This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power steering fluid reservoir on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering fluid reservoir × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Place drain pan beneath power steering reservoir area
4. Have shop towels ready to catch spilled fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the power steering reservoir
   Open the hood and locate the power steering reservoir on the passenger side of the engine bay, mounted to the inner fender well near the firewall. The reservoir is a translucent plastic container with a black cap.
2. 2

   Remove reservoir cap and drain fluid
   Remove the reservoir cap by turning counterclockwise. Use a fluid transfer pump to remove as much fluid as possible from the reservoir into the drain pan. If a pump is not available, proceed to the next step and be prepared for fluid spillage.
3. 3

   Disconnect return hose
   Locate the return hose on the bottom of the reservoir (larger diameter hose). Use hose clamp pliers to compress and slide the spring clamp back away from the reservoir connection. Twist and pull the hose off the reservoir nipple. Direct the hose into the drain pan to catch remaining fluid.
   ⚠Fluid will drain from both the hose and reservoir. Keep drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
4. 4

   Disconnect pressure line
   Locate the high-pressure line connection on the side of the reservoir. Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the tube nut fitting. Allow remaining fluid to drain into the pan. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the fitting.
5. 5

   Remove reservoir mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the two mounting bolts securing the reservoir to the inner fender bracket. Support the reservoir while removing the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove reservoir from vehicle
   Carefully lift the reservoir up and out of the engine bay. Tilt as needed to clear surrounding components. Drain any remaining fluid into the drain pan.
7. 7

   Install new O-ring on pressure line
   Install a new O-ring onto the high-pressure line fitting. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean MERCON LV fluid to ease installation and prevent tearing.
   ℹ️Using a new O-ring is critical to prevent leaks. Do not reuse the old O-ring.
8. 8

   Install new reservoir
   Position the new reservoir into the mounting bracket on the inner fender. Align the mounting holes with the bracket. Install the two mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect pressure line
   Thread the high-pressure line fitting into the reservoir by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use a 10mm socket and torque wrench to tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect return hose
    Push the return hose firmly onto the reservoir nipple until it bottoms out. Slide the spring clamp back into position over the connection point using hose clamp pliers. Ensure the clamp is seated in the groove on the nipple.
11. 11

    Fill reservoir with fluid
    Pour Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the FULL COLD mark on the side of the reservoir. Install the reservoir cap and turn clockwise until tight.
12. 12

    Bleed air from system
    Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully left and right several times without holding at the stops. Check the fluid level and add as needed. Continue this process until no air bubbles appear in the reservoir and the fluid level stabilizes. The engine may make groaning noises initially as air is purged.
    ⚠Do not hold the steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds as this can damage the power steering pump.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose connections are secure and properly clamped
2. Verify reservoir cap is tightened to prevent fluid loss
3. Clean any spilled fluid from engine bay components and painted surfaces

Verification

• Check fluid level with engine at operating temperature - should be at FULL HOT mark
• Inspect all connections for leaks while engine is running
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal power steering operation with no noise or binding
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Verify no fluid leaks are present on ground after vehicle sits overnight

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