What ATF in PS?

[jayro]

So I was wondering what ATF fluid is recommended for our power steering systems? I'm gonna flush my system and wanted to know what to replace it with. It's a '94 Thanks

 

[Bob Gervais]

Type F

 

[jayro]

Type F

Thanks

 

[Bob Gervais]

You're welcome! I've found that brand doesn't really matter. Some have used Dexron/Mercon, synthetic, etc without an issue. All I know is that Type F, whatever brand, has worked well in my SHO and F150.

 

[shotime1994]

Like Bob said type f. Don't use power steering fluid.

 

[19sho90]

Type F is also what i used

 

[jayro]

Like Bob said type f. Don't use power steering fluid.

So just for curiousity sake, what problems will power steering fluid cause?

 

[shotime1994]

So just for curiousity sake, what problems will power steering fluid cause?

I personally saw a pump go bad in a SHO that was running ps fluid.

 

[jayro]

I personally saw a pump go bad in a SHO that was running ps fluid.

Is the easiest way to flush the system to unhook the hoses at the cooler and put each in a bucket. Fill the suction line bucket with new ATF fluid and run the car till the fluid being pumped into the other bucket is new?

This was how I was planning on doing it.

 

[itwonder]

I personally saw a pump go bad in a SHO that was running ps fluid.

Doubt it was because of fluid. There is absolutely nothing unique about the PS pump in the SHO that will make it behave differently running Type F, Dexron, or so-called Power Steering fluid.

I run the recommended Type F, why not, but Dexron is not going to make any difference. The steering system is completely hydraulic, no clutches, so the friction modifier difference between Type-F and Dexron is not going to make any difference.

 

[pjtoledo]

I prefer to use the small return port in the reservoir. Cap the port, extend the tube to a bucket, and fill the reservoir with new fluid as it runs. BE WARNED, it will pump a lot of fluid in just a couple of seconds. be preparded the shut it off quickly.

 

[projectSHO89]

Disable the ignition and just use the starter to pump out the fluid.

 

[itwonder]

I've had luck with putting a restriction in the dump hose where it enters the bucket. A 3/16" hole is about right. The flow out will then be at a pace you can keep up with as you add fresh fluid to the reservoir. Just pointing the 3/8" hose into the bucket allows the pump to empty the reservoir way too fast to keep up.

 

[Fordlover96]

Is the easiest way to flush the system to unhook the hoses at the cooler and put each in a bucket. Fill the suction line bucket with new ATF fluid and run the car till the fluid being pumped into the other bucket is new?

This was how I was planning on doing it.

Which on the cooler is the suction line? Left or right? Small or big? Haha

 

[kevinspann]

There is no suction line. The pump just pushes fluid though the system

 

[jayro]

There is no suction line. The pump just pushes fluid though the system

That is what I found. I ended up pulling the lines off at the cooler and then feeding the resiviour with a bucket under the cooler line. If I had it to do over agian I wouldn't touch the lines at the cooler. Just pull the return line off the res and run it into a bucket. Plug the return port on the res so that it doesnt spilll out. Then start the car and feed the res until clean fluid comes out. I would have someone trurning the steering wheel too.

 

[Fordlover96]

Thanks guys, ill be flushing it tom. I hope everything goes as planned!! Haha