If my pump has power steering fluid and not atf like it should, will it whine? Can I drain it and replace with correct fluid or will I have to replace the pump? Thanks in advance.

 

I had a co-worker that put brake fluid in his PS on a BMW and he just flushed it out and it was fine. He was having a hard time with bleeding the brakes though.
YMMV

 

From what I read on my 'new-to-me' '05, the power steering requires ATF, if it's not used, it could cause a problem with the seals leaking.

Could be why I had to replace the leaking steering gear a couple of weeks ago, only having this '05 for the past 2 months........But with 170K on the clock, I figured it was due time anyways.

Did tighten up the steering a little better also, more responsive.

Best thing would be to just pull off the return line, at the gear, Not running, and drain out what fluid is in there, and replace with ATF.
There is a process for "flushing" the system.
But, you would not want the system to become "dry" as that would cause damage to the power steering pump for sure.

 

Wow---my '03 E250 box developed a leaking lower seal at just about 178K miles----must be a thing huh? Not sure what the PO used but I'm fairly confident it was ATF---it was a former fleet vehicle with a fairly competent on-site mechanic.

 

Back late at you on this, but Yes, from what I read in the '05 FSM, the wrong fluid could effect the seals.

Prior to your ownership, who knows whom put what into the power steering???
I mean, for years, it was always power steering fluid.........I found this out by check the book first

And from whom I got this van from, might not have know that fact.

 

On some cars that is too much of a hassle.
I've used a turkey baster to change PS fluid
Just remove some fluid and replace , run it for a bit and repeat a few times.

 

This is not the same turkey baster you use in late November.......is it???

Hehe........yes that would work, but on these vans, the high pressure and return lines on the top of the steering gear and accessible thru the left wheel well.

 

yup, I bought extras at Harbor Frieght
for 99c it was worth it

 

I'd have bought a dozen or so, passed them out as Christmas stocking stuffers.

I've looked at larger "better" extraction syringes for upwards of $30 and more---might have to buy a few of these anyway.