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Topping up power steering fluid with generic product?

  • 25-11-2010 7:29pm
    #1
    RichyX
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,221 ✭✭✭


    The power steering fluid is a little low on my car; a 99 1.4 Focus.
    The local motor factors only has a generic STP fluid, this stuff.

    Would I be ok topping the car up with this?
    Wondering if there'd be an issue mixing it with whatever is already in there.

    I'm aware there could be a leak but I'd like to top it up and see how bad it is before taking it to a garage.


Comments

  • #2
    MarkoC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 428 ✭✭MarkoC


    Walk in to the next shop and get a proper oil :)


  • #3
    RichyX
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,221 ✭✭✭RichyX


    MarkoC wrote: »
    Walk in to the next shop and get a proper oil :)

    What would be a proper oil?


  • #4
    SilverBell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 431 ✭✭SilverBell


    A quick google show two different types of fluid for the focus. And it seems they are non-compatible.

    Is the steering just low on the dipstick? or is it really low as in short of fluid?

    If its just "low" but within the limits you still have a bit of time, then ring Ford and ask for the right fluid spec. Or it may be in the owners handbook if you have that.
    You can then get it in a motor factors, maybe like Ashgrove Interparts or someplace like it. Ebay also has a selection of genuine fluids, you just have to know the spec.

    Maybe someone else here will have Ford experience and can recommend a generic alternative.

    EDIT
    heres a link to a related question on the halfords site.
    http://answers.halfords.com/answers/4028/product/724906/questions.htm


  • #5
    MarkoC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 428 ✭✭MarkoC


    Original code for the oil is WSA-MC2 195-A
    I presume you have RED oil in it already, so alternatively you can use RED ATF (automatic gearbox) oil, also a bit cheaper than original one :)


  • #6
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,686 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    Its generally ATF thats used however, from firing the stuff into an old tractor for a few months, there seems to be much different viscosity depending on manufacturer so the genuine one might be the best bet specially if you have a bordeline leak.


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  • #7
    RichyX
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,221 ✭✭✭RichyX


    I'll just try to get some from a main Ford dealer to tide me over.
    Would be handy if any of the nearby dealers actually opened on Saturday afternoon!

    The level is well below the minimum so I'm afraid to drive it til I get some sorted.


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