Power Steering Fluid Recommendation

[Fredward]

My MC5 manual recommends power steering fluid with a -A suffix. What kind of power steering fluid is this? Anything special? The person I talked to at the local NAPA didn't know what that meant.
Fred

[Busted Knuckle]

Fred my "guess" would be that "back in the day" when the MC-5 was built, there was probably an A type power steerinng fluid. I've never seen any, but that don't mean it didn't exist. However the good news is usually when they come out with a "new" type of fluid it is compatible with the old, only better (supposedly!). I'd say just use what's on the shelf, that's what we do! FWIW BK 

[gus]

The way I remember it is that there were two types, A and F. Ford used the F and everyone else used the A which was replaced by Dextron. (Dextron is now up to Dextron III)! I'm pretty sure the A was for Automatic.

I have a '77 Lincoln Continental which calls for F which, amazingly, I was able to find. I thought Dextron replaced them all?

[Fredward]

The previous owner says he used Dexron III. I'm guessing it needs what -A became. Which would be Dexron III. Makes sense to me. Its not like its a transmission where we have to be concerned about just the right amount of slip, etc. Its just a pump and a hydraulic ram. I don't want to mix fluids either so if it has Dexron in it; I guess I"ll stay with that.
Fred

[Stan]

If you want Type A suffix A here is the exact product:


GULF ATF Type A

High Quality Automatic Transmission Fluid for all weather conditions. Provides excellent protection of moving parts.

Recommended for use in Automatic Transmissions, power steering boxes and most gear boxes of cars, commercial vehicles and construction equipment.

Meets General Motors Type A suffix A specifications when an oil of Type A, Suffix A is recommended by the engine.

From other searches I gleaned that Dexron III is not identical but but very close and certainly good enough for power steering.

As a matter of interest here is a Type ATF:

The frictional characteristics of an automatic transmission fluid are an important factor in the design and operation of the transmission. All Ford transmissions built prior to 1977, and certain models that continued in use during 1977-1980, were designed for a high-friction fluid that allowed the shifting clutches to lock up or engage quickly. Ford specification ESW-M2C33-F covers this type of product, which is commonly referred to as "Type F" fluid. Mobil ATF Type F is the appropriate product for these units.

[Hartley]

I thought it was "F" for FORD and "A" for All Else but ford...

Actually I knew that, Just thought that was funny....

Dexron replaced type A years ago.

But just to confuse people Allison said that their transmissions could use Dexron III or 15w30 Motor Oils
if they met the same classification.

I had that spec number in my brain, and completely lost it when I started typing...

[Dallas]

To cloud the fluid just a bit more....

Not only is there Dexron, but there is also Mercon.

And....... Dexron/Mercon.

[Stan]

Dr Dave: From what I read on the various oil company sites, "{Type A" and "Type A - Suffix A" are not identical in their lubricity and were used in certain types of automatic transmissions. Dexron III claims to be a direct replacement but doing a search brings up sites that claim you have to have original type. I don't think any of this has any effect on our use in bus transmissions or steering. In fact an Allison loves hydraulic oil and I had an MCI that called for #10 oil in the power steering.

[Sojourner]

Very first automotive transmission oil was motor oil with red dye to determined where is oil leaking from torque converter area and under floor board in late 30's.

"A" suffix type oil is ATF (automatic transmission fluid) in old days. Now it Dextron II, III, Mercon or ATF+4.

Whatever your bus's manual call for...use only what supercedes the recommendations. Nothing else.
Such as if your bus have the old version...slave booster cylinder....it call for non-detergent 30 SAE motor oil. Can use 40 weight if it leaking very little from slave's cylinder rod seal.
But if it integral power steering (all newer ones since 1980 bus is equips)....it call for  ATF type of oil...high detergent plus many additive.

TRW Steering:
http://trucksteering.trwauto.com/files/TRW1108.pdf

BAB Steering Lube:
http://www.babsteering.com/services/Fluid%20Specs.pdf

Story about Automotive Oil:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3828/is_200311/ai_n9320844

About Type "A" suffix oil:
http://www.lubrizol.com/products/ATF/default.asp

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[Hartley]

Dr Dave: From what I read on the various oil company sites, "{Type A" and "Type A - Suffix A" are not identical in their lubricity and were used in certain types of automatic transmissions. Dexron III claims to be a direct replacement but doing a search brings up sites that claim you have to have original type. I don't think any of this has any effect on our use in bus transmissions or steering. In fact an Allison loves hydraulic oil and I had an MCI that called for #10 oil in the power steering.

Sounds like it's about time for a POLL to find out what people are using.

I had forgotten about Mercon,

Industrial duty stuff always was able to use what was on hand as long as it met the approved list requirements. There are lots of variations of fluids and some depend upon operating environments.

What is recommended in Florida might not be approved for use in Alaska due to temperature variations.

It's all rocket science.....

[Barn Owl]

My Sheppard system has 30wt in it per Luck from US Coach. So far so good.