2001 Winstar Milky bubble ps fluid

[wowtaxi]

Hello, my 2001 Windstar Taxi....239,000 miles power steering res. has a milky color goo on cap and white/red bubbles when I look at fluid inside checking level plus just starting to make a noise on turns. This a new one to me. Hoping last driver didn't put tranny fluid in...its not the 50's anymore. Fuller Car Wash advertising Power Steering Flush Cleaner System they will do for $99.00. Is this reasonable or should I go to my 80 hour mechanic and have him flush unit and replace hoses....I really like that post about a filter but I love a quick fix even better. Or is this the first sign that the power steering pump is ready to go and I should shop and invest in another pump. My windstar's travel at least 200/300 miles every day...have held up well accept the trannies both fords are on tranny #3.

I vote yes to all who want to replace those lower intake valves. My 2000 Windstar only 209,000 miles did have the lower intake gaskets replaced at 136,000 by dealer. $149.00 parts...500 for labor. But it does run a whole lot smoother. The new gaskets and bolts according to dealer will help lessen carbon build-up in engine which Windstar's are known for. Course I'm a women and they may just be telling me this just to give me some kind of answer that I can understand. I really like this forum cause I'm really think I'll get a answer without monetary gain behind the answer...

[road_rascal]

The proper power steering fluid IS Mercon transmission fluid for our Windstars. I siphon out p/s fluid every six months during oil changes and replace with fresh fluid (using Mercon ATX fluid).

[wowtaxi]

Thanks Road Rascal. So 99 bucks really isn't the way to go to flush whole system. Will grab the turkey baster and suck out whatever fluid is in there and put Mercon in and see what happens.

[road_rascal]

I would suggest doing that method over a few weeks, as your not going to much fluid out of the resevoir. If you're pretty handy under the hood, you could try this method:http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=648157

[wowtaxi]

After replacing pwr fluid and adding more every other day after seeing more and more tiny white bubbles, thought about taking it in for power flush..but alternator went out...many days of freezing cold must have finished it off. Anyway had mechanic checkout my air bubble problem with pwr str unit. Good news pwr steering pump is fine and working well. Bad news is rack & pinon going bad...boots leaking. Which he says why air is getting into system. Well saving up for replacement parts for that and will I guess keep adding pwr steering fluid for another month.