Help on Power Steering?

[Death to Ford]

Hello

Sorry I was in a rush when I was writing this and did not check it over
Another thing is that I have not done this yet, I will be doing it tomorrow hopefully

I had just done an awesome right up for you, and my computer just crashed so I will try to write this again

Remove the fuel pump relay from the battery junction box.
Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir.
Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
Raise the front wheels off the floor.
Check the fluid level. If necessary, fill the reservoir to the correct level.
Use Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON equivalent.
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. 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 debris.
Add Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON equivalent as needed.
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.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir. Check the fluid level. If necessary, fill the reservoir to the correct level.
Use Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON equivalent.
Install the fuel pump relay in the battery junction box.
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. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.
NOTE: If the power steering system is noisy and is accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid it will be necessary to purge the power steering system. Check the fluid level. If necessary, fill the reservoir to the correct level.
Use Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON equivalent.

Remember 1999+ windstars use mercon I think (check your manual) other windstars use soemthing else type f or soemthing

So to answer your questions
It is the fuel pump relay only I am pretty sure where this is but I havent checked to make sure
If you drive your van on ramps you wont be able to turn your steering wheel so you need a jack and jackstands
I am going to use a rubber plug i have in my basement
I also have a clear tubing I am gonna use to add to the return line

I bought 1 cheap 1 liter bottle to flush out the system, then I bought 2 bottles of mobil 1 atf mercon to fill it up. I believe you only need 1 liter.

Ohh yesss I am under no liability if anyone follows these steps and ruins something

Hope this helps

Thanks

[Scott43]

Flush your power steering system and i suggest adding Lucus Power Steering Additive , great to help stopping power steering noise ,

[rebeer]

My power steering fluid is black as well. I also have a leak from under the passenger side. I have tried some stop leak with adding power steering fluid and it has slowed but still leaks. Any idea on where the leak could be coming from? Is it the rack, or pump? Can this be solved without taking out a second mortgage?

[Scott43]

sounds like a rack , but it is not hard to find where it is coming from , If you have some mechanical background you could change it yourself ,( I did mine by myself ) just be careful not to turn the steering shaft while the unit if remove from the car it could damage or set of the air bag

[mark v]

Always disconnect the battery and you wont accidentally set off an air bag.

[Scott43]

that is correct but there is a collar inside that can get damage and it will damage the air bag system and may even set of the airbag once the battery is hook back up

[aeriojunkie]

Okay so my power steering pump went out last week and I tried to remove it yesterday but I can't get the high pressure hose off of the pump in order to remove it from the vehicle. Can someone help me PLEASE!!!!!! BTW - It is a 99 Windstar SE with the 3.8L engine.

[longshank]

CraigRK

I just flushed my power steering twice. I came to the end of a pint (32 oz.) my second time. So youre bottle should do the job. I must admit that my fluid is still black after doing this twice. (98 Windstar)

[vindctar]

I have read that these PS flushes are pointless. Could somebody with experience in this area shed more light on this, please???

Originally Posted by longshank

CraigRK

I just flushed my power steering twice. I came to the end of a pint (32 oz.) my second time. So youre bottle should do the job. I must admit that my fluid is still black after doing this twice. (98 Windstar)