I've been towing my 97 Aerostar 3.0L behind our motorhome this winter. Every time we disconnect and start driving it around, the steering shudders. I bought a bottle of Lucas Power Steering Treatment and sucked out what I could a couple of times to make room for the treatment. It hasn't helped much if at all. I've towed Aerostars before without any problems and wonder what's causing it this time. I figure I'll need to swap the rack out after we get home unless someone has a fix for it. Any suggestions? It's also causing problems while towing and making tight turns.

BTW: I'm using a driveshaft disconnect by Remco to prevent any damage to the transmission. The shift lever stays in park while I'm towing and key is in the ACC position. I'm getting better gas mileage on the MH while towing the Aerostar than I was getting towing my HHR - go figure. I know the Aero weighs more.

 

 

I've towed other Aerostars in the past with no issues but this is the first time I've towed this one. I noticed the problem at the end of the first day when I got off the Interstate and into town making turns and then after I disconnected it and drove it. It takes a couple of days for it smooth out again. I only drove for an hour during my last move and it started doing it as soon as I disconnected to back in my space. For sure it doesn't like being towed where the tires cause the steering wheel to turn.

 

Do a complete flush on PS system with Mobil 1 Mercon full synthetic. Fill pump housing, return line into drain bucket, motor running. Keep pouring in fresh M1 until outflow is titty pink and clean M1 only. Takes about 4 quarts to get most of them clean after 100k. At idle only and don't shake the bottles induces more air. Make take a few hours on the road to purge any air left in system. Mine has 200k with no PS issues now.

 

I'm not supposed to work on it here in the campground but it'd be cheaper and easier than changing out the rack and pinion. I might try to get away with it.
Thanks for the advice!

 

@96_4wdr Couple of questions related to flushing the power steering:

1. Can I get away with just loosening the return fitting and letting it hang - how far will it squirt? I was thinking of just putting an oil drain pan under them and starting the engine.
2. Should I turn the steering wheel lock to lock while flushing?