asked about PS fluid many times and the usual recommendation is any synthetic PS fluid or ATF. But I surprised myself today when I read my Owner's Manual and noted that it specifies "Ford ESW-M2C33F spec, such as Ford Type F ATF or Ford's Premium Power Steering Fluid, E6AZ-19582-AA or equivalent"

The results of some Googling suggest Ford specified type F for PS systems in most of its vehicles through 1996. So I'm guilty of using the wrong specification fluid for many years. No off the shelf PS fluid meets type F or ESW-M2C33F, and I used Valvoline SynPower which does not meet it.

This was really rather unimportant until now. I happen to be installing a remanufactured rack so I have renewed interest. I planned on using Mobil 1 ATF, but wonder if should look for some Mobil 1 Type F ATF, which I think I have seen in some stores, or use regular Type F. I'm still baffled about why the PS system would need Type F?

Is anyone out there using Type F?

Valvoline is a great fluid use it in my Subaru impreza never had issues with the cold or leaks here in Alaska -40 will make most PS fluids thick where you can't turn well, clutch won't fully engage and breaks hard to push. But this is probably older version of type f where I burned up the clutch because only when parked would it warm up enough to engage the clutch but then at a stop sign be frozen.
I've used Valvoline dot 3/4 and prestone dot 4 didn't have any issues with either in the cold.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[DeepPower]

Valvoline is a great fluid use it in my Subaru impreza never had issues with the cold or leaks here in Alaska -40 will make most PS fluids ...

I've used Valvoline dot 3/4 and prestone dot 4 didn't have any issues with either in the cold.

Isn't that brake fluid? Are you using brake fluid for power steering fluid?