Any advice or steps to take on flushing out the power steering pump? 2000 Ranger, 53,000 miles, and the fluid is murky/brownish looking. I added some fluid yesterday, as it was howlong like a scalded cat! It quieted down, but I would like to prevent the pump from qoing south, if possible!

 

Good discussion on how to do it yourself here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=258822

 

System Flushing
WARNING: Do not mix oil types. Any mixture or any unapproved oil can lead to seal deterioration and leaks. A leak can ultimately cause loss of fluid, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.

Remove the ignition coil fuse to disable the vehicle.

Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir.

Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
Raise the front wheels off the floor; for additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .
Fill the reservoir.
Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.

CAUTION: Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Allow the starter to cool for 1 minute before cranking again. Premature starter failure can occur.

CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump could occur.

Turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop while cranking the engine until the fluid exiting the power steering return hose is clear of all contamination and debris.
Add Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent as needed.

Lower the vehicle.
Disconnect the extension hose from the power steering return hose. Remove the plug. Attach the power steering return hose to the reservoir.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.

Fill the reservoir.
Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.

Install the ignition coil fuse.

CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump could occur.

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.

NOTE: If the power steering system is noisy and is accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid it will be necessary to purge the power steering system.

Check the power steering fluid level.

 

Flushed it out and refilled it. During the refill/bleeding process I had the front wheels off the ground, and they started to shimmy really bad...like they were possessed! I turned off the truck and restarted it, and it was better. (Did this twice during this process.) Road tested pretty good, alot less noise, and from reading the other links, I am going to give it a few days to get all the air out. Thanks for the help!!!