I was checking fluids,noticed the fluid was a little low in the reservoir.Truck has 140,000 mi on it and PS unit is quiet. Instead of just adding some fluid I thought it would be good to use a TB and then add some new fluid.I'm guessing it has OE [Mercon or Mercon V] in it. What would be recommended? I was thinking of using Maxlife PS fluid. Is it recommended with the Ford fluid. I've read not to use Maxlife with stop leak unless it is leaking. I haven't looked to see if there is a leak. Whatcha think.
98 Ranger PS fluid rec.
- Thread starter Toaster_Jer
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I did our 2001 Ranger power steering with Maxlife. Old stuff was dark brown and smelly. Steering is quiet and smooth.
Anything Mercon V. I have always had good luck using Mobil ATF in my Fords.
The correct fluid would be a Mercon or Mercon V equivalent. Mercon was the suggested fluid for a long time, but Ford has effectively superseded all Mercon applications to Mercon V, and now labels Mercon V as "transmission and power steering fluid" on the bottle. I personally haven't encountered any problems with that. These systems aren't that picky and should do fine on any decent Dex/Merc or Mercon V type of fluid.
Ford originally spec'd Mercon in my 2002 Ranger for the PS, even though the transmission spec'd Mercon V. I have been using Mercon V in the PS for years without issue. Original pump, original rack. The only repair in 13 years/178K has been 2 o-rings at the reservoir valve, which both come in a $7 seal kit for Ford pumps that you can get at Napa.
I do use Dex/Merc in my 1994 Ranger's PS pump rather than Mercon V, but I also use it for the t-case so I have it on hand anyway. If I didn't use it for something else, I'd probably just use Mercon V since I have plenty of that and it seems to work fine in this type of Ford pump.
Even though it's not likely to do harm, I probably wouldn't use Maxlife Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak if I could avoid it. You can buy o-rings, teflon seals, hoses, etc separate, and this is not a complicated system at all. I'd rather fix the leak, if there is one, than treat the whole system for a leak.
If it were mine, I'd just top off or change out with a Mercon or V equivalent, wipe off the reservoir, especially where the hoses connect, and watch it. If you think it's leaking, remember to check the whole system. Fluid leaks near the reservoir will run down the hoses to the rack, and will also run down the pump bracket on the engine and drip on to the rack.
Ford originally spec'd Mercon in my 2002 Ranger for the PS, even though the transmission spec'd Mercon V. I have been using Mercon V in the PS for years without issue. Original pump, original rack. The only repair in 13 years/178K has been 2 o-rings at the reservoir valve, which both come in a $7 seal kit for Ford pumps that you can get at Napa.
I do use Dex/Merc in my 1994 Ranger's PS pump rather than Mercon V, but I also use it for the t-case so I have it on hand anyway. If I didn't use it for something else, I'd probably just use Mercon V since I have plenty of that and it seems to work fine in this type of Ford pump.
Even though it's not likely to do harm, I probably wouldn't use Maxlife Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak if I could avoid it. You can buy o-rings, teflon seals, hoses, etc separate, and this is not a complicated system at all. I'd rather fix the leak, if there is one, than treat the whole system for a leak.
If it were mine, I'd just top off or change out with a Mercon or V equivalent, wipe off the reservoir, especially where the hoses connect, and watch it. If you think it's leaking, remember to check the whole system. Fluid leaks near the reservoir will run down the hoses to the rack, and will also run down the pump bracket on the engine and drip on to the rack.
Supertech Mercon V should be a good idea unless you can get Maxlife cheaper.
Thanks, Mercon V it is. I'll suck out what I can and top off. I'll also try to get things cleaned up and see if I can find a leak somewhere. Front main seal may be starting to seep too.
Good idea on the turkey baster method; do at least 3 cycles with it and the Mercon V. I've had good experience with Castrol MultiVehicle ATF. I tried the TB and Mobil 1 fully synthetic ATF in a 17 year old Honda once and the return hose where it connects to the PSU reservoir began to weep. I dunno if it was coincidence or not.
For good measure, I also drop in a magnet in the PSU reservoirs of all my cars to get the ferrous material out of the system.
For good measure, I also drop in a magnet in the PSU reservoirs of all my cars to get the ferrous material out of the system.
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