2000 Power steering fluid change

I have been changing all the fluids on my 2000 Windstar. What is the best way to drain and flush the power steering fluid? I really don't want to cut any hoses but if the inline filter ( seen in wiswinds photos ) is the best way to go then I will consider doing that.The dealer wants $80.00 for their flush service but I have seen them in action and that is why I am changing fluids myself.

You can remove most of the fluid from the reservoir (either with turkey-baster, or just tip the reservoir over) without any disassembly. Refill with fresh fluid (I like the Valvoline syn) and away you go.

Do this each engine oil change and your fluid will eventually get pretty fresh.

Be careful with the turkey baster: The reservoir on my 2000 has an integrated filter screen - which also means you can't get the baster all the way to the bottom of the reservoir (well, unless you poke a hole in the screen). The total volume of the system is fairly small, so the turkey baster approach doesn't get that much of the fluid in any case.

I just disconnect the smaller of the two lines (which is the return line) on the reservoir, and temporarily plug the hole in the reservoir. Then I extend the tube to a bucket for the old fluid.

With the engine idling, the old fluid gets pumped into the bucket. I also pour a quart of fluid into the reservoir, to help flush the system. You'll want to do this quickly, to minimize the amount of time the pump runs while churning some air bubbles (when I do it, the actual engine run time for this portion of the procedure is less than 1 minute; probably about 30 seconds).

Then I reconnect everything, top it off and run for a few minutes to make sure all of the air is out of the system. The system always runs smoother and more quietly after changing the fluid.

I'll also note my Windstar seem to be tougher on P/S fluid than other vehicles I've owned, but it always responds well to fluid changes. I suspect the P/S system would benefit from a larger cooler, a project I may try on my Windstar.

My 2000 Windstar has a slight whine while making a left turn which gives me the indication that the fluid needs to be changed. I wonder why this only happens on left turns and not both left/right, in any case I looked in the resevoir and cannot see the level of fluid (it is very dark inside) even while flashing a light inside. I looked at the owners manual and found that on the 2000 the power steering uses mercon and not mercon V like the tranny (another dumb Ford idea) so I am going to attempt to do the system flush and switch to either Mercon V or Mobil 1 full synthetic. I would like to know if anyone has the procedure outlined or even better provide pictures of it being done, any help will be greatly appreciated. I heard that one must first raise the front wheels off the ground to unload the weight on the steering rack, but you did it differently on your vehicle. did you turn the steering wheel to both sides while having the engine running? Did you have someone help you?

Bumping an old thread, I'm now faced with this very fluid change. Aside from attaching the bleeder line and running it into the bucket, I'm assuming that the procedure is to fill the reservoir the amount that is being pumped out and keep doing so until the "out" is a clean as the new. Is it suggested to have the front wheels off the ground to allow easier side to side turning or is turning not required? As I have a 2000 3.8 is mercon V the correct replacement fluid?

Thnx

Piper

I would just use regular Mercon (called for in my '01). I have no idea if Mercon V would work with the PS system or would harm it in any way. A couple of quarts can be had for $5.

WOW, this was a long time ago. I fixed my problem without even lifting the wheels off the ground, I just removed the fuel pump relay located inside the engine bay and turned the steering wheel a few degrees while turning the engine over. I went from left to right in steps and allowed the fluid to flow through the rack and pinion, I also held the ignition switch for only a few seconds at a time so as not to let the reservoir run dry. I used Mobil1 ATF and I'm happy with the results; no more whining and smoother steering. Also, a good tip is to use a 3/8" vacuum cap on the reservoir where you remove the return hose as this minimized any spills for me. Good Luck