Sean, a few years back I posted a response to a similar question on my 2003. I used Mercon V and the fluid still looks clean and the power steering and power brakes work fine. You should check your owners manual for your year Ford because I believe that the Ford recommendation for fluid has changed over the years. Hope this helps.

************************************************** ************************************************** ******************
On my last trip to the dealer for fuel system problems which turned out to be a broken ICP sensor, they tried to sell me a power steering system flush. I decided to do it myself. It was a tad messy but it was relatively straightforward. Others have written about this before and I used their advice. I also added an inline Magnafine filter which has also been previously discussed. My truck is a 2003 6.0 F250 with 60K miles. It uses ATF in the power steering reservoir.

Materials Needed:

3 Quarts of MerconV ATF. (MerconV is the successor to Mercon)
4 Feet of 3/8" clear tubing from the home center ($1.00)
1 3/8" connector to connect the tubing to the line from the PS
1 3/8" bolt inserted in 2" of the above clear tubing to make a plug
1 Magnefine 3/8" filter with 2 hose clamps (19.95 w/shipping on the net)
1 Sharp knife to cut the hydroboost return hose
1 Pliers to use on pinch clamps on hoses on reservoir
1 Screwdriver to tighten clamps on filter
1 Gallon jug to catch the flushed ATF
1 Small hand pump I normally use to fill the differential
1 Step stool to get up on
Some rags

Here's how to do it:

1. Empty the reservoir with the hand pump into the jug.
2. Remove the return hose from the power steering that goes into the bottom of the reservoir. There are two return hoses the same size. One goes up to the hydraboost which is under the master cylinder. The other one goes to the power steering. Plug the bottom of the reservoir with the homemade plug.
3. Next, connect the clear tubing to the power steering return hose. Insert the other end of the hose in the jug. Immediately, fill the reservoir before you do anything else.
4. Call Spouse to come outside for a good time. It's best if she brings her ipod and a book. That will cut down on the "Are you done yet" dialogue.
5. Have her start the engine and turn the wheel to one side. Shut off the engine. The fluid started pumping into the jug before the wheel was turned and during the turning. Check the color of the fluid. The old stuff looked ok to me but we continued on.
6. The key here is to make sure that you do not let the reservoir go dry. Fill it up and do it again until you have used about 1 3/4 quarts of new ATF.
7. At this point, the reservoir is near the bottom. Reinstall the power steering return line to the reservoir. Fill the reservoir with ATF.
8. Remove the hydraboost line from the reservoir at the hydraboost. Put the clear plastic tubing on the nipple on the hydraboost. Have Spouse pump the brakes and watch the fluid. When it is clear, stop.
9. Cut the hydraboost return line and insert the Magnefine filter with the arrow towards the reservoir. Install the clamps. Connect the return line to the hydraboost and fill up the reservoir.
10. Have Spouse start the engine and turn the wheel while you peer into the reservoir checking for bubbles. No bubbles, no problem.
11. Have Spouse pump the brake peddle a few times. I had a few bubbles from the filter settling in. After a few more pumps, the bubbles disappeared.
12. Take the truck for a spin around the block and check for proper steering and brakes. I believe that the brakes actually seemed a little tighter.

Conclusion:

The ATF in the reservoir looked surprisingly good. However, the price of all the mechanical components could bankrupt me so a little preventative maintenance which consists of a $20 filter and 3 quarts of ATF is cheap insurance.

Thanks to all who have contributed before on this topic.
__________________

 

While recently working on a project car (not my truck) I used some O'Rileys power steering fluid. Man, that stuff smells bad! Something like a skunk and very strong, I have an attached garage and the smell was even in the house the next morning. Nothing BUT trans fluid for me in the future unless something specific is called for.

 

PS does have a "unique" smell to it thats for sure... least its not as bad as gear oil... that stuff lasts in an area for months... even if you havent spilled it..

 

Worse than old nasty stuff?

Never get used stuff on your shirt and pants because the only option is burning it of dynamite.

There must be something in the pump that can make ATF smell so nasty once it's been in there for a while.

 

its called age sean... age.. lol

 

I know that I don't smell like used power steering fluid.

 

It had trans fluid in it when I started. I did spill some P/S fluid.

 

say it aint so... how could you.... lol jk

 

Lol, I guess tha did sound funny, I was posting quickly from the break room at work just as a briefing was about to start. The project is an 82 Jaguar XJS that was supposed to have a 350 Chevy in it. On closer inspection after I got it home, turns out it is a 85 305. The car is trying real hard to die, most of it's fluids are leaking from various orifices and every time I get one thing fixed somthing else goes wrong. The rack started leaking from one end, found one on Craigslist and just installed it and it sqrayed fron the input shaft seal all over the driver side manifold. It hadn't ran long enough to get real hot but it did smoke a little. The cap for the power steering pump is directly under the alternator, so hose on the funnel and no way to see the level. Overfilled it. Fluid everywhere, luckily I had one of those big drip pans under it.
The interior is shot but the body is real nice, every piece of trim is on it and even with the low power version of the small block, it's quick and fun to drive (when it's working). Turns out it's not that fun to work on. Hours of chasing electrical gremlins, replaced the u-joints in the irs, had the gas tank out at least three times now for leaks.
I'm sure you guys know what power steering fluid smells like, but I swear this batch got an extra dose of stank when they mixed it up.

 

if it makes you feel better i exploded the PS hose on lil dually after doing the steering gear box... took weeks to get all the ATF out from between both rad/A/A cooler/ACcondensor.. ntm off the lower bumper rail (least thats what i call that steel rail under the PS cooler)

 

Never heard of "regular" atf

 

regular atf... = not fancy "needs to be merc III/iV/V/ Dex II/ SLP1.02 ect ect" complaint... meaning you could use the cheapest crap possible to stick in it without meeting some sort of specific standard...

 

Don't think they make ATF but is they did one I would walk
miles to avoid was Raylube. The urban myth was you could filter
the stuff and pull metal parts and shavings out of it.
RayLUBE - Home
The trademark is held by Vast Enterprises.
Seems like names I would avoid.

 

Raylube was used back in the 60's when the engine leaked or burned oil so bad that you never had to change it. Just add every couple of days. I think it was a paraffin based oil.