Replace power steering fluid in the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost to maintain hydraulic system performance and prevent component wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering reservoir cap O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool to ambient temperature if recently driven
4. Locate power steering fluid reservoir on driver side of engine bay, near firewall
5. Clean exterior of reservoir cap and surrounding area to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise front of vehicle
   Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails. This allows full steering wheel rotation without tire friction resistance. Ensure vehicle is stable before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Remove power steering reservoir cap. Using turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Transfer old fluid to drain pan. Note the fluid level marking on the reservoir for reference during refilling.
3. 3

   Refill reservoir with fresh fluid
   Fill reservoir to MAX cold fill line with fresh Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid. Replace reservoir cap loosely (do not tighten fully yet).
4. 4

   Cycle steering to purge old fluid
   Without starting engine, slowly turn steering wheel fully left to right lock 10-15 times. This circulates fresh fluid through the system and pushes old fluid back to reservoir. Check fluid level after every 5 cycles and top off as needed. Fluid will appear darker as old fluid returns.
   ⚠Turn steering wheel slowly to avoid damaging steering rack stops and allow fluid time to circulate.
5. 5

   Remove discolored fluid
   Once fluid in reservoir appears dirty again, use turkey baster to remove fluid from reservoir. Refill to MAX line with fresh MERCON LV. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until fluid remains clean and amber-colored after steering cycle. Typically requires 2-3 cycles for acceptable fluid color.
6. 6

   Final fluid level adjustment
   With reservoir filled to MAX cold line, start engine and let idle. Turn steering wheel slowly lock to lock 3-4 times while engine runs. Shut off engine and check fluid level. Fluid level should be between MIN and MAX marks. Add fluid if needed to reach MAX cold line.
   ⚠Monitor fluid level closely when engine is first started. Add fluid immediately if level drops below MIN to prevent pump damage.
7. 7

   Check for leaks and air purge
   Inspect all power steering connections and reservoir for leaks. Start engine and turn steering wheel slowly lock to lock 5 times, pausing briefly at each lock position. Listen for pump whine which indicates aerated fluid. If whining persists, continue cycling steering and allow system to sit with engine running for 2-3 minutes to release air bubbles.
8. 8

   Lower vehicle and final check
   Lower vehicle from jack stands. With engine running, turn steering wheel lock to lock 2-3 times with wheels on ground. Shut off engine and verify fluid level is at MAX cold line. Inspect for any leaks at reservoir and pressure line connections. Install reservoir cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Ensure reservoir cap is installed securely with O-ring properly seated
2. Wipe down any spilled fluid from engine bay components and paint surfaces
3. Dispose of used power steering fluid according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Start engine and verify no power steering pump whine during idle
• Turn steering wheel lock to lock and confirm smooth operation without noise or binding
• Verify fluid level remains at MAX cold line after test drive
• Check for leaks around reservoir, pump, and pressure line connections after 24 hours
• Test drive vehicle and confirm normal steering feel and response

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