General Procedures: Purging

Special Tool(s) 

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool(s)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: A whine heard from the power steering pump may be caused by air in the system. The power steering purge procedure must be performed prior to any component repair for which power steering noise complaints are accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid.
1. Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap. Check the fluid.
   • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON® fluid.
2. Tightly insert the stopper of the vacuum pump into the reservoir.
   Fig 2: Installing Vacuum Pump To Power Steering Pump Reservoir

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Start the vehicle.
4. Apply maximum vacuum and maintain it for a minimum of three minutes with the engine speed at idle.
   Fig 3: Applying Vacuum To Power Steering System

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Release the vacuum and remove the vacuum pump.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.
Fig 4: Identifying Reservoir Tank Markings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Fill the reservoir.
   • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
7. Reinstall the vacuum pump. Apply and maintain maximum vacuum.
   Fig 5: Applying Vacuum To Power Steering System

   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 6: Turning Steering Wheel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Cycle the steering wheel fully to the left and right every 30 seconds for approximately five minutes.
9. Stop the engine, release the vacuum, and remove the vacuum pump.
10. Install the reservoir cap.
11. Check for fluid leaks at all of the connections. If the power steering fluid shows signs of air, repeat this procedure.