Ford 5000 power steering leak. Could the choice of fluid be to blame?

[AntiqueIron]

My 1968 5000, with early-style power steering developed a moderate leak from the cylinder back in early winter. When I got the tractor two years ago, the PS fluid was red in color, which led me to believe it was running on some flavor of ATF or power steering fluid. I do not know what variety it would have been. As a safe bet (at least my best guess) I put power steering fluid in since to top off the reservoir. Original spec for the fluid according to my manual is M2C-41A, which has been superceded by NH134D (UTTF/HyTran). Seems a lot of people just shove type III ATF in there and call it good, but I have also heard conflicting things regarding the compatibility of the various fluids. I'm wondering if maybe the PS fluid ate the seals in the cylinder, or if it's just too thin. I tried thickening the fluid up with some Lucas to see if it made a difference. Didn't seem to slow the leak much, if any. I know, it's a hack thing to do, however I'm dreading and putting off pulling the cylinder because of the giant tapered cylinder pin and the amount of work involved with the procedure. Considering it's out of the left side of the bolster above the front axle I'm of the opinion its the valve or the cylinder packing. Hoping somebody out there who knows more than I do could maybe offer some advice. Thanks all for stopping in.

 

[5030]

With a tractor that old, I suspect the cylinder needs rebuilt as the seals are hard and cracked. There is really no difference between ATF and light lubricating oil except the red color. In liwu of rebuilding, you could try adding a bit of brake fluid as brake fluid will swell old seals but I suspect it's rebuild time anyway.

 

[AntiqueIron]

With a tractor that old, I suspect the cylinder needs rebuilt as the seals are hard and cracked. There is really no difference between ATF and light lubricating oil except the red color. In liwu of rebuilding, you could try adding a bit of brake fluid as brake fluid will swell old seals but I suspect it's rebuild time anyway.

Yeah, rebuild is what it needs. Just really not looking forward to it. lol. Figure some molten wax (been told it beats penetrating oil), heat the pin good with a torch and I can probably get it out. Realistically if/when I do it I'll probably do it towards mid fall of this year after the cereal rye goes in the food plots.

The leak really isn't *too* terrible, I mean it's not great by any means, it will loose a good pint's worth after sitting a while, but you can run it fine. Just have to check and fill it when you start her up- but at 57, she's holding up fine I'd say.