Steering fluid change on a 5.0L?

[Rockettman]

Anyone having a 5.0L (Fox) Mustang - this goes out to you - or of course, anyone who can help.

I have to change the fluid on the car, as it's pretty-much turned to water.

I don't know the proceedure; nor what might be the best fluid. I'd like to go with synthetic but whatever works.
By the way - I'm doing it in the driveway, just so you know.

Thanks everyone.

[Da Dark Jedi]

People say to use a trukey baster or suction device. Or if there is two hoses connected, disconnect the return line and run it to a container, start the car. Your manual will say to use ATF or Power steering fluid.

[Rockettman]

If I disconnect the return line, how do I keep the fluid I'm pouring in, from coming right out the hole?
When I run the engine, is the fluid going to be "sucked" into the pump/rack faster than I can keep up? Or is it a slow process?
I'm supposed to turn the wheel stop to stop right?

[ctrlraven]

I use a turkey baster and use regular Power Steering Fluid.

It's much easier if you have two people. Put the front up in the air so the wheels will turn freely. Have one person in the car to start it up and move the steering wheel lock to lock. The other person will stuck the fluid out of the reservoir (while the steering wheel is not being turned) then add new fluid, have the person in the car turn the wheel lock to lock 10-15 times each way then stop, suck fluid out and replace. Repeat process about a dozen times and you'll have a good amount of fluid changed out. You can do this by yourself but it just takes longer. This is what I have always done with mine and works good.

[Rockettman]

Thanks Chris and "Da Dark Jedi".
How much fluid would I need to buy, if I'm, essentually taking out some of the new fluid I'm putting in?
Plus, I'm running the engine the whole time right? Or do I stop when removing the fluid (I have no idea what's inside the pump - and don't want to grind off the end of the baster0?

[ctrlraven]

I bought 3 quarts of PSF (didn't use all of it) but you can use all of it and once you've gone through it then stop.

Yes leave the engine running during the whole time. You're only sucking fluid out of the reservoir neck just to the bottom of the neck which still leaves fluid in the system. With two people it took me about 10-12 mins to go through a little over 2 quarts. The only time the steering wheel should be turned is after you have sucked the fluid out of the neck, filled it back up then put the PS cap back on.

[RF Overlord]

Rockettman, *most* Ford P/S systems use ATF, but some, like my '94 T-bird SC specified Power Steering Fluid. Best to check the owner's manual.


If I disconnect the return line, how do I keep the fluid I'm pouring in, from coming right out the hole?Just put a short piece of hose with a bolt in the end on the nipple where the return line came from.

When I run the engine, is the fluid going to be "sucked" into the pump/rack faster than I can keep up? Or is it a slow process?It's not "slow", but you should be able to keep up with it without problem. Might be best to have someone sitting in the car to shut it off if you drop the container or something.

I'm supposed to turn the wheel stop to stop right? Yes, just don't bang it against the stops or hold it there.

[Rockettman]

Thanks guys. Now maybe my pump will quiet down!

Cheers.

[ctrlraven]

Ford calls for ATF Type-F fluid for the PS system. I would replace it with whatever you've been using. You would need to do a complete power flush to change to a different type of fluid, say going from Type-F to regular PS fluid or vice versa.

My PS rack was replaced before I bought the car by Ford and regular PS fluid was used so that's what I've been sticking with. I know several other people who use regular PS fluid as well.

[Rockettman]

Actually, it's never been touched! That's why it's like water and my pump is noisey. Whatever was in there from the factory...is still in there. (I know that's bad!).

I guess I'll decide which way to flush the system (your way or the "remove the return line - power flush - way), then change the type.

Is Regular PS Fluid marked as such...or are you just calling it that? Remember, I've not changed this - well...ever - and don't know what I'm buying. If it's easier to just use what the manual calls for; that's fine too. Doesn't matter either way to me.

[ctrlraven]

If you've never touched it I would go with what Ford calls the Type-F ATF then. The reason why it's probably like water is that the additives in it are gone and over time just like with brake fluid moisture can seep into the system. I would give it a good flush then since you've never serviced it before.

Mobil 1 makes a Type-F
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_Type_F_ATF.aspx

I also use this in my 5.0 and MM.
http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=273&catid=9&loc=show&headTitle=%20-%20Lucas%20Oil%20Power%20Steer ing%20Fluid%20w/Conditioners

[03blackmerc]

I also had a loud ps pump in my fox, changing the fluid was no help. Had to change pump also did rack while I was there

[05crownsport]

I also had a loud ps pump in my fox, changing the fluid was no help. Had to change pump also did rack while I was there

Ditto on that.

[Chevyguy]

Older models including the Fox Mustang specify Type F fluid.

The Maurauder specifies Mercon for the PS fluid, now they recommend Mercon V as the Mercon is not stocked anymore by Ford. However any Type F systems are still supposed to use Type F

http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/docs/s197_TSBs/07-01-07.pdf