tree grower
Silver Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2007
- Messages
- 208
- Location
- Cuttingsville, VT
- Tractor
- Ford 1210, Bobcat 742B, John Deere 1050
My 1956 Ford 850 has factory power steering. The cylinders are in good shape and my dealer rebuilt the steering box. The original steering pump was gone long before I bought it. I think the pump on it is from a Ford Escort, but not sure.--see attached pics. Label on back of pump is HBC DL. Problem is that the steering action is slow--sluggish, even when hot. I use universal transmission fluid in it per owners manual, because I don't want to risk damage to the steering box, but I am reasonably sure this steering pump used ATF in its original life. Can I improve steering reaction speed by changing to ATF in this system without damaging the steering box, or is there an alternate automotive-type steering pump I should use? Original pumps are way too expensive.