What power steering fluid do I use?

[Tagerman]

1990 Merc 5.7l Alpha 1 just replaced a junked power steering pump and high pressure hose which fluid should I use to refill the system. Can I use the same power steering fluid that goes in the car or do I have to pay a lot of money for something special from the marine store. Also what is the bleeding method on these power steering systems I know on a car you turn her on and push the steering wheel side to side, is a boat the same?

 

[Levinz11]

Re: What power steering fluid do I use?

1990 Merc 5.7l Alpha 1 just replaced a junked power steering pump and high pressure hose which fluid should I use to refill the system. Can I use the same power steering fluid that goes in the car or do I have to pay a lot of money for something special from the marine store. Also what is the bleeding method on these power steering systems I know on a car you turn her on and push the steering wheel side to side, is a boat the same?

I'm sure Merc recommends their brand specific type of fluid. Evinrude has their own label as well. I just replaced a power steering hose myself and filled the pump with plain ol' automatic tranny fluid that I had in the garage.

My system didn't need to be bleed. I just filled up the reservoir turned from lock-to-lock a few times and then re-filled the reservoir. Done.