I've heard some people say that you must use power steering fluid and others say it's okay to use automatic transmission fluid. What do you think?

 

I don't think that argument was ever solved. After a little searching, I came to the conclusion that it's basically whichever you want. Do a search for "power steering fluid" in the 87-96 and oil/lubrication forums. ATF is very similar to power steering fluid. Ford calls for Type F ATF in some manuals, and power steering fluid in others. I'm running Type F in mine with no problems at all.

 

Ford power steering systems require Type F ATF. The "power steering fluid & stop-leak" you see in most stores includes solvents that cause the seals to swell, but that also softens them and makes them wear out MUCH faster.

 

I don't think I've ever bought PSF for any car or truck I've owned.
I've always heard that the only difference is that the ATF has a red dye in it so that if you see it on the ground under your car you'll know that you have a tranny leak.If you see brown,it's engine oil,or green, it's anti-freeze.
I always wondered why they never colorized PSF for the mechanically challanged. A nice blue would be ok.

 

So you guys are saying that I can use tranny fluid in my power steering reservoir? That is something I did not know. Learned something new today.

 

If its the samething then you can use psf you have in your trany & t-case. I've always refilled a dry powersteering system with psf but topped up the pump with atf if no psf was around. Some once told me atf is higher detergent than psf but otherwise the its samething. Refilling a complete system with atf that was on psf can was the sludge out of it and start leaks.

 

Whoops. Now you tell me. I just put a new (used) steering box on and filled it with type F ATF. Well, we'll see how it does.



Wonder what's involved with flushing it out?

 

Type F doesn't have near as many detergents as Mercon. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Definitely Type F in the Power steering reservoir and most likely Mercon V in your Automatic Transmission. This is true for my 92 F150 and my 98 Windstar (the Windstar is dependant on what month it was made).