I got a part for a Control Valve on my Hawk and it had a note enclosed that said to use Automatic Transmission instead of clear power steering fluid in the older Bendix units. Is that true? Should I be using automatic transmission fluid? I used it for lubrication when I assembled the unit.
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It is a toss up, some people have tried Power Steering Fluid and had no problem others have had leaks.
Transmission Fluid Type "F" has worked fine for most of us for the longest time, so I don't see the need to change anything.
It IS true that when these Cars were built there was no P/S Fluid, so who knows if the New Tech. stuff is only an improvement on Newer Systems? Sometimes I really wish I were a Chemist!StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967
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I made the mistake of using synthetic power steering fluid in my Hawk. A few days later the fluid started pouring out. I could have used that instead of bread crumbs to find my way home if I had to! When the control valve gets rebuilt on it tranny fluid will be all it ever will see again.59 Lark wagon, now V-8, H.D. auto!
60 Lark convertible V-8 auto
61 Champ 1/2 ton 4 speed
62 Champ 3/4 ton 5 speed o/drive
62 Champ 3/4 ton auto
62 Daytona convertible V-8 4 speed & 62 Cruiser, auto.
63 G.T. Hawk R-2,4 speed
63 Avanti (2) R-1 auto
64 Zip Van
66 Daytona Sport Sedan(327)V-8 4 speed
66 Cruiser V-8 auto
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Thanks for the info. Warren, I had just replaced the pump on my Hawk and added synthetic power steering fluid when the exact same thing happened to me, there was fluid every where. I assumed that the control valve had blown out as I couldn't find a break in any of the hoses. I am assuming that you didn't rebuild the CV. I have now rebuilt the CV, replaced all of the hoses and was about to rebuild the ram.Don Watson
61 Hawk
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I have been running STP brand PS fluid in all Studes since 1997, in both Bendix and Saginaw systems. STP brand is getting hard to find around here, so have topped off a few times with other brands, but never with ATF.
In every case, the steering is smoother and quieter. I don't understand others' problems with the stuff. Today's ATF has little in common with ATF of 50+ years ago anyway.
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ATF type A and F and hydraulic fluid (mineral oil) with modifiers and labeled "Power Steering Fluid" will all work. The modifiers are what can cause, or cure certain problems. Whichever you choose, flush out the whole system before changing "types" of fluid. Mixing and matching can cause the biggest problems. The new seals we are using to rebuild these systems are much different than the originals in composition and just because the old owners manuals tell you to use *** doesn't mean it still applies. Type A was recommended for Paxton superchargers, till they found out it allowed the ball drives to slip too much galling the races, then switched to type F. The Bendix system is a very basic hydraulic system. The seals and hoses are the main targets of attack by the fluids. If they are resistant to whichever fluid you choose they will last.
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Originally posted by JoeHall View PostI have been running STP brand PS fluid in all Studes since 1997, in both Bendix and Saginaw systems. STP brand is getting hard to find around here, so have topped off a few times with other brands, but never with ATF.
In every case, the steering is smoother and quieter. I don't understand others' problems with the stuff. Today's ATF has little in common with ATF of 50+ years ago anyway.
I mean, what is the newest car (Ford) that used Type F transmission fluid? Sometime in the early 70s?
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