Power Steering Fluid

[Guardian]

So, I've noticed that my P.S fluid (Ford Fiesta 1.2 '04 Petrol) could be doing with a top-up. The problem is: on 50% of websites it says you can use Universal Fluid, but on the other 50%, it says you must use Fords own stuff.

Any advice? Would the (much cheaper) Universal stuff be alright? Or will I need to buy the (rip-off) Ford stuff?

Thank you for any help in advance.

 

[Famine]

I can't think of any particular reason why a power steering reservoir, pipes and pump that Ford didn't even make would only want to have power steering fluid that Ford don't even make with a Ford logo on the bottle in it.

That's not to say that there isn't one, of course.

 

[Guardian]

Right then, thanks a-lot Famine. I didn't really think about it like that.
I'll go ahead and get some Universal stuff brought in.

Thanks again.

 

[Liquid]

They want you to go to the dealer so they can blindfold, gag and rob you blind.

Shouldn't be a problem with universal.

 

[Slash]

It must say power steering fluid on the bottle though. Newer cars don't like using transmission fluid so much like the old school stuff does. I still see people try doing that.

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

When did he say he was going to use transmission fluid in place of P.S fluid? Or am I reading something wrong?

 

[Slash]

When did he say he was going to use transmission fluid in place of P.S fluid? Or am I reading something wrong?

He didn't say that but people like to buy it because for many many years that's what they used for power steering. It now has a fluid of it's own.

 

[Liquid]

I've never even seen transmission fluid for sale.

I have, however, definitely seen universal power steering fluid in places like ASDA.

 

[Slash]

I've never even seen transmission fluid for sale.

I have, however, definitely seen universal power steering fluid in places like ASDA.

All the Auto Zones, Advanced Auto Parts, NAPA and every other store around here are loaded with transmission fluid. And just about every other fluid a vehicle needs.

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

Gas [petrol] stations (at least here) sell all the fluids a car needs as well.

He didn't say that but people like to buy it because for many many years that's what they used for power steering. It now has a fluid of it's own.

Oh, didn't know that...

 

[Slash]

Gas [petrol] stations (at least here) sell all the fluids a car needs as well.



Oh, didn't know that...

The 302 in your Lincoln uses transmission fluid for power steering fluid, so I figured you'd know

 

[Guardian]

Regarding the whole 'transmission fluid' situation; any PS fluid I've ever seen, has been called 'automatic transmission fluid'.

Why is that?

Does it simply have the properties to do both jobs?

 

[Slash]

Regarding the whole 'transmission fluid' situation. Any PS fluid I've ever seen, has been called 'automatic transmission fluid'.

Why is that?

Does it simply have the properties to do both jobs?

Yes.

Transmission fluid is red and power steering fluid is general clear, but can turn red/orange over time.

But in newer cars some brands have power steering has it's own type of fluid. In particular, Ford (specifically older models) tends to use both because they are the same thing really; hydraulic fluid. Others, like some types of imports require special power steering fluid you have to order rather than walk into an auto store and buy. A lot of bottles will say right on the label "Automatic transmission AND Power steering fluid".

Both are hydraulic fluids but are not interchangable on most newer vehicles. Even though it's a Ford I'd try and get actual power steering fluid, that says it on the bottle over the transmission fluid just to be safe. I've never worked on that specific model however.

I think Ford uses Type-F IIRC. If you still have your owners manual it usually has it listed in there as what to use or if you want to pop the hood it will tell you right on the reservoir cap. If you are in a pinch auto trans fluid will work but I believe for a Fiesta there is a specific type you need. I could be wrong though.


tl;dr
You'll probably be alright with either but if you can find the specific type you need you'll know for sure. As I said it's in the owners manual and on the power steering reservoir cap.

 

[Omnis]

One piece of advice off the top of my head: Don't get it in the combustion chamber unless you want a new engine and/or have selected a new pope.

 

[Guardian]

Thanks a-lot for the reply Slashfan. 👍

Unfortunately, shortly after Famine posted, I had already ordered some Universal stuff.

I know it's probably BS sales talk - but I was assured it would do my car.

 

[Slash]

Thanks a-lot for the reply Slashfan. 👍

Unfortunately, shortly after Famine posted, I had already ordered some Universal stuff.

I know it's probably BS sales talk - but I was assured it would do my car.

You'll probably be alright.

 

[Guardian]

One piece of advice off the top of my head: Don't get it in the combustion chamber unless you want a new engine and/or have selected a new pope.

(never noticed your post 'til just then).

I'll take extra care not to do so. Thank you for your advice. 👍

You'll probably be alright.

Let's hope so(!)

 

[Spoil-t]

Unless you own a Honda then Universal fluid is ok for most cars. Since my entire family only owns GM brand vehicles we stock up on GM fluids but really only the tranny fluid is special while the rest can use universal fluids but if you come to my house with a none GM vehicle we say the **** we have can't go in your car.

 

[Slash]

Unless you own a Honda then Universal fluid is ok for most cars. Since my entire family only owns GM brand vehicles we stock up on GM fluids but really only the tranny fluid is special while the rest can use universal fluids but if you come to my house with a none GM vehicle we say the **** we have can't go in your car.

My friends dad is a Ford guy and they had a GM car pull up in his driveway so he got out, started up his Bronco and pushed the GM out of the driveway lol

 

[Spoil-t]

lol, Ford vs Chevy is as American as fat people. I have 6 Chevy's parked at my house spanning 35 years.

 

[Keef]

Thanks a-lot for the reply Slashfan. 👍

Unfortunately, shortly after Famine posted, I had already ordered some Universal stuff.

Universal power steering fluid is what you want.

Here in the States, the typical standards that fluids meet will be by Ford, GM, and Chrysler. The "universal" fluids say they meet those standards. It pretty much works with everything. Those manufacturers don't actually make the fluid but they do establish the engineering standards.

As an aside, my buddy's BMW E28 uses automatic transmission fluid in the steering system. Why? I don't know, that's just what they used. So when we buy fluid we get the stuff that meets the Ford and GM transmission standards and put it in the BMW's steering fluid reservoir because German companies have no idea what they're doing.

 

[Spoil-t]

Some cars have the brakes & steering running off the same fluid from the same reservoir. Forget which car I worked on in school that was like that... damn. Bet it sucks when the car blows a brake line.

 

[Slash]

As an aside, my buddy's BMW E28 uses automatic transmission fluid in the steering system. Why? I don't know, that's just what they used.

As I said last page, it's because they are both hydraulic fluid that are virtually the same. That's why you can get away with it.