Fluid For 2002 Ford Power Steering

[FordMan59]

The power steering on my '02 Ford Escort has started leaking a little. My question is would it be safe for seals and such to use Type F transmission fluid to refill it? I've got about a half case of Type F that I had left when I got rid of a '76 Chrysler back in the 90's. I changed the fluid every few years in the Chrysler so I always bought fluid by the case. It's just been sitting in the garage taking up space for 30 years. I though if it wouldn't hurt anything I'd use it for topping off the PS.

 

[viscous]

Don't know for sure, but seems like a reasonable substitution. Your vehicle was produced a few years after Ford quit using Type F in PS units. Some info here:

Ford used Type F in their power steering systems until the mid/late 90s.

My 1996 Ford Contour specs Type F in the PS.

Type F is an atf that has minimal amounts of friction modifiers. It generally provides for firmer shifts and is excellent for PS units.

Most Power Steering fluids (except for High Performance full synthetic and Honda PS fluids) are very close to the same formulation as most modern ATF's, I.E they contain friction modifiers. Type F fluid contains no friction modifiers, but does contain a goodly amount of anti-wear, seal swell, and anti-foam additives.

What's the difference between Power Steering fluid & Type F ATF?

As the topic states, what's the difference between Power Steering fluid & Type F ATF, in terms that my thick wooden skull can understand? This question, minus the thick wooden skull part, was asked on a Ford forum, & I would like to be able to answer the guy's question.

www.bobistheoilguy.com

ATF Type F / Power-Steering

Hi I drive a 1995 Nissan Quest and im having trouble finding the right power steering fluid. In my owners manual it says to use a ATF Type F for my power steering but there is so many brands out there and I cant decide which one is right for my van . What I really want to know is does it matter...

www.bobistheoilguy.com

 

[viscous]

I though if it wouldn't hurt anything I'd use it for topping off the PS.

I didn't realize that you're doing a top-off, rather than a spill 'n' fill. Here's some info on mixing:

mixing fluids in power steering

In the past, I've always topped off my power steering fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. I was going to change the fluid, and both of my cars, a Ford and a Nissan, call for auto transmission fluid. What happens when these fluids mix? How common is ATF in the power steering system?

www.bobistheoilguy.com

It's best to drain all the old stuff out though sometimes it makes funny noises when mixing new ATF with used PSF, but YMMV.

In my view, any ATF between 5.5 cSt and 8.0 cSt will work in just about any PS system found in GM and Nissan vehicles. Ford may be the exception with their squeeky PS pumps.

What happens when [ATF and PSF] mix? How common is ATF in the power steering system?

They will mix and all are about the same viscosity...

 

[ka9mnx]

No. Type F and Mercon/Mercon V have entirely different friction properties.

 

[viscous]

No. Type F and Mercon/Mercon V have entirely different friction properties.

The PS unit on an '02 Ford Escort came from the factory filled with Mercon or Mercon V?

 

[MolaKule]

No. Type F and Mercon/Mercon V have entirely different friction properties.

They do for wet clutch surfaces in AT's. Do you know of any wet clutch assemblies designed into Power Steering systems?

 

[ka9mnx]

The PS unit on an '02 Ford Escort came from the factory filled with Mercon or Mercon V?

Dunno. Ford came out with Mercon V around that time for certain vehicles like the Ranger.

 

[ka9mnx]

They do for wet clutch surfaces in AT's. Do you know of any wet clutch assemblies designed into Power Steering systems?

Good point. Didn't look at it that way. I still would not use it in a Mercon system.

 

[OVERKILL]

The power steering on my '02 Ford Escort has started leaking a little. My question is would it be safe for seals and such to use Type F transmission fluid to refill it? I've got about a half case of Type F that I had left when I got rid of a '76 Chrysler back in the 90's. I changed the fluid every few years in the Chrysler so I always bought fluid by the case. It's just been sitting in the garage taking up space for 30 years. I though if it wouldn't hurt anything I'd use it for topping off the PS.

It will be fine.

 

[Lubener]

The power steering on my '02 Ford Escort has started leaking a little. My question is would it be safe for seals and such to use Type F transmission fluid to refill it? I've got about a half case of Type F that I had left when I got rid of a '76 Chrysler back in the 90's. I changed the fluid every few years in the Chrysler so I always bought fluid by the case. It's just been sitting in the garage taking up space for 30 years. I though if it wouldn't hurt anything I'd use it for topping off the PS.

I use Mercon ATF in my 2003 Merc.

 

[FordMan59]

No more expensive than Mercon is I may just buy some to be safe. I just thought if I could use the Type F safely I could get it out of the way in the garage. Maybe I need to take it to an antique car show and give it to someone who can use it. Back when I bought it I probably didn't pay more than about a $1. a quart for it.

 

[ka9mnx]

Find someone with an old Ford (like my F150) pre @1995 and give it to them. It's what goes into their PS system.