simple question-- steering and transmission fluids

[pfnolan]

I need to change my steering fluid but the shops near me (in this still-developing country) only have transmission fluid. They say it's OK, but I trust them about as far as I can spit. I'm running an '93 Explorer automatic.
Any suggestions?

 

[uh60james]

Use power steering fluid.

 

[pfnolan]

Problem is that I may not have a choice. This is a country where even having an automatic transmission is rare. I suppose the question is-- are there such cases though where transmission fluid could be used as steering?

 

[RangerX]

Check your owmer's manual. I think it calls for ATF.

 

[inh]

i know mine calls for atf

 

[badgett]

I think you will be fine with ATF in your 93. I wouldn't put it in a 95 or up. They have rack and pinion steering.

 

[pfnolan]

OK-- thanks for the help.

 

[trucku]

Yep atf will be fine.

 

[ma96782]

Haynes book sez:

power steering fluid type
1991 to 1995.........................Type F ATF
1996 and later........................Mercon type ATF


HINT:
If you're thinking of just getting some of the dirty fluid out and replacing it with fresh fluid........use a turkey baster to suck out the old stuff and replace w/ fresh.....works for me.

Aloha, Mark

 

[westcovinajoe]

Maybe you could order some online or have someone mail you some. You guys get mail right???

Joseph.

 

[ricky_dicky_doo]

atf should be good in any ford it wont heart a thing. every where i know uses it on fords.

 

[trucku]

Haynes book sez:

power steering fluid type
1991 to 1995.........................Type F ATF
1996 and later........................Mercon type ATF


HINT:
If you're thinking of just getting some of the dirty fluid out and replacing it with fresh fluid........use a turkey baster to suck out the old stuff and replace w/ fresh.....works for me.

Aloha, Mark

If you have A fluid cooler like on the 2002, just squeeze the lower clamp with some pliers and slide off the hose. You will get a complete drain of fluid. Reconnect hose fill run for a minute cycle steering left and right and then disconnect again and drain again. Do a final fill and you will have nice clean fluid with barely any traces of the old one. The steering system holds very little fluid so you won't go through 2 quarts.