Transmission Fluid in the Steering Fluid

Recently was given a 93 Escort and looks as though the previous owner (My Sister) put transmission fluid in the Power Steering Fluid I have repeatidly run the car and drained the resivoir, and put in new steering fluid. And will contiue to do so until it becomes clear again. Don't know how long she's drivin it like this. The car seams to drive good and Steer fine. What other concerns should I have? Am I doing the right thing?

My 93 1.9L manual explicitly calls for ATF fluid Type F - Ford spec M2C33-F. The bottles of "power steering fluid" I read don't list the specs covered. I use Walmart SuperTech Type F ATF at ~$1.85 per qt. Read the labels and look for M2C33 spec.

That's correct. Only my manual says Mercon ATF goes in the steering. Maybe it was changed during the production year?

ATF works fine in any power steering, on any car, and even mixes with PSF. Trying to change back to power steering fluid is a complete waste of time and money.I've used nothing but ATF in every car I've had for the last 30 years. If your PSF is low just top it up with any kind of ATF, it won't hurt a thing. Don't beilive me? Just ask any old time professional mechanic.

Thanks to all for you comments. I'll just continue with ATF. Thanks!

Thanks to all for you comments. I'll just continue with ATF. Thanks!

I agree with the ask an old timer for I remember being told the same thing about using ATF in the power steering. Something about keeps the seals swollen better then the psf does. (kinda used as a band aid for a troubled system)

Have a 97 and the the lid for the PS unit says Power Steering fluid only. You're probably right about ATF fluid. I'm just too chicken to put it in my car.

I agree with the ask an old timer for I remember being told the same thing about using ATF in the power steering. Something about keeps the seals swollen better then the psf does. (kinda used as a band aid for a troubled system)

Atf does not swell your power steering seals, they are made of the same stuff as your transmission seals

Have a 97 and the the lid for the PS unit says Power Steering fluid only. You're probably right about ATF fluid. I'm just too chicken to put it in my car.


IMO that just means don't put oil or water in it

Whatever you do don't use Type F. It was fords old stuff and contains grit which was added to help clutch packs grab better. Not the kind of stuff you would want in a power steering system.