power steering fluid

[Gohagan]

2000 4x4 f250 7.3L is low on powersteering fluid I cant locate the leak but fluid is on ground dead center and below steering linkage. My question is do you put in normal power steering fluid or ATF? How do you ck the hydrobooster? I cant seem to locate where the fluid is coming from.

[dray8165]

The hydroboost wouldn't leave a puddle where you are seeing it - the best test is whether or not your brakes are working correctly (i.e. you're not having to stand on it with both feet to stop)

Where you are seeing the puddle would indicate the lines going to the cooler might be loose/rotted. I'd get underneath and track the line to the front - the cooler is between the radiator and the intercooler, just below where your transmission cooler sits.

ATF is standard fare - some people flush and use Mobil 1 ATF - I use the same fluid I put in my transmission.

[Gohagan]

Thanks I'll ck that in the morning. Brakes are working fine. What difference does it make on the type of power steering fluid vs ATF.

[dray8165]

No difference - you are using it for its weight and hydraulic properties, not its friction properties, which is what differentiates the different types of ATF - any will work fine. The power steering fluids are just the same weight fluid without friction modifers. Some cars, like Honda, have specialty fluids with different base fluids for different kinds of seals.