This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power steering fluid reservoir on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool if recently driven
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Place drain pan beneath reservoir area
5. Have shop towels ready to catch fluid spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove reservoir cap and drain fluid
   Remove the power steering reservoir cap by turning counterclockwise. Use a fluid transfer pump or turkey baster to remove as much fluid as possible from the reservoir into a drain pan. This minimizes spillage during removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect return hose
   Locate the return hose (lower hose) connected to the bottom of the reservoir. Use hose clamp pliers or a flathead screwdriver to release the spring clamp and slide it down the hose. Twist and pull the hose off the reservoir nipple. Allow remaining fluid to drain into the drain pan. Plug the hose end with a clean rag to prevent contamination.
3. 3

   Disconnect pressure line
   Locate the pressure line fitting on the reservoir. Using a 10mm wrench or socket, loosen and remove the pressure line fitting. Be prepared for residual fluid to drain out. Once disconnected, cover the line end with a clean shop towel to prevent contamination.
   ℹ️Note the orientation of the old O-ring for proper installation of the new one.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove reservoir mounting bolts
   Locate the reservoir mounting bolts securing the reservoir to its bracket. Using a 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the mounting bolts. Support the reservoir as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove reservoir from vehicle
   Carefully lift the reservoir up and out of the engine bay. Tilt as needed to navigate around nearby components. Have shop towels ready to catch any remaining fluid that may drain from the reservoir.
6. 6

   Prepare new reservoir
   Inspect the new reservoir and ensure it matches the old unit. Install new O-rings on both the return hose nipple and pressure line fitting. Lightly lubricate the O-rings with clean power steering fluid or ATF to ease installation and prevent damage.
7. 7

   Install new reservoir
   Position the new reservoir into the mounting bracket, ensuring proper orientation. Thread the mounting bolts by hand first to ensure they are not cross-threaded. Torque the mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect pressure line
   Clean the pressure line fitting threads and inspect for damage. Thread the pressure line fitting into the new reservoir by hand to avoid cross-threading. Torque the fitting to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect return hose
   Push the return hose firmly onto the reservoir nipple until it seats completely. Slide the spring clamp back into position over the hose connection point. Ensure the clamp is properly seated and secure.
10. 10

    Fill reservoir and bleed system
    Fill the reservoir to the MAX mark with Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 3-4 times while idling. Check fluid level and add as needed. Repeat this process until the fluid level stabilizes and no air bubbles are visible in the reservoir.
    ⚠Do not hold the steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds to avoid damaging the power steering pump.

Reassembly

1. Installation is covered in the removal steps above
2. Ensure all hose connections are secure and clamps are properly positioned
3. Double-check that mounting bolts and line fittings are torqued to specification

Verification

• Check for fluid leaks at all connections with engine running
• Verify fluid level is at MAX mark on reservoir with engine at operating temperature
• Turn steering wheel lock to lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no unusual noises
• Test drive vehicle and confirm normal power steering operation
• Recheck fluid level and inspect for leaks after test drive

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