Power Steering Reservoir

Remove and replace the power steering fluid reservoir on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8, including proper fluid drainage and refilling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering reservoir × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering pressure hose (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering return hose (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if replacing hoses) × 2 — Worm gear style 1.25" diameter

Fluids

• Type F ATF — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely
3. Open hood and locate power steering reservoir on driver's side inner fender well
4. Place fender covers or rags to protect painted surfaces
5. Position drain pan under work area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove fluid from reservoir
   Use a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump to remove as much power steering fluid as possible from the reservoir. Transfer fluid to drain pan. Remove the reservoir cap first, then extract fluid until the reservoir is as empty as practical.
2. 2

   Disconnect return hose from reservoir
   Locate the return hose (low pressure hose) on the lower fitting of the reservoir. Use hose clamp pliers or standard screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp. Slide clamp back along hose away from reservoir fitting. Twist and pull the return hose off the reservoir nipple. Immediately position the hose end into the drain pan as residual fluid will drain out. Allow hose to drain completely.
3. 3

   Disconnect pressure hose from reservoir
   The remote reservoir on this vehicle typically connects only via low-pressure return/suction hoses; the high-pressure line runs between the pump and steering gear, not to the reservoir. Verify your reservoir's actual connections. If a second hose connects to the reservoir, it is most likely another return/suction hose secured with a clamp — loosen the clamp and slide the hose off rather than unthreading a fitting. Keep the drain pan positioned underneath as fluid will spill.
4. 4

   Remove reservoir mounting hardware
   The reservoir is secured to the inner fender with a metal bracket. Confirm the exact bolt count and size against the factory service manual, then use the correct socket or wrench (a 5/16"-18 bolt takes a 1/2" head; a 3/8"-16 bolt takes a 9/16" head) to remove the mounting bolts. Support the reservoir as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove reservoir from vehicle
   Lift the reservoir and bracket assembly up and out of the engine bay. Tilt the reservoir to drain any remaining fluid into the drain pan. Wipe down the mounting area on the inner fender with a clean shop rag.
6. 6

   Prepare new reservoir for installation
   If the mounting bracket is reusable, transfer it from the old reservoir to the new one. Inspect both hose connections on the new reservoir for any shipping plugs or protective caps and remove them. Check that the reservoir cap is present and seals properly.
7. 7

   Install new reservoir
   Position the new reservoir and bracket assembly onto the inner fender mounting location. Align the mounting holes and start both mounting bolts by hand. Tighten both bolts securely with a 9/16" wrench or socket, ensuring the reservoir is firmly mounted and does not move.
8. 8

   Connect pressure hose
   If your reservoir has a second hose connection, reconnect it: push the hose firmly onto the reservoir nipple until it bottoms out, position the clamp about 1/4" from the end, and tighten the clamp securely. This reservoir uses hose-and-clamp connections, not a threaded aluminum port.
9. 9

   Connect return hose
   Push the return hose firmly onto the lower reservoir nipple until it bottoms out. Slide the hose clamp into position over the hose approximately 1/4" from the end. Tighten the clamp securely with a screwdriver or hose clamp pliers. Ensure the hose is fully seated and cannot be pulled off by hand.
10. 10

    Fill reservoir with power steering fluid
    Remove the reservoir cap. Using a funnel, pour Type F automatic transmission fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the FULL COLD mark (check the cap-mounted dipstick if equipped, otherwise the fill line on the reservoir body). The total system capacity is approximately 2 to 3 quarts depending on the steering gear; verify against the factory service manual. Initially fill only to the FULL COLD line and top off during bleeding.
11. 11

    Bleed air from system
    With the engine off, turn the steering wheel fully from lock to lock (far left to far right) 10 times. This circulates fluid through the system and helps purge air. Check reservoir level after every few cycles and add fluid as needed to maintain the FULL COLD level. The level will drop as fluid fills the pump and hoses.
12. 12

    Start engine and complete bleeding
    Start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 5 times while the engine is running. Check for leaks at both reservoir connections. Monitor the fluid level and add fluid as necessary to bring it to the FULL HOT mark once the system reaches operating temperature. The fluid may appear foamy initially; this is normal and will dissipate as air purges from the system.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both hose connections are tight and leak-free
2. Verify reservoir cap is installed securely
3. Clean any spilled power steering fluid from engine bay and fenders
4. Dispose of old power steering fluid properly at a recycling center

Verification

• With engine running, turn steering wheel lock to lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or noise
• Check fluid level at operating temperature and confirm it is at FULL HOT mark
• Inspect both reservoir connections for any signs of leakage
• Verify no whining or groaning noises from power steering pump during operation
• Check that fluid in reservoir is clear red with no excessive foaming

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