View Full Version : Power steering fluid flush
dmjarosz
08-03-2011, 03:19 PM
Going to be flushing the fluid this week. Do I use Mercon V transmission fluid or regular power steering fluid? Is 3 quarts enough to purge the entire system?
For those of you interested in how I do my flushes.. I made a neat little tool that consists of 18" tall clear plastic tupe epoxied to an old power steering cap with large a hole drilled in the top. Just disconnect the line that returns the fluid to the reservior and place it in a bucket or jug. Plug the fitting with a small test tube stopper. Attach the tube/cap tool and fill to the top with fluid. Start the car and turn the steering wheel point-to-point until you cant see fluid in the tube anymore. Its real easy to see if you hang out the window. Repeat 2 more time, then button everything back up. Done in 30 minutes or less!
Spectragod
08-03-2011, 03:44 PM
Merc V is fine, 3 quarts should be more than enough.
greggash
08-03-2011, 07:00 PM
the power steering uses dexron 3,
dmjarosz
08-04-2011, 11:51 AM
Haha so which is it?
Does it even matter?
RacerX
08-04-2011, 12:14 PM
MM manual says Motorcraft Mercon ATF. Like Spectra said.:beer: Wait! You can't mix Mercon and Mercon V and the specs for power steering say use Mercon, not Mercon V.
Pgs. 211 and 214
Spectragod
08-04-2011, 12:32 PM
I flushed mine, used merc V.
RF Overlord
08-04-2011, 12:59 PM
the power steering uses dexron 3,Dexron III is a GM spec. The Ford spec was Mercon. Since those fluids were almost identical, they were usually sold under a single label as Dexron III/Mercon.
MM manual says Motorcraft Mercon ATF. Like Spectra said.:beer: Wait! You can't mix Mercon and Mercon V and the specs for power steering say use Mercon, not Mercon V.
Pgs. 211 and 214The 2003 spec was plain Mercon. Ford stopped licensing Mercon in 2007 and approved Mercon V to be used in all applications that originally called for Mercon.
RacerX
08-04-2011, 01:05 PM
I agree. Key being: DO NOT MIX! Flush, then put V in.
Da Dark Jedi
08-04-2011, 03:01 PM
Amsoil ATF!
RF Overlord
08-04-2011, 04:11 PM
DO NOT MIX! Flush, then put V in.Actually, that's no longer necessary.
In the early days of Mercon V, the formulation made it unacceptable for certain uses. Ford has since reformulated Mercon V and it is compatible with formerly forbidden uses. That's one of the reasons Ford discontinued plain Mercon...Mercon V is a better fluid and is now compatible for all uses. Mixing is not a problem.
RacerX
08-04-2011, 06:15 PM
That would explain the dust on the bottles of regular Mercon I saw in the local backwoods store here... (I'm in the boonies for the time being). :beer:
BigCars4Ever
08-05-2011, 02:48 PM
I like this idea but do you think it would work as well if I used a clear hose and funnel attached in place of the return line on the resivoir (I would leave the cap on)? That way I wouldn't have to make a cap adapter. Hose is cheap and available as are big funnels.
dmjarosz
08-05-2011, 05:08 PM
I like this idea but do you think it would work as well if I used a clear hose and funnel attached in place of the return line on the resivoir (I would leave the cap on)? That way I wouldn't have to make a cap adapter. Hose is cheap and available as are big funnels.
Yes, this idea works too, I used to do that except in place of the funnel I used one of those things you use to suck the dirt out of fish tank gravel. Holds just about the same amout of fluid except its easy to see from the driver's seat when the level gets low. A clear funnel would work too if you can find one.
BigCars4Ever
08-05-2011, 07:52 PM
I actually have a bunch of different size ones but I would get some help for this operation.
BigCars4Ever
08-18-2011, 04:37 PM
Gonna do this this weekend but need to make sure, it's the small hose attached to the meta line that is the return right?
Is flushing it even neccessary?
fastblackmerc
08-18-2011, 05:32 PM
Is flushing it even neccessary?
Flush if your fluid is burned..... otherwise I'd just drain as much out as you can and refill.
You can drain most of the fluid by:
1 - use a turkey baster to remove the fluid
2 - unbolt the tank from the radiator shroud and dump it into a bucket
Flush if your fluid is burned..... otherwise I'd just drain as much out as you can and refill.
You can drain most of the fluid by:
1 - use a turkey baster to remove the fluid
2 - unbolt the tank from the radiator shroud and dump it into a bucket
I guess I should have asked "Why would anyone need to change the fluid?" I couldn't even tell you where the cap is to put fluid in. It just burns up over time? It can't be from hard driving or mine would scorched dry.
fastblackmerc
08-18-2011, 06:45 PM
I guess I should have asked "Why would anyone need to change the fluid?" I couldn't even tell you where the cap is to put fluid in. It just burns up over time? It can't be from hard driving or mine would scorched dry.
The owners manual has a picture and location of the tank.
Replacing it should be part of any maintenance plan.
Alldata Ford spec says Motorcraft Mercon ATF.
RF Overlord
08-19-2011, 07:50 AM
Is flushing it even neccessary?Depends. As fastblackmerc said, if the fluid is very dark or burnt/smelly, then yes. If not, then drain and refill the reservoir, start the motor and turn the wheel lock-to-lock a few times, then do the drain & fill again.
I usually do a turkey-baster drain & fill every other oil change just to keep the fluid fresh, although that's prolly overkill.
Depends. As fastblackmerc said, if the fluid is very dark or burnt/smelly, then yes. If not, then drain and refill the reservoir, start the motor and turn the wheel lock-to-lock a few times, then do the drain & fill again.
I usually do a turkey-baster drain & fill every other oil change just to keep the fluid fresh, although that's prolly overkill.
You's have me interested now, :) have to have it checked out when I have the MV trip preps made.
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