That power steering flush.....
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
That power steering flush.....
.... is way more important than I had given it credit for.
The truck had been difficult to steer in parking lots for almost longer than I remember. Couple years ago when it started I attributed it to the big tires I had just put on, so I really didn't give it much thought. Monday of this week I had a friends 04 F-150 on the trailer dragging it down to Little Rock for him. It got a little hairy a couple times on the freeway when I found, to my dismay, that I had very little stopping power. Had to rely on the trailer brakes entirely too much.
After 11 years and 276,000 miles I thought the pump was done, but I figured what the hell.....might as well flush it just in case.
Twas' a good decision. 4 quarts of fluid and 20 minutes later the brakes clamp down so hard I can feel the ABS pulsing and I can maneuver around the parking lot with one finger on the wheel. Amazing difference.
A big
to all the folks that posted their instructions/videos on the job. 20 minutes maybe over estimating...... it literally took longer to get the truck on jack stands than it did to flush the system. 
The truck had been difficult to steer in parking lots for almost longer than I remember. Couple years ago when it started I attributed it to the big tires I had just put on, so I really didn't give it much thought. Monday of this week I had a friends 04 F-150 on the trailer dragging it down to Little Rock for him. It got a little hairy a couple times on the freeway when I found, to my dismay, that I had very little stopping power. Had to rely on the trailer brakes entirely too much.
After 11 years and 276,000 miles I thought the pump was done, but I figured what the hell.....might as well flush it just in case.
Twas' a good decision. 4 quarts of fluid and 20 minutes later the brakes clamp down so hard I can feel the ABS pulsing and I can maneuver around the parking lot with one finger on the wheel. Amazing difference.
A big
to all the folks that posted their instructions/videos on the job. 20 minutes maybe over estimating...... it literally took longer to get the truck on jack stands than it did to flush the system.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
It is so easy to do. My truck used to creep up at a red light, and came close to hitting the car in front of me way too many times. Not any more, wished I'd of done this year's ago. Gotta love the simple, but well worth the effort fixes!
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
You know what, thanks for the reminder, Scott. I keep telling my wife and son "that's just the way it is with Ford 4x4's" when they continue to comment on how much more difficult the steering is on the Ex versus my 2-wheel drive truck.
Gonna have to do the flush next week.
Sometime it's not always the expensive fix (Redhead steering box) but rather, the simple inexpensive maintenance that can get ya right.
I gotta remember KISS. Keep It Simple, Stewart!
Stewart
Gonna have to do the flush next week.
Sometime it's not always the expensive fix (Redhead steering box) but rather, the simple inexpensive maintenance that can get ya right.
I gotta remember KISS. Keep It Simple, Stewart!
Stewart
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
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How To: Power Steering Flush on 7.3L Powerstroke (HydroBoost) - YouTube
This is a video for the process. It's about 10 mins long.
This is a video for the process. It's about 10 mins long.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 659
Likes: 2
From: Berthoud, CO
I just posted on another link I just did mine. Simply amazed how much better things are now. I think I need do flush a little more, four quarts, and Im still and a dark red. Much better than the dark brown I started with!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,549
Likes: 14
From: Payson, AZ
Here is a Power Steering Flush Write-up. I find it easier to follow than a video.
Here is the home page for superdutypsd.com. There are great write-ups and info to be found.
Here is the home page for superdutypsd.com. There are great write-ups and info to be found.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 1
I used this Ford Super Duty Power Steering Flush | Superdutypsd.com
and a few quarts of MERCON from the two cases I bought from Sam's Club.
and a few quarts of MERCON from the two cases I bought from Sam's Club.