The Ford Barn

57jake · 08-14-2018, 08:29 AM

The power steering leaks badly on my '57 Ford. I've tried leak stop with no help. Is this a command problem with these cars?

Lyle

KULTULZ · 08-14-2018, 08:36 AM

Yes.

The car is how old?

Merc Cruzer · 08-14-2018, 12:31 PM

Yes they do leak, but that can be corrected. Your system is essentially the same as mine. The same system was used through 1970 in my wife's 70' Cougar XR-7:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...power+steering

Also buy the seal for the ram and install it too.

KULTULZ · 08-14-2018, 12:34 PM

... hmmph ...

Wish there was a TECH SECTION here. That would make a good STICKY.

paul2748 · 08-14-2018, 07:57 PM

What are you using for fluid? They originally used ATF. Based on what I heard, If your using "power steering fluid" that could be the source of some, if not all, your leaking problem. Due to the different composition of PSF the old power steering units tend to leak.

bfdinardo · 10-08-2018, 11:47 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Any recommendations on what fluid should be used instead of Type A or instead of today's power steering fluid?

KULTULZ · 10-08-2018, 06:47 PM

ATF TYPE A is replaced by DEXRON III.

Of course, after repair(s), you perform a complete flush. There is also a filter in the PS reservoir.

Daves55Sedan · 10-08-2018, 08:27 PM

I rebuilt my steering power assist components about three decades ago and installed all new hoses. It's had a zillion miles on it since then. Never leaked one drop. I have always used Mercon/Dextron ATF.

paul2748 · 10-08-2018, 08:55 PM

Even type F should be okay.

KULTULZ · 10-08-2018, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul2748

Even type F should be okay.

Different Lubricant.

54vicky · 10-09-2018, 08:30 AM

I have used type F for more years than I care too remember

it is too late now but I would not put a stop leak product in the system.there are a lot of spots for leaks hoses,ram,spool etc find leak then search for repairs if shaft on ram is pitted that is just one to check common spot.they can be rechromed good luck

paul2748 · 10-09-2018, 09:24 PM

I'm no chemical engineer, but as far as I know, it's purpose is not a lubricant - it is hydraulic fluid although there may have lubricating value.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Different Lubricant.

KULTULZ · 10-10-2018, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Different Lubricant.

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul2748

I'm no chemical engineer, but as far as I know, it's purpose is not a lubricant - it is hydraulic fluid although there may have lubricating value.

Quote:

1. mass noun

A lubricant is a substance which you put on the surfaces or parts of something, especially something mechanical, to make the parts move smoothly.

Quote:

Most ATFs contain some combination of additives that improve lubricating qualities,[1][2][3] such as anti-wear additives, rust and corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants and surfactants (which protect and clean metal surfaces); kinematic viscosity and viscosity index improvers and modifiers, seal swell additives and agents (which extend the rotational speed range and temperature range of the additives' application); anti-foam additives and anti-oxidation compounds to inhibit oxidation and "boil-off"[4] (which extends the life of the additives' application); cold-flow improvers, high-temperature thickeners, gasket conditioners, pour point depressant and petroleum dye. [u]All ATFs contain friction modifiers, except for those ATFs specified for some Ford transmissions and the John Deere J-21A specification;[5] the Ford ESP (or ESW) - M2C-33 F specification Type F ATF (Ford-O-Matic)

So in brief, each application (TRANS - P/S) uses it's own lubricant and the usual rule is to use what the manufacturer recommends. You only use another style lubricant if the system has been modified from OEM and/or has been modified and calls for a different lubricant.

SOURCE- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automa...smission_fluid

The FORD call-out for the '57 is TYPE A which has progressed to DEXRON III (or it's current replacement).

big job · 10-10-2018, 03:38 AM

My bet typical of piston rod wear in the middle (straight ahead position) the only fix for
that is the piston rod has to be re chromed rebuilt or get another one. All the oil in the
world will not correct worn stiff seals and worn rods and can not be done at home unless
you have a lathe to cut the weld on the cylinder to take apart. If control valve, that you
can rebuild with a kit most likely its Bendix system.

08-14-2018, 08:29 AM	#1
57jake Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 11	1957 Ford power steering leaks The power steering leaks badly on my '57 Ford. I've tried leak stop with no help. Is this a command problem with these cars? Lyle

08-14-2018, 08:36 AM	#2
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,475	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks Yes. The car is how old? __________________ *** - WHY IS IT ... - ... that everything you buy in the grocery store is either wrapped in or contained in plastic but the government doesn't want you to carry it out in a plastic bag? WONDERING IN W(BY GOD)V ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)

08-14-2018, 12:31 PM	#3
Merc Cruzer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Conifer, Colorado Posts: 2,429	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks Yes they do leak, but that can be corrected. Your system is essentially the same as mine. The same system was used through 1970 in my wife's 70' Cougar XR-7: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...power+steering Also buy the seal for the ram and install it too.

08-14-2018, 12:34 PM	#4
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,475	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks ... hmmph ... Wish there was a TECH SECTION here. That would make a good STICKY. __________________ *** - WHY IS IT ... - ... that everything you buy in the grocery store is either wrapped in or contained in plastic but the government doesn't want you to carry it out in a plastic bag? WONDERING IN W(BY GOD)V ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)

08-14-2018, 07:57 PM	#5
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,982	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks What are you using for fluid? They originally used ATF. Based on what I heard, If your using "power steering fluid" that could be the source of some, if not all, your leaking problem. Due to the different composition of PSF the old power steering units tend to leak. __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

10-08-2018, 11:47 AM	#6
bfdinardo Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 64	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Any recommendations on what fluid should be used instead of Type A or instead of today's power steering fluid?

10-08-2018, 06:47 PM	#7
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,475	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks ATF TYPE A is replaced by DEXRON III. Of course, after repair(s), you perform a complete flush. There is also a filter in the PS reservoir. __________________ *** - WHY IS IT ... - ... that everything you buy in the grocery store is either wrapped in or contained in plastic but the government doesn't want you to carry it out in a plastic bag? WONDERING IN W(BY GOD)V ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)

10-08-2018, 08:27 PM	#8
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks I rebuilt my steering power assist components about three decades ago and installed all new hoses. It's had a zillion miles on it since then. Never leaked one drop. I have always used Mercon/Dextron ATF.

10-08-2018, 08:55 PM	#9
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,982	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks Even type F should be okay. __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

10-09-2018, 08:30 AM	#11
54vicky Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Oakville Ontario Posts: 586	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks I have used type F for more years than I care too remember it is too late now but I would not put a stop leak product in the system.there are a lot of spots for leaks hoses,ram,spool etc find leak then search for repairs if shaft on ram is pitted that is just one to check common spot.they can be rechromed good luck

10-10-2018, 03:38 AM	#14
big job Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dighton, Mass Posts: 1,230	Re: 1957 Ford power steering leaks My bet typical of piston rod wear in the middle (straight ahead position) the only fix for that is the piston rod has to be re chromed rebuilt or get another one. All the oil in the world will not correct worn stiff seals and worn rods and can not be done at home unless you have a lathe to cut the weld on the cylinder to take apart. If control valve, that you can rebuild with a kit most likely its Bendix system.