Ford Super Duty Power Steering Flush

The power steering pump on my 2000 Ford F250 Super Duty started to whine while turning the steering wheel when stopped or moving slowly. I discovered from reading many posts on TDS that flushing the power steering fluid (ATF) and replacing it with Mobile 1 synthetic ATF might alleviate the problem. I did the job with the help of various posts on the internet. I decided to synthesize what I gleaned from the posts, and from the practical experience of doing the job, into this write-up. This flushing procedure completely solved my problem 100%.

1999-2003 Super Duty trucks use automatic transmission fluid, not power steering fluid, in the power steering system. The owner's manual says to only use Mercon but you can now use Mercon V. Ford says Mercon V has been reformulated and is now all right to use for both power steering and transmission.

I hope this might be useful to someone. Remember though, that I am not a mechanic. This is just how I did it.

Click here to see how I also installed an inline filter for the power steering fluid.

Materials Required:
Automatic Transmission Fluid, 3-4 Quarts Mobile 1 ATF (or the properly rated Mercon or Mercon V ATF of your choice)
Clear Vinyl Tubing (3/8" ID), 3'-10'
Tools Required:
Pliers (to remove hose clamp at hydroboost)
Container (at least large enough to hold 4 or 5 quarts)

The Procedure:

1) Trace the return line from the neck of the power steering pump fluid reservoir up to where it connects to the hydroboost nipple. Using pliers disconnect the clamp and pull off the rubber line.

return line at hydroboost 1

 

return line at hydroboost 2

 

2) Now that the rubber power steering fluid line is disconnected a piece of clear vinyl tubing (3/8" ID) can be connected. Note that the flushing procedure was already underway when the photos were taken. That is why the tubing is already full of fluid.

rweturn line at hydroboost 3


 

3) Place the other end of the tubing in a suitable container. In my case I used a 1 gallon oil jug and set it where shown in the photo below. Some suggest setting it over the side of the fender. Note that I use this same piece of tubing for transmission flushes hence all the extra tubing.

power steering flush hose and container


 

4) Now, preferably with the front wheels off the ground and with the use of an assistant, the flushing procedure can start. Start the engine and have your assistant (in my case I did not have an assistant) pump the brakes and move the steering wheel from stop to stop. Don't turn the steering wheel too fast though, I understand the steering dampner can be caused to leak if you go too fast. Make sure to keep the power steering reservoir full of ATF or air will get into the system.

Fluid will flow into the container.

power steering flush catch container

Keep the reservoir full using a long funnel. It is not difficult as it does not drain very fast. Remember that 99-03 Super Duty trucks require ATF, not power steering fluid.

power steering flush long funnel

 

5) Once clean fluid is flowing out through the tubing the system is flushed. I used about 3 quarts, this allowed some extra fluid to be wasted just to make sure all the old fluid was out.

The fluid should be nice and clean like this.

power steering flush clean fluid in hose


 

6) Top off the fluid to the appropriate level and the project is complete.

I also opted to install an inline filter on the cooler return line. click here to see that installation.



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