V10 Power Steering Maintenance

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Sep 21, 2007 | 01:03 AM

biz4two

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Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 5,844

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From: Albuquerque

V10 Power Steering Maintenance

Hello fellow V10'ers!

So...what is the proper procedure for changing out the power steering fluid on my '03 or any '99-'04 V10?

I was looking at the reservoir and there are two hoses. A large and a small...and was thinking that the larger hose is the return. Is that correct?

My Idea:
Put the front-end on jack stands with the tires off the ground. Then removing the return hose and having someone turn the steering wheel back and forth with the engine off cycling the old fluid out...while I pour new fluid in the reservoir and keeping it topped off...making sure no air gets in the system. When new clean fluid starts coming out...all done. Would that work???

Any tips, tricks, or suggestions...very welcome!

biz

Sep 21, 2007 | 08:14 AM

benr0

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 268

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From: OZ

What I have done when I changed my tranny fluid is this.
Get a turkey baster, remove all the fluid from the PS reservoir that you can.
Fill with the new fluid of your choice, I used my syn tranny fluid.
Start up vehicle and go up/down drive way turning tires back and forth to mix fluids.
Repeat this 3 times.
You will use @ 4 qts of fluid if I remember correctly.

Sep 22, 2007 | 12:03 AM

biz4two

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Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 5,844

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From: Albuquerque

Thanks for the comment benr0...really appreciate it!

However, what is the return line on the reservoir? Also...can my idea above been done with the engine off? Or does the engine have to be running?

Any one have that info?

biz

Sep 22, 2007 | 10:44 AM

krewat

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Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 42,561

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From: Long Island USA

I don't remember exactly, but the "resevoir" is a gravity feed setup to the pump, isn't it? Kinda like a dry-sump.

So, the small hose is a vent/bleed line, just like a radiator resevoir would have on it, if I recall correctly.

Sep 23, 2007 | 12:14 AM

biz4two

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: Albuquerque

Step-by-Step for "FLUSHING" the Power Steering

Ok fellow V10'ers...I forgot I had a Service Manual (duh!)...so here is a Step-by-Step for "FLUSHING" the Power Steering for '99 - '04 V10 2v.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FORD Service Manual

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 fuel pump fuse to prevent engine starting.
Remove the bolt. Position the evaporative emissions canister (EVAP canister) (9D653) out of the way.
Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir fitting.
Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
Raise the front wheels off the floor.
Fill the reservoir.
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 foreign material.
• Fill the reservoir.
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.
Install the evaporative emissions canister and the bolt.
Install the fuel pump 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 accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid it will be necessary to purge the power steering system.
• Check the power steering fluid level.

See link to my gallery for Power Steering return hose in the diagram.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=30343

Hope this helps anyone out there wanting to "FLUSH" there Power Steering.

biz

Last edited by biz4two; Sep 23, 2007 at 12:25 AM.

Jul 23, 2012 | 12:32 PM

Big Sky

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 852

Likes: 12

From: Billings, MT

I want to flush the PS fluid on my truck. I noticed on the instructions that it says to add an extension hose to the power steering return. What size extension hose and plug do I need to get?

Feb 23, 2023 | 10:12 AM

FastPilot

8th Gear

Joined: Mar 2021

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by benr0

I gave up on the suggested method of connecting a hose. I was discouraged by capping off a downward facing port, so I used your crude but fairly effective method. I cycled 4 quarts through. That should do the trick.