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Power steering fluid change problem

joeysXLT

Member
Joined
December 11, 2016
Messages
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Location
Honolulu
City, State
Honolulu, Hawaii
Year, Model & Trim Level
2004 Exp Sport Trac XLT
I decided to change but not flush the power steering fluid on my 04 Sport Trac XLT. I used the turkey baster method in removing the old fluid, even turning the steering wheel lock to lock to get more fluid out of the system.
After filing the reservoir with new fluid, the level is not going down. I've tried letting the engine run a little longer but no go! I tried going lock to lock with the engine running a few times but no go either. However, I did notice the steering wheel feeling 'wobbly' in one direction but not the other.

Could use some forum members advice before continuing. Again, I don't want to burn up the pump by running it with no fluid. Thanks all.

Joey
 



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Joey, if you introduced air into the system, you will need to create a vacuum at the top of the reservoir to 'pull' the air out. Here is what the mx manual states:

Power Steering System Purging Special Tool(s)
Evacuation Cap, Power Steering 211-265
Vacuum Pump Kit 416-D002 (D95L-7559-A) or equivalent Material

Item Specification
MERCON® V Automatic Transmission Fluid
XT-5-QM (or XT-5-QMC) (US);
CXT-5-LM12 (Canada)
MERCON® V

NOTICE: If the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly, premature power steering pump failure may result. The condition may occur on pre-delivery vehicles with evidence of aerated fluid or on vehicles that have had steering component repairs.

1. NOTE: A whine heard from the power steering pump can be caused by air in the system. The power steering purge procedure must be carried out prior to any component repair for which power steering noise complaints are accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid.
Remove the power steering reservoir cap. Check the fluid.

2. Raise the front wheels off the floor. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 100 for the procedure.

3. Tightly insert the Power Steering Evacuation Cap into the reservoir and connect the Vacuum Pump Kit.

4. Start the engine.

5. Using the Vacuum Pump Kit, apply vacuum and maintain the maximum vacuum of 68-85 kPa (20-25 in-Hg).
If the Vacuum Pump Kit does not maintain vacuum, check the power steering system for leaks before proceeding. For additional information, refer to Power Steering Fluid Leak Test
in this section.

6. If equipped with Hydro-Boost®, apply the brake pedal 4 times.

7. NOTICE: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
Cycle the steering wheel fully from stop-to-stop 10 times.

8. Stop the engine.

9. Release the vacuum and remove the Vacuum Pump Kit and the Power Steering Evacuation Cap.

10. NOTE: Do not overfill the reservoir.
Fill the reservoir as needed with the specified fluid.

11. Start the engine.

12. Install the Power Steering Evacuation Cap and the Vacuum Pump Kit. Apply and maintain the maximum vacuum of 68-85 kPa (20-25 in-Hg).

13. NOTICE: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
Cycle the steering wheel fully from stop-to-stop 10 times.

14. Stop the engine, release the vacuum and remove the Vacuum Pump Kit and the Power Steering Evacuation Cap.

15. NOTE: Do not overfill the reservoir.
Fill the reservoir as needed with the specified fluid and install the reservoir cap.

16. Visually inspect the power steering system for leaks.

best of luck.
John
 






Power steering aeration is a VERY common problem when the wheels are turned with the engine not running. Special tools are NOT needed to purge air from the power steering system. Turning the steering wheel lock to lock repeatedly will almost always stop the shudder. Driving slowly doing figure eights in an open space or parked with the engine running while turning lock to lock is an almost guaranteed fix. Make sure the reservoir is always above the minimum line using Mercon V.
 






I change mine every 30K. Suck out as much as I can. Refill to the line. Drive 10 20 miles. and repeat. I use a WHOLE quart of FORD Mercon V
 






I change mine every 30K. Suck out as much as I can. Refill to the line. Drive 10 20 miles. and repeat. I use a WHOLE quart of FORD Mercon V
 






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