Synpower PS fluid - will it mix with Type F ATF?

[wavinwayne]

Last summer I purchased some Synpower PS fluid to top off the fluid in a Blazer that I was driving. It only needed a little bit, so I've got almost a full bottle of this stuff, & nothing to use it in.

What would happen if I used it in wife's Expedition PS unit that currently uses Type F ATF?

 

[unDummy]

Go for it. Type F is an ancient spec.

 

[m2200b]

don't. You can buy guality aft f for $3 a gt.
Then you can use it up to get the old stuff out.
There are only a few syn that work as F like Redline and even those with older car don't have posted trouble.

Your synpower will likely last until you do have a car to use it on again.

 

[r961161]

I was going to post a similar question but found this one.

I am planning to flush the PS of our 1995 Mazda B3000 and the manual specifies a Type F fluid. The only Type F PS fluid I have been able to locate locally is the Walmart and Canadian Tire's own house brands. Is there anything better that I can use to replace the Type F or should I just use what's available?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Big Jim]

I have replace type F with Mercon in Ford power steering systems for years.

Power steering systems don't need ATF. ATF is overdesigned as a power steering system fluid. There is nothing wrong with using a dedicated power steering fluid in power steering system as long as it is otherwise compatable with the system.

Valvoline Synpower power steering fluid is a dedicated power steering fluid that is intended for only power steering systems. It is designed specifically for that purpose. It should not be used as transmission fluid. It works great for me.

 

[mpower]

I topped up my PS reservoir in my 1999 Grand Prix GTP with Synpower PS fluid. PS system was working normally with no prior leaks. A few days later I noticed a stain under the driver side of the engine bay. PS rack (seal, I guess) was wet in appearance. I kept topping up over the next two months. PS rack still dripping. After consuming 2/3 bottle of Synpower PS fluid, I tried topping up with some leftover Amsoil universal ATF. Still leaking a week later. Topped up 2 more times with Amsoil ATF and ... no more leaks.

This may not seem like a scientific observation, but Amsoil ATF looked more viscuous pouring out of the container than the Synpower PS fluid. Does anyone know what the stated viscosity is of the Synpower PS fluid?

 

[wavinwayne]

I just re-read my original post & realized that I never asked the question the way that I intended.

Here goes:
On my '97 Expedtion that uses Type F ATF as PSF; If I were to suction all the Type F fluid from the PSF reservoir, & re-fill the reservoir with Synpower PS fluid, it would immediately mix with the Type F fluid that is already in my Expedition's PS system. Would this be likely to cause problems?

 

[Big Jim]

You will be fine.

 

[Schism]

No it will not cause any problems at all.

 

[Steelhead]

type F auto transmission fluid has low levels of friction modifiers for the type of clutch and band friction material used on old pre '90's transmissions....
designed to keep the clutches and bands from slipping and giving that hard kick in the pants Ford C6 shift..

power steering systems are hydralic only with no friction band material considerations...use the best pwr steering ATF you can afford and change when starts to show color distortion....ATF even Red Line is cheap compared to a pump or rack/steering head replacement

 

[mshu7]

I have an '00 Grand Am GT with 102K miles. Around 90K, a wine devoloped in the steering unit. When I hit 100K, I used a turkey baster to suction out the fluid from the PS resovoir. When I filled it back up, I used Valvoline SynPower PS fluid. I also added an ounce of Auto-RX. 1000 miles later I did the same thing. Right now the wine in the steering unit is completely gone and the steering wheel is MUCH smoother overall when making turns. Even if you don't have some Auto-RX to use, my vote would be for the Valvoline SynPower PS fluid.

 

[MolaKule]

quote:

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it would immediately mix with the Type F fluid that is already in my Expedition's PS system. Would this be likely to cause problems?

---

It will mix but the Type F is probably better in terms of AW additives than is the Synpower.

Personally, I wouldn't dilute the type F with Synpower or any other weak PS fluid.

 

[dkryan]

So, even if the P/S fluid is synthetic (or syn blend) it would normally not work as well in a P/S unit as ATF?

 

[wavinwayne]

Thanks for your advice, gentlemen. I will be staying with the Type F.