Power Steering System Purging: Material

Fig 1: Material Specification Index - Power Steering System Purging

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

A whine heard from the power steering pump may be caused by air in the system. The power steering purging procedure must be performed under the following conditions:

• Prior to any component repair for which power steering noise complaints are accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid.
• After installation of any power steering system component (gear, hose, etc.).

1. Remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
   Fig 2: Removing Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Cap

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Tightly insert the stopper of the special tool into the power steering fluid reservoir.
   Fig 3: Inserting Stopper Of Special Tool Into Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Start the engine and allow it to idle.
4. Using the special tool, apply the maximum vacuum source for a minimum of three minutes with the engine at idle. Maintain the maximum vacuum.
   Fig 4: Applying Maximum Vacuum Source

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Release the vacuum source and remove the special tool.
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 power steering assist.
Fig 5: Locating Power Steering Reservoir Level Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Fill the power steering reservoir to the appropriate level.
   • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
7. Using the special tool, apply maximum vacuum.
   Fig 6: Applying Vacuum

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can result.
8. Cycle the steering wheel from stop-to-stop every 30 seconds for approximately five minutes.
9. Stop the engine, release the vacuum source, and remove the special tool.
   Fig 7: Removing Special Tool

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Add power steering fluid if necessary. Install the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
    Fig 8: Installing Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Cap

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can result.
11. Start the engine and cycle the steering wheel from stop-to-stop every 30 seconds for approximately five minutes.
12. Check for power steering fluid leaks at all connections. If the power steering fluid still shows signs of aeration, repeat this procedure.