PS fluid and coolant questions

[JasonF]

So the 96X 4.0 OHV has 109k on her and I'm wondering about some of the vitals. Mom serviced it regularly at dealer through about 100k miles. It had 2 thermostats in it during that time but i dont know if they changed out/flushed all the coolant anytime during that period.
Secondly, I don't think the power steering fluid has been changed either, and I don't see it on any of Ford's maintenance schedules.

If the truck is not overheating and the coolant sill looks fresh is there any reason why i should get it immediately flushed?

Should I get the power steering fluid flushed? I'm a bit concerned the sudden change from crummy fluid to fresh new might cause problems. I don't know if this is a valid concern or not. I could also do the manual fluid change with a turkey baster but I feel like a total flush is needed. Should I be using Mercon ATF like the manual says, or PS fluid? I was reading on the net and some site was saying how ATF is a joke use real PS fluid. I don't know much about it.

Money is an issue.. Im sure they charge quite a bit for this sort of service. Hope you can enlighten me! thanks

Jason F

 

[Kamaaina]

Probably not necessary to flush out the power steering fluid but I do it anyway because I don't believe the fluid last forever. There is wear and tear in anything mechanical and the power steering system has no filter so all that metal is circulating around and around in there. Like the auto trans if the old fluid has never been changed then there's a lot of varnish built up by the seals and changing fluid will introduce new detergents that might wash away the varnish and cause a leak. It's up to you whether to change the fluid or not.....if it's been running fine then just make sure the fluid is topped off and let it go.

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by JasonF
Should I be using Mercon ATF like the manual says, or PS fluid? I was reading on the net and some site was saying how ATF is a joke use real PS fluid. I don't know much about it.

So, you believe that because some web site says ATF is a joke, they know more than Ford does?

I would use what is recommended in the owners manual; my 97 owners manual calls for Mercon ATF.

 

[Kamaaina]

I agree with "dogfriend". Use what the factory manual recommends in your system. After all, they're the ones that built your truck and should know exactly what to use. Don't believe everything you read on the 'net.

 

[axleman2]

I would go with ps fluid, atf leaves a varnish on the parts in the rack. Also flushing is very good idea.
BTW my brother rebuilds rack for a living.