Power steering fluid

WalterMitty

The power steering fluid is low in the ford focus im driving. I went to auto parts store and the guy sold me "automatic transmission fluid". Is this same thing?

CJhaughey

WalterMitty wrote: »

The power steering fluid is low in the ford focus im driving. I went to auto parts store and the guy sold me "automatic transmission fluid". Is this same thing?

Used to be in most older motors, now its a nightmare with at least 5 different types of PS fluid.
Check your PS filler lid, it will usually specify the type of fluid to be used.
Mine says Dexron which is ATF.
Edit: You might want to check the hoses on the steering rack, Focii suffer from a failure in that area.

langdang

There's two main types of powersteering fluid CHF and ATF, so that could well be correct for your car.

WalterMitty

i just opened the bonnet and checked the power steering fluid, its green but the stuff the guy sold me is red (dexron II). Is the wrong fluid already in car or is the red one wrong? Dont wanna go to ford dealer and pay over the odds.

PS not specifications on the lid of the PS resevoir.

Matt Simis

Green PS fluid is either:
CHF 7.1 (mineral, pre-93 usually)
CHF 11s (synthetic, cannot be mixed with the above)
CHF 202 (synthetic, cannot be mixed with the 7.1 only 11s, latest and best)

7.1 is light green and the others are dark green. Problem is when contaminants like rubber hose bits get in it they all go dark green.

Generally ATF cannot be used in PS systems designed for CHF, it absolutely cannot be used to "top up" CHF anyhow.

CJhaughey

Green is CHF, (Central hydraulic fluid) You need that instead of ATF.
The Factors might have it or Halfrauds or Ford. Ford parts aren't all that dear.