2004 6.0 4x4 Crew Cab Long Bed Automatic

Power steering is making noises sometimes, like it is low on fluid...mostly at idle and parking...but will go away.

How do I check for low fluid, and where?

 

The best place to start would be a refresh of your owners manual! Not being a Smart ### but the owners manual points out ALL the systems you should check and when to do it.

 

...very good point, but I do not have access to my manual at the moment.

 

Check the level at the power steering reservoir. Open hood at it will be on your right looking at the engine. Would be a good idea also to flush with new fluid and install an inline filter.

 

Wow.... you don't know where to look for your P/S resovoir?

It is the large plastic tank next to your driver's side battery (with a cap that states "power-steering fluid"!!!!!! Check the dip-stick for proper level.

You have two options for flushing your p/s fluid in your truck.


OPTION #1:
Use a turkey baster and suck out all the fluid in this resorvoir tank and re-fill with new ATF fluid (can't remember but it is 1 or 2 qts). Drive for day and repeat 3 or 4 times. Eventually you will dilute or replace the old fluid. Use Mercon V ATF fluid only (single spec not multi-spec'd).


OPTION#2:
1) Buy 5-feet of 3/8" tubing at auto parts store.

2) Get yourself a floor jack and jack stands

3) Buy your self 2 gallons of Mercon V (single-spec only) ATF fluid.

4) Buy 1 small hose clamp

5) Jack up front end and secure with front tires off the ground. You will need an assistant to assist in the process below (you will see where).

6) Suck fluid out of resorvoir (leave empty for right now).

7) Remove 3/8" hose that goes from the resorvoir to the master brake cylinder hydraboost line (remove at brake/hydra boost connection - not at resorvoir).

8) Connect the 5-foot 3/8" hose you bought and secure and run the other end into an empty gallon jug (will take 2 jugs).

9) Refill p/s resorvoir and make sure loose 3/8" hose is held in an upright position or fluid will run out (duh).

10) With front end jacked up, hose connected to hydraboost outlet and other end in gallon jug, refill the p/s resorvoir with Mercon V ATF fluid.

11) Have your assistant start your motor, pump brakes and turn the steering wheel right to left constantly. As fluid is pumped out of the hydraboost, the resorvoir fluid level will decrease... and just keep adding fluid (never let it go empty or dry).

12) By turning the steering wheel right-to-left and pumping the brakes, it is moving fluid... old then new... through the p/s system. Keep eye on jug that your filling up and replace as needed.

13) After 1-3/4 gallons... the fluid coming out should be as red as the fluid going in... which means your done.

14) Stop motor, disconnect 3/8" drain hose, reconnect the original 3/8" hose, lower your front-end and check your fluid level and top off as necessary.

You have now completed a 100% p/s fluid flush of your system with 100% Mercon V ATF fluid!!!!

There is an external p/s fluid filter that many of us install in the 3/8" hose you disconnected and reconnected... but this is a good place to start.... and this install is for another day.

Hopefully, new ATF fluid will lubricate your p/s system and stop the "noise" you are hearing.

Good luck,

 

Check out the link below (finally found it).

It will tell you everything you need to know about a p/s fluid flush and adding an in-line p/s fluid filter (you you choose to add one).

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ing-flush.html

Good luck,

 

I have seen posts with Mercon III and Mercon V. If I go to Napa store, which should I get? I have 2005 6.0

 

Look for a "single spec" rated fluid such as Mercon. I think Castrol makes one. I personally am not a fan of "multi-spec'd" fluids, but in a power-streering system it is probably OK.

Look for Mercon, then look for a single-spec'd fluid as close to the old Mercon spec'd fluid as you can find. You may have to check a few places.... as I seem to find more options at Advance Auto Parts (here in Kansas City).

Call your local Ford dealer and see what they say or if they have old inventory of Mercon still laying around? Obviously, when they work on or install a new p/s in an old vehicle, they have to use something... but that will also assist you on what fluid to ask or look for.

I think that Mercon V is the only fluid you will readily find at most auto parts stores... so look for a single spec fluid (not multi-spec)... but that's me though.

Good luck,

 

I used the Mercon V synthetic. It is working just fine.