Does anyone know if Ford allowed the use of MERCON fluid in power steering systems that originally called for Type F fluid? Thanks
Power Steering Fluid, Type F and Mercon
- Thread starter DWC28
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I don't know if Ford "allowed" it, but I've been using Mercon in my Bronco's power steering for over 2 years now with no problems. It originally called for Type F. I switched it over while I was replacing the steering box and PS hoses, so it's all fresh fluid and there's no Type F left in the system.
I wouldn't chance it personally, big difference in the fluid specs IIRC. I know in an AT it could be disastrous, but maybe not an issue in PS applications.
If you do use Mercon, try MaxLife. It really quiets down a tired old Ford PS pump.
If you do use Mercon, try MaxLife. It really quiets down a tired old Ford PS pump.
My 1996 Contour uses Type F ATF in the power steering. Since I can easily still get it at Walmart and Advance Auto Parts I continue us use it with my "turkey Baster" PS fluid changes.
Whimsey
Whimsey
Originally Posted By: Whimsey
My 1996 Contour uses Type F ATF in the power steering. Since I can easily still get it at Walmart and Advance Auto Parts I continue us use it with my "turkey Baster" PS fluid changes.
Whimsey
I do the same thing with my 88 E-150. Type F is easy enough for me to get.
My 1996 Contour uses Type F ATF in the power steering. Since I can easily still get it at Walmart and Advance Auto Parts I continue us use it with my "turkey Baster" PS fluid changes.
Whimsey
I do the same thing with my 88 E-150. Type F is easy enough for me to get.
^ +1 M1 in everything on my F150 ...like Butta
I have used all kinds of ATF where Ford called for Type F or Mercon. I never had a single problem.
I suggest getting synthetic ATF. It can extend the life of your power steering system and improve steering feel.
I suggest getting synthetic ATF. It can extend the life of your power steering system and improve steering feel.
I run maxlife ATF in the PS on my 67 Ford F-250 and it does great. I have a 69 ltd with automatic, and I definitely use type F in the trans (and still in the ltd's PS), but the old fords PS system really seems to like maxlife. The ltd had a bit of a noisy PS system. I sucked the fluid out of the reservoir and filled with MMO. Ran that for a few months then did the suck and fill about 5 times again over the next few months. Been much quieter and smoother since then. Fluid still looks good, but that was type F. Next time it will get maxlife.
I've replaced old fluid in a couple of Camry steering systems with Maxlife and it seemed smoother in both cases. At Walmart, 17 bucks for a gallon seems a real deal for synthetic. I've also used it in Camry autos which take Dex 3
Originally Posted By: KingCake
Mobil 1 ATF makes every power steering system (Except Honda/Acura) smooth as butter.
I have used Mobil 1 ATF in all my Fords going back to when M1 first came out with their ATF(early 90's I believe). To date, I have never had a PS pump fail, and all remain very quite, even in sub zero temps.
Mobil 1 ATF makes every power steering system (Except Honda/Acura) smooth as butter.
I have used Mobil 1 ATF in all my Fords going back to when M1 first came out with their ATF(early 90's I believe). To date, I have never had a PS pump fail, and all remain very quite, even in sub zero temps.
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PS systems calling for ATF can use almost anything close including type f, Dexron, Mercon, even ATF+4. They are simple hydraulic systems not dependant on friction properties like the transmission is. I like Maxlife in my systems calling for GM power steering fluid or DexronIII. I am confident Mobil 1 ATF is a great choice too
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Originally Posted By: tig1
Originally Posted By: KingCake
Mobil 1 ATF makes every power steering system (Except Honda/Acura) smooth as butter.
I have used Mobil 1 ATF in all my Fords going back to when M1 first came out with their ATF(early 90's I believe). To date, I have never had a PS pump fail, and all remain very quite, even in sub zero temps.
This is my experience as well.
Originally Posted By: KingCake
Mobil 1 ATF makes every power steering system (Except Honda/Acura) smooth as butter.
I have used Mobil 1 ATF in all my Fords going back to when M1 first came out with their ATF(early 90's I believe). To date, I have never had a PS pump fail, and all remain very quite, even in sub zero temps.
This is my experience as well.
Originally Posted By: Whitewolf
Originally Posted By: DWC28
Does anyone know if Ford allowed the use of MERCON fluid in power steering systems that originally called for Type F fluid? Thanks
The biggest concern would probably be materials compatibility.
In my records Type F only required Buna-N where Mercon had that plus Polyacrylate, Ethylene Acrylic, Fluorelastomer and Silicon.
Did you used to work for PowerTrain?
Originally Posted By: DWC28
Does anyone know if Ford allowed the use of MERCON fluid in power steering systems that originally called for Type F fluid? Thanks
The biggest concern would probably be materials compatibility.
In my records Type F only required Buna-N where Mercon had that plus Polyacrylate, Ethylene Acrylic, Fluorelastomer and Silicon.
Did you used to work for PowerTrain?
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