69-chvl

iTrader: (11)

LS swap into SN95, using truck PS pump hooked up to SN95's rack. Do you use the fluid recommended for the pump or the rack? Does it matter?

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

I've purchased PS fluid from the dealership because I read to only use recommended fluid but I've used Prestone PS fluid without issues.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

I've always just used regular power steering fluid. Never had any issues.

Michael Yount

iTrader: (1)

The 4 cylinder that originally came in my car used a Saginaw PS pump with a ZF power rack. Type F auto tranny fluid was the specified fluid and that’s what I’ve been using with the LS for 5 years.

ryeguy2006a

iTrader: (27)

I've always used regular PS fluid and haven't had any issues.

gradymayhem

Flushed the gearbox with prestone to get all the filthy old fluid and deposits out then extracted all I could and filled the system with Lucas.

Michael Yount

iTrader: (1)

I added a filter to the return line. Every couple of years I use a turkey baster to empty the reservoir, refill it with new Type F, drive it around the block a few times, and repeat that twice more. Fluid always looks brand new. Not a hint of a leak anywhere almost 5 years on.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

But does it make Thanksgiving dinner taste funny?

G Atsma

Nobody lives to tell about it..... except those who "know"....

Michael Yount

iTrader: (1)

Only once…

69-chvl

iTrader: (11)

Since I have some regular power steering fluid here I can try it and see if its happy. Easy enough to change if not. Thanks for the tips!

cdk4219

Whichever part is more expensive to replace is what recommended fluid I use. Porsche recommends cfh11 fluid and I have used that with the ls1 pump. The pump is easier and less costly to replace. Alll other times I use ATF.

indyjps

Agree with matching the fluid type to the most exensive or most difficult component to replace when mixing and matching for a swap.

My 2006 Silverado daily driver, these have a history of noisy pumps. I swapped fluid to lucas and it quieted down. Each oil change Ive been removing fluid out of reservoir with a vacuum pump, same qty as a new bottle of lucas, and adding new fluid.

69-chvl

iTrader: (11)

Looked in the Ford manual and it calls for Mercon ATF. The pump I installed is from a 04 Chevy and from what I can find both PS fluid and ATF are the recommended fluids. This kinda stuff drives me crazy. One this is for sure, the rack is a HELLUVA lot more work to change out and more money especially once you consider an alignment would also be needed. I'll probably try the ATF and as long as the pump doesn't make noise I'll be happy.

But I wonder if ATF and PS fluid are so dam similar that it doesn't really matter....

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

Just had to replace the pressure hose on the 01 and I was so glad that I did away with the plastic pulley. I would have had to remove it in in order to remove the pump and reservoir just to remove the line. Didn't have to drain it as it was all under the car and what a mess that was to clean up but topped it off with Prestone fluid and steering is smooth and effortless.

shakenfake

Wow that is one way to waste money.

I just use off the shelf O'Reilly brand PS fluid. No reason to go crazy imo but I do see the appeal of using the recommended and would not knock you for doing so.

G Atsma

Power steering is one of the least critical hydraulic fluid apps going. As said, just about any ATF will do it. ATF has a higher detergency level for keeping trannies clean internally. Otherwise little difference between it and PS fluid

69-chvl

iTrader: (11)

I believe ATF is also designed to allow clutch plates to grip vs regular hydraulic fluid.

G Atsma

True. And does not affect its abilities as P/S fluid.