Power Steering flush works GREAT!!!

Just lettin' anyone interested know, I did he PS flush tonight and it cured my growling noise during turns. If anyone is doubting this fix, just do it!

glad to hear that you have experienced some silence on turns. did it myself a while back and it has been whisper quiet since.

Same thing here guys,
Did mine back around 52k miles after having the whining noise at turns. I'm going on 65k now and no problems at all, i have Mobil1 ATF in mine.

Did mine 2 yrs ago. Used Advanced auto ATF.. I think its about time to do it again.. My Steering is not making noise like it did before I changed it to years ago. In fact its not making any noise. But I guess why wait. Its only causing damage when the noise starts.

I have been thinking of flushing my steering system soon. What kind of fluid did you all use?

Are you sure it's the flushing/cleaning that's making the difference, or is it just the topping off the fluid?

Changing out the fluid is what cures it unless its damaged.. The fluid degrades over time and looses it protection.

The 2002 windstar will use Mercon V rated ATF for power steering fluid.
The original fuid called for was Mercon, but FORD issued a TSB last year saying to use Mercon V in the power steering (Mercon V was already specified for the Transmission).
FORD has discontinued Mercon, so most fluid will be labeled as Mercon V , and also state that it is "For applications calling for Mercon".

The Mobil 1 that someone mentioned would be an excellent choice......

The 2002 windstar will use Mercon V rated ATF for power steering fluid.
The original fuid called for was Mercon, but FORD issued a TSB last year saying to use Mercon V in the power steering (Mercon V was already specified for the Transmission).
FORD has discontinued Mercon, so most fluid will be labeled as Mercon V , and also state that it is "For applications calling for Mercon".

The Mobil 1 that someone mentioned would be an excellent choice......

I know this was discussed before.. I just remember seeing my owners man. Saying not to use Mercon V in the power steering, only the trans. Now they are saying its ok.. That bothers me at times.. I also remember in 1995 I bought a new Thunderbird and asked the service department if i could use synthetic motor oil and the guy said yea!! But it would void my warranty and guess what now they use a synthetic blend.. You can still get ATF fluid in After market but if it does not harm it I guess the Mercon V would be a better solution... I think its a synthetic.. I also use synthetic brake fluid even though it says not to and I have no issues at all.. Better brake pedal feel as well. I use the Valvoline synthetic brake fluid. Its formula should not eat the seals and orings. Just my 2 cents.. :2cents:

I had the power steering whining and whistling when cold on our 2002 windstar. It finally started foaming in the reservoir and leaking. I found that there's a very fine screen inside the plastic remote reservoir - it's under the fluid level so you can't see it when you look down inside it. I removed the reservoir and cleaned all the black gunk off the screen. It's nice and quiet now.

I had the power steering whining and whistling when cold on our 2002 windstar. It finally started foaming in the reservoir and leaking. I found that there's a very fine screen inside the plastic remote reservoir - it's under the fluid level so you can't see it when you look down inside it. I removed the reservoir and cleaned all the black gunk off the screen. It's nice and quiet now.
I still would get the fluid changed.If its been there since the van was new. Once you have to get the rack replaced you will wish you did... Plus you will notice the vans steering will feel a lot better...

My 97 has had a problem where I must refill the power steering fluid every few weeks, do you think this will work for me or should i get it looked at? I have not driven it for a few months and right now it kinda sounds like a dragon during mating season....whatcha think?

HI!!!! my windstar 99. 3.8 shuts of when I make turn to the L. O. R. somebody can help me please .. THANKYOU

I highly recommend doing the PS flush, especially with the Mobil 1 ATF mentioned. My steering was 200% better after completing this! See my post http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=728209 (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=728209&highlight=dekeman) for my experience with this procedure. You should do it if you have whiny steering, because as Gary said, it's causing damage. I'd much rather go through this than replace my entire steering rack!!

keithmcclees, I'd check the PS fluid level and top it off to see if the noise improves. You likely have a leak, and I'd look at the the hose connections first- in and out of the reservoir and pump. If no joy, go under the vehicle and look for a leak, because it may be your steering rack.

2000 Winnie, 65K miles. My wife drives the van and never told me about the noise. By chance I took it to the local store for shopping and heard the terrible loud noise coming. Was going to take it to the shop until I decided to read up on it. Did the Steering flush after reading this link. The noise is gone now....thanks to every one for suggestions. I also did the Isolator Bolts about 18 mths ago after reading here.
I too had a problem taking the fuse box cover off. I had to take the cover off no matter what broke. I was thinking that what if I need to change a fuse in the future. Any way with a little force the cover came off. Took the #5 fuse out. Started the engine. It died down within about 30 sec. Asked my son to start the engine 2 to 3 secs each time while I kept filling the reservoir. I strongly suggest this way. The fluid goes down very quickly. Had the engine started (with fuse not taken out) there was no way I could keep up with filling. Pumped out about 2.5 qtr of Mobile-1 ATF. Then connected the hose back and used the remaining fluid to top off. Cleaned the screen also with Q-Tips....Thanks again.

You were smart to get that fuse out no matter what. I didn't think it'd be a big deal, if I remember correctly, but it ended up being more trouble because the engine actually started. Lots of air in there as a result. Glad this post was helpful to you; I really enjoy this board as well. I'm still on it a lot, reading up on my blessing-and-a-curse van!