Best Power Steering Fluid For Saginaw

[astark]

The old Thompson pump has just about had it and next week I will be upgrading to a Saginaw. Just wondering what the best fluid to use might be and about how much it will take.

 

[tsmustangs]

I use Pyroil. Never had any problem with it...

 

[broncnaz]

I started using the Valvoline Synthetic power steering fluid when I put my saginaw pump on. Its compatible with all power steering fluids and can be mixed if you have to. Been happy with it so far.

 

[SaddleUp]

I don't know if it's the best or not but I've been running tranny fluid in mine for as long as I can remember and it's never been a problem.

 

[76 bronco J]

I don't know if it's the best or not but I've been running tranny fluid in mine for as long as I can remember and it's never been a problem.

------I too use type F tranny fluid in mine, I seem to recall when I switched over to the 96-01 explorer belt system I was worried about all the fluid in the box & the fluid used with the newer pump mixing-- I'm pretty sure I remember looking up a 97 explorer & it also used type F tranny fluid for the power steering system

 

[73stallion]

i'm running prestone in mine, but i'll be switching to amsoil soon.

 

[bigmuddy]

pwr steering

I have used type F for years and never had a problem, but if you are running the hydroboost system it won't like the tranny fluid.

Ben

 

[SaddleUp]

I have used type F for years and never had a problem, but if you are running the hydroboost system it won't like the tranny fluid.

Ben

Who told you that? My hydroboost has had tranny fluid in it for about 2 years now and it has never been a problem.

 

[SaddleUp]

Okay, For Hydroboost the Ford Powerstroke manuals from 2000 and up (Not sure on other years) and even the 2006 Econoline manual call for Mercon ATF. Here is a link to the 2006 Econoline manual for verification: http://www.planetford59.com/quickQuote/manuals/2006/Econoline.pdf It might be worth noting that some of the GM manuals call for Dextron II in the hydroboost system as well. Apparently many of the manufacturers seem to think ATF is fine for the hydroboost do I'll keep running Type F in mine. (That's what I need for the tranny so I can't see the sense in carrying 2 types if either one works)

 

[Pa PITT]

I've had a system on and old farm tr since 1980 atf dextron ..
and I've got atf +4 in mine and my buddies sag.pump we put on our bronco
they also have a little lucus fluid in them also ..Lucus seems a little thick at times by itself ...

 

[broncnaz]

I always ran type F in my ford pump.
I'm pretty sure that the different types of ATF have more to do with the clutches in the trannys than anything else although some older seals may not like change. but nowadays a some ATF brands can be used in all tranny's without a problem. Since the power steering system has no clutch discs I dont think what you use is all that much of a problem.

 

[SaddleUp]

I always ran type F in my ford pump.
I'm pretty sure that the different types of ATF have more to do with the clutches in the trannys than anything else

Yes, the big differences have to do with the friction modifiers in them. Type F doesn't have any whereas Mercon and Dextron do. (To clarify for those that don't know it already, friction modifiers are added to make the fluid more slippery) As mentioned though the steering (or hydroboost for that matter) don't use clutches and therefore the specific ATF probably isn't going to make a difference.

 

[astark]

I stopped by Bob The Oil Guy's site

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum;f=16

And did a little searching and reading. Although not Saginaw specific, it looks like Amsoil Universal ATF is a popular power steering fluid over there. Some of these guys change power steering fluid with every oil change by flushing with the return line disconnected while adding fluid to the tank, or using a turkey baster. I thought that was a little excessive, but then again I'm replacing my pump too.

Additional comment and discussion is greatly appreciated.

 

[astark]

After a great deal of research though, I think I will go with Valvoline's SynPower Power Steering Fluid. I have found that just about all of the power steering gear box and pump rebuilders strongly advise using this product with theirs. Some of the forums I went to stated ATF can contribute to seal failure and leaking boxes. Others stated whining and squealing was eliminated by the use of Valvoline's SynPower Power Steering Fluid in Saginaw pumps.

I will also be flushing my power steering system thoroughly when replacing my pump and then annually.

Oh, and I also found the Valvoline was highly recommended by the hydroboost guys too.

 

[MarsChariot]

The new-out-of-the-box AGR-Saginaw pump I recently installed recommended Valvoline SynPower. That's what I am using.

 

[ken75ranger]

With the abuse our steering systems see the Synpower is probably a good idea.

 

[BwoncoHowie]

I'm running Valvoline type F cut with Lucas oil booster, my system seems to like it.

 

[astark]

I had used Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak mixed with whatever else I had in my old Thompson pump and think I got an extra five years out of it because of that. It was actually a darn good pump and probably the original too.

But anyway, I stopped by Advanced Auto Parts today and found Valvoline SynPower Power Steering Fluid is only 3.88 per quart. I'm thinking four quarts should be plenty to flush well and fill, but I'm looking for confirmation.

So, how many quarts do I need for a good flush and fill.

 

[68ford]

i would say not to use type f, bad experience with it. had a wild horses sag pump and used type f, leak right away and made weird noises.
got new sag pump from gm dealer,used gm brand fluid and it is dry as a bone.
my steering box that used to leak bad stopped leaking too when i went to the gm p/s fluid, i know its gm, just dont tell anyone.

 

[bigmuddy]

best power steering fluid

Saddleup, I was e-mailed about that tidbit about not using Type F with hydroboost by the guy?? that developed the hydroboost system that Jeffs and Wild horses sells.

Ben