Power Steering Fluid Flush

This procedure flushes the old power steering fluid from the system and replaces it with fresh Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid to maintain proper steering performance and prevent component wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• O-rings for power steering lines (if disconnecting lines) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool to ambient temperature
3. Gather fresh Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid (approximately 2 quarts needed)
4. Place drain pan under work area to catch spills

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise front of vehicle
   Lift the front of the truck using a floor jack and support securely on jack stands. This allows the front wheels to turn freely without load during the bleeding process.
2. 2

   Locate power steering reservoir
   Open the hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the firewall. Clean the area around the reservoir cap to prevent contamination.
3. 3

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Remove the reservoir cap and use a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump to extract as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Transfer the old fluid to a drain pan. Note the fluid level marking inside the reservoir for reference.
4. 4

   Refill with fresh fluid
   Pour fresh Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the MAX or FULL COLD mark. Do not overfill.
5. 5

   Start fluid circulation
   Start the engine and let it idle. Slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock (full left to full right) 5-6 times. Do not hold the wheel at full lock for more than 2-3 seconds. Monitor the reservoir fluid level and add fluid as needed to keep it above the MIN mark.
6. 6

   Check fluid condition
   Turn off the engine and inspect the fluid color in the reservoir. If it still appears dark or contaminated, repeat the extraction process: remove as much fluid as possible with the turkey baster, refill with fresh fluid, start the engine, and turn the wheel lock-to-lock again.
7. 7

   Repeat flush cycle
   Perform 2-3 additional drain and refill cycles until the fluid in the reservoir remains clean and bright red. Each cycle should involve extracting fluid, refilling, running the engine, and turning the steering wheel.
8. 8

   Bleed air from system
   With the engine running at idle, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10-15 times to purge any remaining air from the system. Check for proper fluid level and top off to the FULL COLD mark. Listen for any whining or groaning noises that would indicate air in the system.
9. 9

   Final fluid level adjustment
   Turn off the engine and allow fluid to settle for 2-3 minutes. Check the fluid level and adjust to the FULL COLD mark. Reinstall the reservoir cap securely.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and test
    Remove jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel through its full range of motion several times while stationary, then take a short test drive. Check for proper steering feel and listen for abnormal noises.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure reservoir cap is tightened securely
2. Wipe down any fluid spills from engine bay and chassis components
3. If any lines were disconnected, verify all fittings are properly torqued and new O-rings were installed

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks around reservoir or hoses
• Confirm fluid level is at FULL COLD mark with engine off
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no whining or groaning sounds
• Test drive vehicle and confirm normal steering feel and response
• Recheck fluid level after test drive; level should remain stable at FULL COLD mark
• Inspect under vehicle for any fluid leaks at steering rack and line connections

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