Power steering fluid replacement '97 Wind 3.8L

Hey eveyone I was thinking about replacing my PS fluid and was wondering if anyone out there has done it without any problems. I seem to read a few horror stories about the connection leaking after reconnecting it. Also what is the best fluid to use, Mercron?
Basically this is what I was going to do (according to the Haynes manuel);

- Disconnect the lower line and drain into a container the best I can
- Reconnect line to pump
- top off with Mercron? ATF fluid (is this the good stuff?)
- Run the car and move the steering wheel back and forth to work the air out and top off as needed.
- check for leaks around connection (this is what I am mostly worried about)

Does this sound like a plan? Am I missing anything? BTW I have 126,000 miles on this car and this has not been done yet. It is not giving me problems but it is dirty. Thanks for any assistance!

If your year calls for Mercon, that is what you should use.
I would HIGHLY recommend a synthetic, and Mobil 1 ATF would be very good and easy to find.
The Mobil 1 ATF will give you better high temperature resistance and better cold flow.
Also, the Mobil 1 ATF will be compatible with whatever Mercon fluid that you have in there.
When you remove the hose from the resevoir, It will drain.

If you do a search on "power steering fluid", you will find a number of posts on how others have done it....which is close to what you describe.
The way that others (including myself) have done it.....
Remove the return line to the resevoir and plug it so that the resevoir does not drain.
Direct the loose end of the return line to a container.
Touch the start....for just a couple of seconds....not starting the car.
Turn ignition OFF.
Add some fresh fluid, and do this process over and over.
I turn the steering wheel a bit with each touch of the start.....working to the limit in one direction.....then to the limit in the other direction.....etc.
This will flush the fluid from the system....and just giving the starter a touch will prevent a lot of air from being pumped into the system.

Then, when done (about 3 quarts should be plenty), reconnect the return line, top off to the correct cold level (don't overfill) and start the engine....with the engine at idle, turn the steering wheel from limit to limit....not resting against the limit.
This will purge any air from the system.
Recheck the level.

If you have gotten a lot of air into the system, when you recheck the level....if you see air bubbles in the fluid, wait a while (with the engine off) for the bubbles to rise to the top of the fluid, then repeat the purge process.
This wait will prevent you from just recirculating the air bubbles back through the system.

If you can cover the ground beneath the PS pump with lots of newspapers, you'll save yourself the job of cleaning up the fluid/pollution after you spill (a little spillage is inevitable). If you spill it on the engine, it stinks/scorches a little when you start the engine next time you drive.

It's a straightforward job if you take time to read through the instructions on here and "get" what the idea is. Even I did it successfully with practically no experience.

Thanks guys, I didn`t think about the type of fluid to use, I just assumed that using the best one would be good. I looked at the manuel and it states a "Type F" power steering fluid to be used. So if I did use the synthetic stuff would that screw it up? Thanks again and Happy Easter (or Passover or Happy Cthulhu -whatever floats your boat!) :)


BTW, Wiswind Your pics are extremely helpful!

I do not know if the mercon type would hurt or not.
Mine also calls for the Type F fluid, I don't know for sure what year they changed.
I have Redline Synthetic Power Steering Fluid in mine.
I have been using it for about 4 years.
You will have to get it from a racing supply shop or online.
I use it because they list the FORD specification number on the label.
The Windstar seems to cook the power steering fluid, in spite of the cooler....which is why I wanted to put a synthetic fluid in.
I am sure that a normal Type F ATF will work fine, you will just have to change it more often.

Question, has anyone who has done the flush and added a synthetic fluid ever had to flush the system again? or has this solved the problem with the fluid being burnt and the pump whining?