1994 F150 power steering noisy Type F only choice?

[JDD]

I know the power steering pumps are noisy on these things, but really now----
Anyway, will running something other than the spec'd Type F ATF make it run quieter and is it advisable? I mean Type F is pretty thick stuff. Has anyone run anything other than type F in an F150 of this vintage and did it quiet it down at all and is it OK for the system to run something else in it?

 

[tommygunn]

I can't see where Merc/Dex would fail you. There's no parts that need to grab eachother like in a tranny. But that being said, I've never tried it.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: JDD
I know the power steering pumps are noisy on these things, but really now----
Anyway, will running something other than the spec'd Type F ATF make it run quieter and is it advisable? I mean Type F is pretty thick stuff. Has anyone run anything other than type F in an F150 of this vintage and did it quiet it down at all and is it OK for the system to run something else in it?


You can try Lubegard PS fluid, it shut my brothers Ford PS unit up. Type F is the only fluid they list for the older Fords.

 

[abycat]

My ford has type f in it and its a little noisy. The best thing for it is getting a ps unit and bracket from a van cause they are the saginaw one (like the chevs).

 

[brianl703]

I use Dex/Merc in my 1988 Mustang's power steering, which specifies Type F. No problems and it's been that way for years.

I think I might have even used Mercon V in it, but I can't remember for sure.

 

[01rangerxl]

I don't think Ford significantly changed their PS systems (if they did at all), when they started specifying Mercon instead of Type F.

I don't know what they said to use in my 1995 Explorer, but I put Mercon in it with no issues. The PS system was completely original and working fine at 158K miles when I sold it. I think around 1996 is when they starting using Mercon in the PS systems.

 

[OVERKILL]

That pump will be very happy with Mobil 1 ATF or AMSOIL ATF in it. Both of which will quiet it down after a few turkey baster changes.

 

[Bgallagher]

Those old Ford PS systems always had noise. I had a 93 explorer with a similar system and LG Red helped but there really isn't much you can do without switching from F.

 

[OVERKILL]

Ford pumps that M1 ATF has made a difference in from being dead silent to at least several orders of magnitude quieter:

1. 1987 Mustang GT
2. 1988 Ford F-250
3. 1989 Lincoln Town Car
4. 1990 Mustang LX
5. 1997 Explorer
6. 1998 Expedition
7. 2000 Expedition
8. 2000 Ford Focus
9. 2002 Expedition

I've also used it, and AMSOIL ATF in GM and BMW vehicles.

 

[AVB]

I don't recommend this but, I know someone running Delo 400 15w40 in a older F-350. He claims it slows down the leaks. It was still leaking pretty bad when I serviced the truck though.

 

[01rangerxl]

That's the first I have heard of motor oil being used in a PS system. How does it sound and steer?

 

[AVB]

Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
That's the first I have heard of motor oil being used in a PS system. How does it sound and steer?


Everything seemed normal except for the leak. It was the steering gear leaking, I don't remember the pump leaking but it could have been the engine was pretty nasty.

 

[mechtech2]

Normal Dexron has proven to be OK in those older Ford PS systems.

And here goes... at possible assassination for me:
Add a little of the blue bottle STP while the car is idling [to the PS].
It has made noise disappear or be attenuated in many noisy Fords.
Not the best for middle of winter, but for any warmed up vehicle, it is OK.

 

[JDD]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Ford pumps that M1 ATF has made a difference in from being dead silent to at least several orders of magnitude quieter:

1. 1987 Mustang GT
2. 1988 Ford F-250
3. 1989 Lincoln Town Car
4. 1990 Mustang LX
5. 1997 Explorer
6. 1998 Expedition
7. 2000 Expedition
8. 2000 Ford Focus
9. 2002 Expedition

I've also used it, and AMSOIL ATF in GM and BMW vehicles.

I will try the Mobil ATF for starters. Thanks for citing examples.

 

[tig1]

I started using M1 ATF in Ford engines(1990 and earlier) back when M1 first came out with their ATF and have never had a failure or pump that made noise.

 

[roadrunner1]

Any quality hydraulic fluid will work just fine, an ISO 32 is comparable in viscosity to ATF.
Generally in hydraulic systems (which a power steering system is) hydraulic fluid is preferred over ATF.

I have used it in many power steering systems with very good results, a quality hydraulic fluid will have seal swelling additives superior to ATF, if a leaking power steering pump is an issue.

 

[artificialist]

I have used Dexron 3, Mercon V, and ATF+4 in Ford P/S systems without problems.

LubeGard PS additive might help lower the noise.

That in mind, P/S pumps on most Fords are weak. I have heard a solution is to buy an adapter that allows installation of a GM pump.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
I have used Dexron 3, Mercon V, and ATF+4 in Ford P/S systems without problems.

LubeGard PS additive might help lower the noise.

That in mind, P/S pumps on most Fords are weak. I have heard a solution is to buy an adapter that allows installation of a GM pump.


I've had many of them last over 300K without issue, I don't think that's a sign of them being weak

They are harder on fluid than GM units, which means you need to change it every once in a while. IIRC, this is because they run at a higher pressure.

If having to have its fluid changed once every 5 years or so makes a PS pump weak then I'm not sure what to tell you.

While most of the whining pumps I've seen are Ford ones, I've seen plenty of GM ones lately, most of them in vans. They are far from immune.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
I've had many of them last over 300K without issue, I don't think that's a sign of them being weak

Agreed. I have had many that have been noisy. They certainly weren't weak.

As I mentioned to you once before, my old 1983 LTD had a power steering line blow off on the way to Saskatoon. I don't know how many miles I drove on that highway before I hit a curve and noticed there was a problem. After that, it was noisy as heck, but it never failed. The rack failed some years before that happened, but the pump lasted until the car was totaled off. The Ford power steering pump whine is a pretty common issue. In my experience, it hasn't altered longevity. I've never had to replace a Ford power steering pump in personal use or taxi service.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Ford schmord! J/K!!!

We have not replaced a PS pump in a LONG time, so long I cannot remember one. It's just not something that fails anymore.

In the 70's I can remember our first prototypes were in Econolines and they did suffer PS pump failures in stationary operation, but that was way back when.

As far as noise they seem to be mostly quiet with a few that whine just a bit at low engine speeds in the parking lot. IMO it does seem like the Ford pumps are noisier.

Garak, did that 83 really have a rack and pinion PS setup???