Power steering fluid flush?

[Aero-fan]

Seems like a lot of people complain of their power steering pumps/racks going up on aerostars. I hear mine whining too, not necessarily in a bad way, but it made me think there might be value to flushing out the 11 year old fluid. Anyone else do this? Sound like a good idea? I was thinking I could take a turkey baster and suck out most of the old fluid out of the filler and then drain the rest out of the various lines connecting to the rack (manually turning the front wheels all the way in both directions to help pump out the old stuff trapped in the cylinders). Then tighten every thing up and refill with a good synthetic. What do you guys think? Anyone else already done this? Never heard of anyone flushing PS fluid so not sure if it's a dumb idea or not.

[VanGo]

That's what I did. I also added an inline filter on the return side. Probably too late in life but if anything is breaking down it will be trapped.
Magnefine

[Aero-fan]

Thanks vango. How do you install an inline filter on the return side? Simply cut the line and install one or does it involve fittings etc? What type of filter did you use?

[VanGo]

Just cut the return line. I used one of their standard transmission filters

Magnefine--Magnefine Filter Installation Instructions

[Aero-fan]

Cool, great idea vango! Thanks for the link, I'll probably put one of those in too. I'm assuming the 3/8" size is what's needed?

[VanGo]

I can't take credit for it. It was someone on this forum though.
I'm pretty sure it's 3/8"

[96_4wdr]

search the aero forum for ps system flush.
use a quality synthetic ATF Mercon such as Mobil1
put front end on jack stands
pull the ps return line off off reservoir, into drain, run engine and turn steering wheel back and forth while adding ATF. turn engine on and off to pump out and refill.
repeat until clean ATF comes out.

[Bear River]

I think I'll get one of those as well. I need to change my fluid again, it has gotten water in it. I'll go with a good synthetic ATF. The source of the water getting in has been resolved too.

[VanGo]

Read about them and decide how many to order for your situation. They are consumable so you may save some on shipping.

[Aeroman59]

Originally Posted by Aero-fan

Thanks vango. How do you install an inline filter on the return side? Simply cut the line and install one or does it involve fittings etc? What type of filter did you use?

If you do decide to use a filter, I would change it about every 1 or 2 years since a blocked filter is worse than dirty fluid! Make a note on the filter.

Aeroman.

P.S. The whine you can hear is normal for a Ford Aerostar pump. It is related to engine speed & pump load, it goes away when engine revs increase above about 1.5-2k Revs.

[VanGo]

Originally Posted by Aeroman59

If you do decide to use a filter, I would change it about every 1 or 2 years since a blocked filter is worse than dirty fluid! Make a note on the filter.

I asked the vendor about this before I ordered mine. They have a bypass so the won't block up. Still, you need to change them.

[96_4wdr]

many auto parts stores and all quality auto tranny shops carry these in line filters.
Filtran and Microfine are 2 of the most avail.

[Aero-fan]

Thanks everyone, this site is fantastic. Tons of great info that makes me feel confident I can keep my cherrystar going for a zilliion miles. So I should use ATF, and Mercon V type synthetic would be best? How much will I need for a full flush/replacement? Also when I go to cut the return line and insert the filter, is the line steel reinforced or is it just nylon reinforced so I can cut it pretty easily with a razor?

[93nighthawk]

I believe the return line is nylon re-enforced, but I could be wrong.

As for how much, it usually takes 1-1/2 to 2qts of fluid. MerconV would be fine sense it is already fully synthetic.