Power steering fluid? ATF???

Discussion in 'Technical' started by bigal3000, Sep 11, 2004.

  1. bigal3000

    bigal3000 Member

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    Location:
    Vancouver, Washington
    Vehicle:
    1973 Grabber
    I've heard both recommendations for early '70s Mavs
    but I've not been able to find a definitive answer.

    This is the spec from the owners manual: ESW-M2C128-A

    It also had a Ford part number at the time: D2AZ-19582-A

    I've read a few posts here where some people are positive
    you were supposed to use ATF and some just as positive
    the other way, standard power steering fluid. I called
    FoMoCo and all they could find to give me was the spec
    number referenced above.

    A retired Ford mechanic I know was working in a dealership
    shop in the early '70s and has told me he's never heard
    of such a thing as using ATF in the power steering.

    If you know the correct answer, and can link to some source
    of authority to back it up, please do so and show us all.

    Especially me, I have a brand new power steering system
    to fire up. :)
     
    bigal3000, Sep 11, 2004
    #1
  2. Mavaholic

    Mavaholic Growing older but not up!

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    I"ve always used ATF in my old Broncos.
     
    Mavaholic, Sep 11, 2004
    #2
  3. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    " just the facts mam"

    that statement might be a little old for some .

    i use ATF in my two mavs....frank...
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2004
    71gold, Sep 11, 2004
    #3
  4. Hawkco

    Hawkco Genuine Car Nut

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    ATF was used exclusively throughout the '60s in Ford power steering systems. The transistion to using power steering fluid began in the very early '70s. I recall using power steering fluid in my mom's '74 LTD, ATF in my dad's '69 F-100, and ATF in our '67 Mercury.

    My understanding is that once you rebuild your power steering system, with all the seals, etc. being new, you can use power steering fluid. You cannot put power steering fluid in a system that is or has run ATF.

    If and when I get a completely rebuilt (like new) or new power steering system, I will most likely run a synthetic power steering fluid.
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2004
    Hawkco, Sep 11, 2004
    #4

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