powersteering oil/fluid

[monster_ford]

Hi, im looking for threds describing how to change oil/fluid to power steering. I´m not sure what the english term is, but its the oil/fluid that makes the steering go easyer, when turning the weels. What is the correct word is it power steering oil or transfer oil, or is transfer oil something compleatly different?

I want to change the oil/fluid cause my mechanic said it was dark as engingoil and it should be clear in color, but im not sure how to search in the forum when im not sure of the correct term.

Hope some one understands what I mean, Im from Sweden so I´m not so good at english car terms .

Thanks.

 

[IZwack]

Hello!!

Yes its called "power steering fluid"
Does this diagram help any?

 

[monster_ford]

sweet, thx, That is so helpful.

 

[gijoecam]

Also, please note that *some* Ford power steering fluid is actually Automatic Transmission Fluid. Please consult your owner's manual to ensure you use the correct fluid for your vehicle.

-Joe

 

[ThePhoenix]

would it be * most *?

 

[carlover]

If you wanna quiet the typical ford power steering pump whine id recommend some mobil one synthetic ATF. It quieted mine down to what a normal car sounds like lol...

 

[MONMIX]

I used Valvoline full synth with very positive results.

 

[FexplorerV8]

I used Valvoline full synth with very positive results.

ATF?

 

[IZwack]

MMM flavors of power steering fluid.

I use General Motor's fluid, its mineral oil based and doesn't aerate as easily. Its not synthetic though so I'm not sure how long it would lasts. But I went with it cauz my Explorer does maybe 10 miles per month on average so longevity is not really important.

 

[gijoecam]

would it be * most *?

MMM flavors of power steering fluid.

I use General Motor's fluid, its mineral oil based and doesn't aerate as easily. Its not synthetic though so I'm not sure how long it would lasts. But I went with it cauz my Explorer does maybe 10 miles per month on average so longevity is not really important.

I rest my case... I've seen guys run straight hydraulic oil in the system when running plows too... Why? I dunno... the system is so simple, you can probably run vegetable oil in it without much of a problem!

Aldive swears by power steering fluid, not ATF, and I'm sure if it's available in a synthetic, he's got it!

-Joe

 

[IZwack]

I rest my case... I've seen guys run straight hydraulic oil in the system when running plows too... Why? I dunno... the system is so simple, you can probably run vegetable oil in it without much of a problem!

Aldive swears by power steering fluid, not ATF, and I'm sure if it's available in a synthetic, he's got it!

-Joe

x2 -- as long as its a fairly viscous fluid (slightly more viscous than water, to minimize aeration) with some lubrication properties for the pump, then it should work. The whole thing is just a hydraulic system -- no clutches or bands like in an automatic transmission.

 

[MONMIX]

ATF?

PS fluid.

 

[BTR]

That diagram is GREAT! I wish the site had more like it. Thanks!