Replace power steering fluid to maintain proper steering system operation and prevent pump damage on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering reservoir cap (if damaged) × 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 completely if recently driven
4. Gather all tools and new fluid before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise front of vehicle
   Loosen front wheel lug nuts one full turn while vehicle is on ground. Raise front of vehicle using jack and support securely on jack stands. Remove both front wheels completely to allow full steering lock movement during bleeding.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Locate power steering reservoir
   Open hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir on the passenger side of the engine bay, mounted near the firewall. The reservoir is a translucent plastic container with MIN and MAX markings. Note the current fluid level and condition.
3. 3

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Remove the reservoir cap. Use a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump to remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Transfer old fluid to drain pan. Continue until reservoir is as empty as possible without removing hoses.
4. 4

   Refill reservoir with new fluid
   Pour new Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the MAX cold fill line. Do not overfill. Replace the reservoir cap temporarily.
5. 5

   Cycle steering to circulate fluid
   Without starting the engine, turn the steering wheel slowly from full lock left to full lock right approximately 10 times. This circulates new fluid through the system and pushes old fluid back to the reservoir. Move slowly to avoid damaging the pump.
6. 6

   Remove and refill again
   Check reservoir fluid level and condition. The fluid will be darker as old fluid returns. Remove as much fluid as possible again using the turkey baster. Refill to MAX line with fresh MERCON LV. This second exchange significantly improves fluid replacement percentage.
7. 7

   Start engine and check for leaks
   Start the engine and let it idle. Immediately check all power steering connections, hoses, and the pump for any signs of leaks. Check the reservoir level and top off if needed to maintain proper level between MIN and MAX.
8. 8

   Bleed system with engine running
   With engine at idle, slowly turn steering wheel from lock to lock 5-6 times. Allow 2-3 seconds pause at each lock position. Watch the reservoir for bubbles which indicate air in the system. Continue until no more bubbles appear and fluid level stabilizes.
9. 9

   Final fluid level adjustment
   With engine running and at operating temperature, turn wheels to center position. Check fluid level - it should be at the HOT mark on the reservoir. Add fluid if necessary to reach proper hot level. Ensure reservoir cap is properly seated.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels. Hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern, then lower vehicle to ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern sequence.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify reservoir cap is tight and properly seated
2. Clean any spilled fluid from engine bay and undercarriage
3. Dispose of old power steering fluid according to local regulations - do not pour down drains

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth steering operation with no noise, binding, or unusual resistance
• Check for any fluid leaks around reservoir, hoses, and steering gear with engine running
• Verify fluid level is at HOT mark with engine at operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle and confirm normal steering feel and response at various speeds
• Recheck fluid level after test drive - top off if necessary
• Listen for any whining or groaning noises from power steering pump during operation

More procedures for this vehicle