Draining the power steering.

[93GreenX]

My power steering makes a whining noise any time you turn the wheel..more so then any other vehichle I've heard.

I dont know the last time the fluid was drained on it, figured it would be a good place to start. I couldnt find anyplace where it might drain from though. Is there anyway to drain it without taking components apart?

Thanks

 

[SkyMan9600]

Well, I would just take the power steering fluid holder off (It's only like 6 bolts or less and some time) and replace the fluid with some good dot 3 fluid

 

[TheJMan]

Well, I would just take the power steering fluid holder off (It's only like 6 bolts or less and some time) and replace the fluid with some good dot 3 fluid

Uh, DOT 3 is for the brakes, not the power steering.

Honestly, I would recommend just going to Checker and getting a quart or so of Chevron Type F tranny fluid. IMO Chevron oils and fluids are some of the best out there for the price.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Ford seems to have a weak power steering pump. Noisey anyway. About the only cure is a replacement. AutoZone rents the pully puller so changing them isnt too bad. When replaceing them it is important not to run the new one without fluid in it or it too will whine. By Searching you can find some good info on the change.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

To drain the system simply unclamp the low pressure hose (it will be clamped, high pressue hoses have screw type compression fittings) from the cooler or the rack itself. Let it drain. Turn the wheel a few times with the truck jacked up to get even more fluid out.

Reattach the hose, refill, and turn the wheel lock to lock a few times, start her up, repeat the turning, and top off.

That's it. I use good ol Dexron III ATF, or dedicated P/S fluid. DON'T USE DOT 3!!!

 

[jgilbs]

fords have unusually noisy PS pumps compared to other makes and models. this is normal(unless it isnt working properly) and is nothing to be concerned about. if you want to replace the fluid(always a good idea) use ATF NOT DOT3!!! DOT3 is hydraulic(brake) fluid - ATF is lubricating(tranny and a bit in the autohubs) fluid.

 

[F14CRAZY]

A turkey baster, and sucking out the fluid worked good for me. Refill with new fluid and do it a few times. It's more or less impossible to get it all out, since there will always be some in the lines and steering box. There will be some mess in sucking it out or draining it, so it seems either way is okay.

I've used type F ATF in mine, but I have heard good results (quieter) by using Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid.