Power Steering System Flushing: Material

Fig 1: Material Specification

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

WARNING: Do not mix oil types. Any mixture or any unapproved oil could lead to seal deterioration and leaks. A leak could ultimately cause loss of fluid, which could result in a loss of power steering assist.

1. Remove the ignition coil fuse number 30 in the fuse junction panel to prevent the engine from starting.
2. Disconnect the power steering return hose.
   1. Compress and move the hose clamp.
   2. Disconnect the power steering return hose and plug the fitting to the reservoir.
   Fig 2: Disconnecting Power Steering Return Hose

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
WARNING: Do not mix oil types. Any mixture or any unapproved oil could lead to seal deterioration and leaks. A leak could ultimately cause loss of fluid, which could result in a loss of power steering assist.
Fig 3: Locating Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the appropriate level.
   • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
5. Raise the front wheels off the ground.
CAUTION: Do not operate the starter motor for more than 10 seconds at a time. Damage to the starter motor could result.
Fig 4: Turning Steering Wheel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop while cranking the engine until the fluid exiting the extension hose is clean.
7. Disconnect the extension hose from the power steering return hose and attach the power steering return hose to the power steering fluid reservoir.
   Fig 5: Attaching Power Steering Return Hose To Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
WARNING: Do not mix oil types. Any mixture or any unapproved oil could lead to seal deterioration and leaks. A leak could ultimately cause loss of fluid, which could result in a loss of power steering assist.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the power steering fluid reservoir.
Fig 6: Locating Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the appropriate level.
   • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
9. Install the ignition coil fuse.
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel (3600) at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump (3A674) can result.
Fig 7: Turning Steering Wheel From Stop-To-Stop
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.
NOTE: If power steering is noisy and accompanied by aerated fluid, it will be necessary to purge the power steering system.
11. Check the power steering fluid level.
12. Clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).