Power Steering Fluid vs. ATF Type F

[Bronco2Boy]

Hey Guys!

The front wheels in my '86 B2 are making a slight crunching sound I turn or come to a stop at low rpms. I recently had the left driver's wheel bearings replaced and the right, repacked, but this hasn't fixed that issue, while it did help with the driving.

Currently I have normal power steering fluid in the system, but the owner's manual recommends Type F transmission fluid. I know this may be a stupid question, but could this be damaging my system and creating this crunching noise? If I need flush out the system, how do I do that?

Thanks!

 

[tw205]

I don’t see it as an issue. All mine run power steering fluid.
Do you have auto locking hubs or manual?

 

[Bronco2Boy]

That's very helpful thanks!

I have manual locking hubs.

I don't know how much this would come into play, but I have been adding Type F ATF fluid to the power steering fluid when it gets low, but it didn't make the sound better or worse that I know of.

 

[tw205]

Check your hubs make sure they are unlocked. Do your brake pads have the anti rattle clips in them? If not they will clink around in their ports. Easier noticed when driving slow.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Easy way to tell if it's the brakes rattling... apply a little brake to it when it rattles. If it stops rattling... it's the brakes.