Power Steering System Flushing - CIII Power Steering Pump

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Material

Fig 1: Checking Power Steering Fluid Level

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION

Item	Specification
Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX	MERCON®

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.

Fig 2: Identifying Fuel Pump Fuse
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolt. Position the evaporative emissions canister (EVAP canister) (9D653) out of the way.

Fig 3: Identifying Position of Evaporative Emissions Canister Out Of Way
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir fitting.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Power Steering Return Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
Raise the front wheels off the floor.
Fill the reservoir.

Fig 5: Identifying Reservoir
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

Fig 6: Turning Steering Wheel From Stop-To-Stop While Cranking Engine

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Extension Hose From Power Steering Return Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.

Fig 8: Identifying Reservoir

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fill the reservoir.
Install the evaporative emissions canister and the bolt.

Fig 9: Installing Evaporative Emissions Canister And Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the fuel pump fuse.

Fig 10: Installing Fuel Pump Fuse
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

Fig 11: Starting Engine And Turn Steering Wheel From Stop-To-Stop

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

Fig 12: Checking Power Steering Fluid Level

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.