power steering fluid or ATF?

HKstang · 05-22-2001, 10:57 PM

This might sound stupid but should I be using ATF or power steering fluid in my power steering? My manual calls for ATF but I've heard of people putting power steering fluid in. Are there benefits to using one or the other?

smokedchevy · 05-23-2001, 12:52 AM

It's the same stuff. They also put ATF in the manual transmissions.

Maroon 5.0 LX · 05-23-2001, 07:48 AM

Ok, but which: Type F, Mercon or....?

------------------
'89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner
'94 E-150 Conversion Van

SHaFT7 · 05-23-2001, 07:25 PM

my haynes manual says dexron III, so that's what i use

anyone else know any different?

are different kinds prone to leaking? cuz i have a river leak outta this thing (add to every week)

------------------
SHaFTed

91GT, Flows, dumps, 70MM BBK TB, K&N, Hurst short throw, T5, 17" Lexani Roma wheels, 235/40/R17 on front, 255/45/R17 on back, mach1 hood, LX tail lights, bright red!

Maroon 5.0 LX · 05-23-2001, 07:49 PM

SHaFT7... Yes, there is a difference. They have different additives in them. Some seals will not withstand the wrong fluid and cause leaks.

My manual just gives me a Ford number, not a type.

My '86 Ford van with a C-6 used type F. My '94 Ford van with a C-6 uses Mercron. You can't mix them either.

------------------
'89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner
'94 E-150 Conversion Van

HKstang · 05-23-2001, 09:23 PM

OK, so what should I use? I'd like to change to synthetic also since flushing the system is only going to be a one time thing. Type-F or Dexron?

smokedchevy · 05-23-2001, 11:58 PM

Dexron III

kystang86 · 05-24-2001, 12:10 PM

use dexronIII

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86 gt 3.73's,underdrives, welds, pro-5.0 shifted, chip,autometers,flowmasters, k&n,2.5" cowl hood, new motor in the works..

05-22-2001, 10:57 PM	#1
HKstang Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 44	power steering fluid or ATF? This might sound stupid but should I be using ATF or power steering fluid in my power steering? My manual calls for ATF but I've heard of people putting power steering fluid in. Are there benefits to using one or the other?

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05-23-2001, 12:52 AM	#2
smokedchevy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: ventura,CA Posts: 438	It's the same stuff. They also put ATF in the manual transmissions.

05-23-2001, 07:48 AM	#3
Maroon 5.0 LX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 471	Ok, but which: Type F, Mercon or....? ------------------ '89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner '94 E-150 Conversion Van

05-23-2001, 07:25 PM	#4
SHaFT7 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Lawrence, KS, USA Posts: 169	my haynes manual says dexron III, so that's what i use anyone else know any different? are different kinds prone to leaking? cuz i have a river leak outta this thing (add to every week) ------------------ SHaFTed 91GT, Flows, dumps, 70MM BBK TB, K&N, Hurst short throw, T5, 17" Lexani Roma wheels, 235/40/R17 on front, 255/45/R17 on back, mach1 hood, LX tail lights, bright red!

05-23-2001, 07:49 PM	#5
Maroon 5.0 LX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 471	SHaFT7... Yes, there is a difference. They have different additives in them. Some seals will not withstand the wrong fluid and cause leaks. My manual just gives me a Ford number, not a type. My '86 Ford van with a C-6 used type F. My '94 Ford van with a C-6 uses Mercron. You can't mix them either. ------------------ '89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner '94 E-150 Conversion Van

05-23-2001, 09:23 PM	#6
HKstang Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 44	OK, so what should I use? I'd like to change to synthetic also since flushing the system is only going to be a one time thing. Type-F or Dexron?

05-23-2001, 11:58 PM	#7
smokedchevy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: ventura,CA Posts: 438	Dexron III

05-24-2001, 12:10 PM	#8
kystang86 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: frankfort,ky Posts: 54	use dexronIII ------------------ 86 gt 3.73's,underdrives, welds, pro-5.0 shifted, chip,autometers,flowmasters, k&n,2.5" cowl hood, new motor in the works..