Thinking
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 678
Likes: 54
Make sure it's done right though.
You sitting in the cab and turning the wheel side to side getting rid of all the old stuff. Some techs will just turkey baste suck out the old fluid. Not good enough!
That alone which you speak of is HUGE preventative maintenance. Just changing the PS fluid frequently is lubing up the steering system, prolonging it's life and keeping expensive repairs to the minimum.
Make sure it's done right though.
You sitting in the cab and turning the wheel side to side getting rid of all the old stuff. Some techs will just turkey baste suck out the old fluid. Not good enough!
Make sure it's done right though.
You sitting in the cab and turning the wheel side to side getting rid of all the old stuff. Some techs will just turkey baste suck out the old fluid. Not good enough!
the proper way to do it is...
suck the reservoir out, add fresh, start truck, turn wheel lock to lock, and shut truck off. rinse and repeat until fluid is clean
when it comes to old coolant and P/S fluid. Dilution is the solution
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 678
Likes: 54
I'm not gonna use the new stuff just because Ford doesn't make the original stuff anymore so they recommend what they have now. The original spec stuff is still available.
I change the TF fluid, the trans fluid, and the diff oil every 50K miles.
Transfer case fluid = https://www.valvoline.com/en/multi-v...er-case-fluid/
Trans fluid = https://www.valvoline.com/en/atf-for...-applications/
Diff oil = https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publi...6-48df3793b338
Engine oil + Filter every 5K = Valvolene or Drydene 5W20 + Motorcraft filter. Grease everything with a fitting also. The manual says use 5W30 but the oil cap says 5W20. I believe the oil cap.
275K on truck now and never had an engine , axle, or transfer case oil related issue.
The trans was rebuilt under warranty when the truck was nearly new. Torque converter failed and mess up trans. Never an issue since.
The rear axle has a pinion seal leak and was replaced (pinion bearing was done concurrently as I was already there). Last time I did the axle fluid I pulled the axles to check the bearing and seals (at the wheel end) and they had very little wear and no leaks. I changed the seals anyway as I had it open.
No engine issues except the lines to the remote filter were replaced due to leaks.
I firmly believe in preventive maint. and using good products will increase the longevity of any machine. My truck is evidence of that. Use the good stuff.
I change the TF fluid, the trans fluid, and the diff oil every 50K miles.
Transfer case fluid = https://www.valvoline.com/en/multi-v...er-case-fluid/
Trans fluid = https://www.valvoline.com/en/atf-for...-applications/
Diff oil = https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publi...6-48df3793b338
Engine oil + Filter every 5K = Valvolene or Drydene 5W20 + Motorcraft filter. Grease everything with a fitting also. The manual says use 5W30 but the oil cap says 5W20. I believe the oil cap.
275K on truck now and never had an engine , axle, or transfer case oil related issue.
The trans was rebuilt under warranty when the truck was nearly new. Torque converter failed and mess up trans. Never an issue since.
The rear axle has a pinion seal leak and was replaced (pinion bearing was done concurrently as I was already there). Last time I did the axle fluid I pulled the axles to check the bearing and seals (at the wheel end) and they had very little wear and no leaks. I changed the seals anyway as I had it open.
No engine issues except the lines to the remote filter were replaced due to leaks.
I firmly believe in preventive maint. and using good products will increase the longevity of any machine. My truck is evidence of that. Use the good stuff.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 678
Likes: 54
Ouch PS pump and tread on tires.
Idle turns kills PS pump
You need two ppl for that job.
One in vehicle and the other watching the PS reservoir.
Last edited by GRF150; Apr 21, 2022 at 11:34 AM.
this is how ford says to flush the system
Material Item Specification MERCON® Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid
XT-2-QDX MERCON®
WARNING: Do not mix oil types. Any mixture or any unapproved oil can lead to seal deterioration and leaks. A leak can ultimately cause loss of fluid, which can result in a loss of power steering assist. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Power Steering System Flushing
Material Item Specification MERCON® Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid
XT-2-QDX MERCON®
WARNING: Do not mix oil types. Any mixture or any unapproved oil can lead to seal deterioration and leaks. A leak can ultimately cause loss of fluid, which can result in a loss of power steering assist. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.- Remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
- Using a suitable suction device, remove the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
- Disconnect the power steering fluid return hose from the reservoir.
- Remove the clamp.
- Plug the power steering fluid reservoir inlet port.
- Attach an extension hose to the power steering return hose.
- NOTE: Do not reuse the power steering fluid that has been flushed from the power steering system.
Place the open end of the extension hose into a suitable container.
- CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.
Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with new fluid.
- CAUTION: Do not allow the power steering pump to run completely dry of power steering fluid.
Start the engine while simultaneously turning the steering wheel to lock and then immediately turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
- CAUTION: Avoid turning the steering wheel without the engine running as this may cause air to be pulled into the steering gear.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.
Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with the approved power steering fluid.
- Repeat Steps 8 and 9, turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction each time, until the fluid exiting the power steering fluid return hose is clean and clear of foreign material.
- Remove the extension hose from the power steering return hose.
- Remove the plug from the power steering fluid reservoir inlet port.
- Install the power steering return hose to the reservoir.
- Install the clamp.
- NOTE: It is necessary to properly fill the power steering system to remove any trapped air and completely fill the power steering system components.
If after properly filling the power steering system there is power steering noise accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid and there are no fluid leaks, it may be necessary to purge the power steering stem. For additional information, refer to Power Steering System Purging in this section.
Fill the power steering system. For additional information, refer to Power Steering System Filling in this section.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 678
Likes: 54
Chris Fix on his YouTube video, jacked the front end off the ground and did all of those steps you posted.
less stress on power steering pump that way.
Really bad for tires and PS pump.
If I caught a tech doing that on my vehicle I'd let him have it.
less stress on power steering pump that way.
Really bad for tires and PS pump.
If I caught a tech doing that on my vehicle I'd let him have it.