Power Steering Fluid Flush

[lewisnc100]

Flushed my power steering fluid this weekend and was amazed at the crap that came out, rancid hot chocolate comes to mind. I have never seen power steering fluid go bad like that, especially when the van only has 45k on it. No wonder it was making some bad noises. I tried emptying the reservoir a couple times to get some new fluid but eventually just flushed it with 2 qts of Mobil1 synthetic which should be able to take the heat better. Just for kicks I checked my Nissan with 100k on it, fluid was still perfectly red. Noises are gone the power steering acts and sounds as good as new.

If the steps haven't been posted before here's the Ford manual steps.

- Empty as much fluid from the reservoir as possible
- Pull the fuel pump relay
- Remove the return line from the power steering reservoir (mine didn't want to come off so I cut it off since I had plenty of slack in the hose), make sure you have shop towels under the line
- Place a small length of hose over the opening in the reservoir and clamp shut
- Place the return line in a clear length of hose run to a bucket, 5/8"
inside diameter will fit tightly without the need for a clamp
- Raise the front wheels on jackstands
- While you get ready to pour new ATF into the reservoir, have your helper crank the engine while turning the wheels from stop to stop. Do not hold the wheel against the stops for more than 3 seconds. Also since the starter motor is being used do not crank more than 15 seconds at a time and give it a 1 minute rest in between.
- Watch the fluid coming out, once it is clear of old fluid stop cranking
and reassemble
- Refill fluid to proper level
- Make sure you purge the air out of the system, I made the mistake of going for a test drive before purging and it sounded like the engine was coming apart.
- To purge lower the wheels on the ground, start the engine and turn the wheels back and forth quickly but do not hit the stops.
- Stop the engine and refill the reservoir to proper level, repeat until the
fluid does not drop anymore.

Hope this isn't a repeat of past posts, it was a quick and easy process and completely flushes the system of old fluid.

[onit]

I would like to know which line you removed. There are 3 lines going to the reservoir. 2 are rubber hoses and one line is metal. I also would like to know if you can use power steering fluid. I would appreciate any help you could give me.

[lewisnc100]

Originally Posted by onit

I would like to know which line you removed. There are 3 lines going to the reservoir. 2 are rubber hoses and one line is metal. I also would like to know if you can use power steering fluid. I would appreciate any help you could give me.

You want the smaller rubber hose on the top. The bottom larger rubber hose is the outlet to the pump, the smaller rubber hose going into the top is the return line. The 3rd line I believe is the sensor connector but I can't picture it off the top of my head.

Take a look in your manual for the right type of fluid, I used what my 2000 manual called for. I'd stick with the recommended fluid type.

[grneal]

Originally Posted by lewisnc100

- Place a small length of hose over the opening in the reservoir and clamp shut

- While you get ready to pour new ATF into the reservoir, have your helper crank the engine while turning the wheels from stop to stop. Do not hold the wheel against the stops for more than 3 seconds. Also since the starter motor is being used do not crank more than 15 seconds at a time and give it a 1 minute rest in between.

Three questions:

You place the small length of hose over where the return line was attached and clamp that? You just said opening in the reservoir and wasn't sure if you meant where the return line used to be hooked to.

Also, while your helper is cranking the engine and turning the wheels, are you pouring the new fluid into the reservoir? If so, how much at each crank and wheel turning interval do you pour in?

Another thing, where is the fuel pump relay located?

Thanks for your help.

[lewisnc100]

1-Yes, since you'll run the return line to a bucket you'll have an opening in the reservoir where the return line connected, block that anyway you can.

2-No set amount, you just don't want the pump to run dry. Go slow and try to keep the fluid level constant in the reservoir.

3-Fuse box along driver's side of engine compartment. It's illustrated in a diagram in the owner's manual pretty well.