'55-'57 Power Steering fluid level

[smtichy]

A quick question regarding fluid level for anyone who has a '55-'57 Fairlane with factory power steering.

All the manuals I've found refer to the fill level indicator, but mine is missing the dipstick which should be attached to the cap . Could anyone with a 55-57 tell me where the correct level of the fluid should be from the top of the fluid reservoir? or alternatively where the level is in relation to the filter visible inside?

FYI - currently my fluid level is about 1/4" from the bottom of the filter.

Have a great day!

[paul2748]

I can't give you any specs but when adding fluid to the power streering unit do not use "power steering fluid". Use ATF (Auto. trans fluid) which is what Ford called for.

"Power steering fluid" is of a different chemical make up and can cause leaks.

[zoegrant]

I have my fluid 1/4" below the top of the filter...don't overfill as it will have a tendency to spurt out the relief hole on the filler cap....J in CT

[Daves55Sedan]

about 1/4 inch below top of filter is about where the fluid level is on mine too. And YES use Dexron/Mercon auto trans fluid in the system.

[smtichy]

Excellent, thank you all for the responses.

All my cars have manual transmissions, so I don't have any ATF in my garage. I do have a new bottle of STP Power Steering fluid on the shelf, says it's Dextron II & III compatible. Anyone have experience with STP's PS fluid? or should I rather not risk it?

[paul2748]

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I wouldn't risk it. Go get some ATF- Type F will probably work ok, also the Dexron mentioned above.

I

Originally Posted by smtichy

Excellent, thank you all for the responses.

All my cars have manual transmissions, so I don't have any ATF in my garage. I do have a new bottle of STP Power Steering fluid on the shelf, says it's Dextron II & III compatible. Anyone have experience with STP's PS fluid? or should I rather not risk it?

[Ole Don]

I measured my dip stick, so you can make one with these measurements. The stick goes
2 3/4 inches from the bottom edge of the lid. The "L" mark is 1/4 inch up from the bottom, the "H" mark is 1/2 inch up from the bottom. Its marked Type A ATF. Be sure if you weld or braze on the lid that you don't plug the vent hole. Its a small capacity closed hydraulic system. If you don't have easy access to the US version of Automatic Transmission Fluid, any good quality hydraulic oil will work.

[smtichy]

Originally Posted by Ole Don

I measured my dip stick, so you can make one with these measurements.

Thanks Don, you're very kind. This weekend I'll be at a friends metal shop and we'll see if we can whip something together.