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.

 

Nice write up.

 

I concur. You wrote that good enough for me to understand.

 

The suggestion for the wife to bring an iPod and a book is a good one! I will try that next time I need some help! (If I can get her out of the house!)

 

Rep points given. Great job. My 19 year old daughter (who is a girly girl) loves to help me in the shop when she can cause she loves cars/trucks. Her dream car is a 67 Chevelle SS....not a bumble bee sounding rice burner. Imagine that.