Power steering flush 99 3.8

[ronpapworth]

OK,
Gave a friend his van back after putting brakes on it and 2 days later the PS system starts freaking out. I got a look at it before I came out here(great board!) to see if I could tell where the noise was coming from. It's the pump and I am pretty sure this is the orginal fluid in it so that will be step one. Flushing the system.

This PS system seems to have the resevoir off by the fender with a big radiator looking hose coming over the serp belt to the pump itself. Is this the same system on most windstars? Im used to seeing the resevoir right on top of the pump. I read in flushing post to remove the return line that goes directly to the resevoir and cap the hole in the resevoir (any suggestions other than a clamped off line?)

I also want to keep the ATF(could there be any more posts about what fluid to use? ) off the serp belt while doing all this, just blanket it with old towels or remove it before starting the initial drain, only to have to put it back on to pump out the old stuff? Seems like a lot of work, but that belt is new and I want to keep it clean...

Thanks all!

[12Ounce]

I personally don't get very excited about "flushing".

You've identified the "remote" reservoir correctly. The reservoir is about 1/2, or better, of the total PS sytem volume ... so, if you just empty and refill it a couple of times you've made a pretty good purge and refill.

I usually just use a syphon syringe to suck most of the reservoir fluid out. If you are really serious, the reservoir is easily lifted up off of it's plastic dowels .... and you can tip it over into a small container.

I always replace the reservoir fluid each time the engine oil is changed ... got that tip on this very forum .... and my PS fluid stays pretty nice.

[DRW1000]

I did the same sort of refill on my 99 a couple of weeks back. I used a vacuum pump and emptied the resevior and refilled. I then started and turned the wheel back a nd forth a few times to move the fluid. I repeated about 6 times and went threough about 2 litres or so. I am fairly confident I replaced 80%to 90% of the fluid.

[wiswind]

They have some instructions on flushing the PS fluid on the autozone site for the 95-98 windstars....I would think that they would apply to the newer ones with the remote resevoir.

Make sure to use the correct fluid for your year.....I think newer windstars use Mercon ATF for the power steering.....but verify that. My manual for my '96 says to use a Ford Power steering fluid part number...xxx....or a fluid which meets specification #xxxx I looked up the specification number and found that it is ATF fluid. So do not be missled into using "generic" power steering fluid.....the wording is a bit missleading.

Remove the return hose from the resevoir.....plug the return hose connection on the resevoir....if it is located at the bottom....like mine with the resevoir on the side of the pump......The fluid is not under pressure at this point....but...if the connector is located such that the resevoir will drain out....with the return hose removed....then you will want to plug it.

I did the process.....and it worked.....I ran about 50% more than the total system capacity through to completely flush the system. I also turned the steering wheel just a little step each time I touched the starter......and ended up going from stop to stop, and back.

Then I reconnected the hose....made sure the connection was firm...not over tight. And made sure that the fluid was filled to the correct level in the resevoir.

After flushing the power steering.....you will want to purge the air from the system.... Start the car.....and turn the wheels from stop - to - stop a few times......not resting against the limits stops.
That will purge any minimal amount of air that may have gotten in.

If the steering system has a LOT of air in it.....it may continue to make noise after the stop to stop process..... If that happens......shut off the engine, verify the fluid level in the resevoir......if there are any bubbles visible in the fluid.....let it sit for a while for the bubbles to rise up to the top.....otherwise...you will just be recycling the same air back into the system...... Then...after the bubbles have risen up to the top.....repeat the process.

If you do the flush process as listed. You will not have to do it for quite a while. I did mine last year....as my car was 8 years old....with MANY miles on it.

The windstar seems to cook the power steering fluid. So I used a synthetic ATF that met the Ford Specification numbers that were listed for my year.