Got a question about filling up the power steering fluid

saitrix · 2 Jan 2007 at 15:05

Hi,

Just checked my fluid levels today and noticed that my PAS fluid is on minimum. Now I have looked and in my manual it says that I need the Ford Auto box fluid. Would I be able to get this fluid from Ford, then just top up the fluid I already have all fine? Or does it need a full draining first?

BeatMaster · 2 Jan 2007 at 15:09

Ford should stock the fluid and it'd just be a case of topping it up

BeatMaster

4T5 · 2 Jan 2007 at 15:11

Just top it up but Not with an Aggitated bottle of fluid as it will contain bubbles.

Rotty · 2 Jan 2007 at 15:22

just top it up from a new bottle , about 3 quid from halfords

moss · 2 Jan 2007 at 15:29

You will need Dexron 2 ATF (automatic transmission fluid). A local motorfactors should have it, or halfords.

saitrix · 2 Jan 2007 at 15:49

Awesome! Thanks guys, I will go get some now.

thedazman67 · 2 Jan 2007 at 18:56

Why is it low, i though the power steering systems were a lot like the ones found in brakes there are closed and shouldnt loose any fluid at all, if they do there is a leak somewhere.

thedazman

Matthew.M · 2 Jan 2007 at 20:28

thedazman67 said:
Why is it low, i though the power steering systems were a lot like the ones found in brakes there are closed and shouldnt loose any fluid at all, if they do there is a leak somewhere.

thedazman

A common fault with Focuses is that the pump leaks slightly, but it only drops down a few cm a year so it's not worth replacing.

moss · 2 Jan 2007 at 21:22

thedazman67 said:
Why is it low, i though the power steering systems were a lot like the ones found in brakes there are closed and shouldnt loose any fluid at all, if they do there is a leak somewhere.

I sell loads of PS fluid at work, it seems PS leaks are quite common, I know mine does.

thedazman67 · 2 Jan 2007 at 22:16

I see, mine doesnt hasnt moved in the slightest since i had that car

thedazman

burns · 3 Jan 2007 at 06:30

moss said:
I sell loads of PS fluid at work, it seems PS leaks are quite common, I know mine does.

It's worth checking it's not leaking anywhere too hot, I had it spraying onto the exhaust manifold where it promptly caught fire.

Mickey_D · 3 Jan 2007 at 06:58

Siatrix, double check the fluid you need. There's two types of ATF. Dexron and Type F. The Type F is for Ford, but not all of them. The two fluids are not compatible.

Please make sure you're putting in the correct one.

Virdi · 3 Jan 2007 at 08:03

I've never quite understood why Power Steering Systems take ATF oil?

Surely an Automatic Gearbox and a Power Steering Rack don't have much in common? - lol

Mickey_D · 3 Jan 2007 at 10:31

Actually, they do. They both have hydraulic pumps and actuators. Hence why ATF is a hydraulic fluid and lubricant. Quite a good one at that.

Virdi · 3 Jan 2007 at 10:59

Mickey_D said:
Actually, they do. They both have hydraulic pumps and actuators. Hence why ATF is a hydraulic fluid and lubricant. Quite a good one at that.

Great! - Thanks