power steering fluid? or tranny fluid in the powersteering resovior?

[bruceparkinson]

i just flushed my power steering and found my filter inside my resovior to be completly gunked!, i sprayed it out with carb cleaner and let it dry, then rinsed it with ATF ( auto tranny fluid) i belive that what i was supposed to use on my 99 SOHC 4.0. that what the manual said. well so i did it. was it right? nothing feels bad but i think after the cleaning and flush i should be a lot smoother and require less muscle to get the wheel around. anybody?

P.S. i would recommend cleaning your filter out too as it could save u a new pump later. mine had 150,000 on it when it was cleaned.

 

[RickOTR]

I have used Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF for years for the power steering on my Explorer and have never had any problems. I think you be OK.

 

[BTR]

How did you flush the old fluid out of the system? Where is the filter located? I want to clean mine out (replace the fluid), but am not sure of the steps to take. Help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Clutchless1995]

How to Flush Power Steering Fluid

To flush out your power steering, get one of those oil suction pumps for under $8 at an auto parts store or Wal-Mart. The kind meant to go into an oil or differential fluid bottle. Maybe get some extra clear hose of the same type that comes with it so you can route the extracted fluid to a bottle on the ground or place elsewhere on the engine. There is no filter on my 95, unless you add a Magnefine filter inline on the low pressure return hose.

This is done with the engine off. Drain the reservoir. Pull off the (return) low pressure hose, this is the regular rubber hose that clamps onto the bottom of the reservoir, it looks like a heater hose. Improvise a plug to the bottom of the reservoir. I often place layers of aluminum foil then radiator clamp it in place, or find a suitable cork or small hose you can then plug. Using hoses of different sizes, connect the oil suction pump to the return hose so it pulls fluid from the hose, attach your extension pieces to send the pumped out fluid to a bottle. Now add fluid to the reservoir and start pumping. You should pump a couple of quarts through, then close it up and top it off. It only holds about a quart or so.

If you have air in the system, which is not uncommon, just slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock (side to side) several times to bleed it out. You may have to do this a few times. Drive then check you fluid level once warm.

You may want to flush it again after driving to clean it some more as the new fluid, especially Mobil 1 synthetic ATF will have a strong cleaning effect.

Another method is to just drain the reservoir then refill and drive a day, then repeat for 5 more days. This will replace most of the fluid.

Every oil change I drain and refill the power steering reservoir to help maintain the system.

 

[drdoom]

I have always used power steering fluid, but I'd have to check the manual to see if that is the right fluid.
EDIT: I just checked the manual, and it says to use MERCON ATF.