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Home >> Ford >> 2002 >> Explorer 4.0 E, 4WD, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Steering System-General Information >> General Procedures >> Power Steering System Flushing

Power Steering System Flushing

WARNING: Do not mix oil types. Any mixture or any unapproved oil can lead to seal deterioration and leaks. A leak can ultimately cause loss of fluid, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
  1. Remove the ignition coil fuse to disable the vehicle.
  2. Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir.
    Fig 1: Disconnecting Power Steering Return Hose
    G02167189Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
  4. Raise the front wheels off the floor.
  5. Fill the reservoir.
    • Use MERCON® Multi-Purpose(ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
      Fig 2: Identifying Reservoir Oil Minimum And Maximum Level
      G02167190Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    6. CAUTION: Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Allow the starter to cool for 1 minute before cranking again. Premature starter failure can occur.
    CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
    Fig 3: Turning Steering Wheel From Stop-To-Stop
    G02167191Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop while cranking the engine until the fluid exiting the power steering return hose is clear of all contamination and foreign material.
    • Add MERCON® Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent as needed.
  7. Lower the vehicle.
  8. Disconnect the extension hose from the power steering return hose. Remove the plug. Attach the power steering return hose to the reservoir.
    Fig 4: Disconnecting Extension Hose From Power Steering Return Hose And Attaching Power Steering Return Hose To Reservoir
    G02167192Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    9. CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.
  9. Fill the reservoir.
    • Use MERCON® Multi-Purpose(ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
      Fig 5: Identifying Reservoir Oil Minimum And Maximum Level
      G02167193Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Install the ignition coil fuse.
    11. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
    Fig 6: Turning Steering Wheel From Stop-To-Stop
    G02167194Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.
    12. NOTE: If the power steering system is noisy and is accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid, it can be necessary to purge the power steering system.
    Fig 7: Identifying Reservoir Oil Minimum And Maximum Level
    G02167195Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Check the power steering fluid level.
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