Steering gearbox replacement

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Jan 16, 2023 | 01:08 PM

Dave Stevens

Thread Starter

4wd High

Joined: Dec 2022

Posts: 9

Likes: 2

Steering gearbox replacement

I am going to be replacing the steering gearbox on my 1989 f150. It is a 5 speed manual transmission with a 5.0L V8 engine. After watching some YouTube videos I have a good idea on how to swap out the gearbox but I am bit unsure about the fluid. One video said not to use power steering fluid and instead he used Type F automatic transmission fluid. When he swapped out the steering box, he just topped the fluid off. I wanted to see if anyone can confirm if that would be the correct type of fluid to use. Also would it beneficial to drain all of the old fluid out and replace it with new fluid? If so, could anyone give me some tips so that I can have a better idea of what type of tutorials I should be looking for. Thank you.

Jan 16, 2023 | 01:46 PM

sandymane

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 6,185

Likes: 633

From: Houston/Sugar Land

Type F is listed as Auto Trans fluid and Power Steering fluid.

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Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart" target="_blank">Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart

Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart">Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart" /> Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart">Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart

THIS IS FROM THE RED HEAD STEERING BOX COMPANY ON WHAT TO DO TO A "NEW" STEERING BOX. I BOUGHT ONE FROM THEM AND FOLLOWED THESE DIRECTIONS AND THEY WORKED FINE.

How do I purge air, or bleed, my steering gear box system?

After installing the gearbox, fill the system with fluid.
Raise the front wheels off the ground, DO NOT start the vehicle.
Work the steering wheel back and forth, lock to lock, 15-20 times.
Leave the vehicle sit (overnight is best) AT LEAST 2 hours
Top the pump reservoir off again.
Work the steering wheel back and forth again 7-10 times
Have a person in the vehicle and another at the pump reservoir with a container of fluid & funnel ready to pour if necessary.
Instruct the person in the vehicle to start the engine. As soon as this happens, if the fluid level drops, be ready to pour in more fluid. The level must be kept at an almost full level or it will suck in air again.
If this procedure is followed properly, the air problem will be solved.

Jan 16, 2023 | 02:08 PM

Encho

The Southernmost Mod

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 6,902

Likes: 21

From: Caracas, Venezuela

Hello there, check the Steering Box Rebuild link in my signature for a complete procedure on how to work on the steering box. The removal part will suit your needs

Jan 16, 2023 | 02:41 PM

88n94

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,118

Likes: 149

From: South Dakota

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Stevens

Also would it beneficial to drain all of the old fluid out and replace it with new

When you remove the lines from the steering box, if you let them drain out you will be getting most of the fluid out of the system. You could probably get a little more out, sort of flush it, just by adding some new fluid to the system in the normal manner and letting it drain out of those same steering box lines.

Another confirmation here for Type F ATF, it is what is called for in the owners manual. I, personally will accept no substitutes.