General Procedures: Purging: Procedure

CAUTION: If the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly, premature power steering pump failure can result. This condition can occur on pre-delivery vehicles with evidence of aerated fluid or on vehicles that have had steering component repairs.

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.

Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap. Check the fluid.
- Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON® fluid.
Tightly insert the stopper of the vacuum pump into the reservoir.

Fig 1: Inserting Stopper Of Vacuum Pump Into Reservoir
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Start the vehicle.
Apply maximum vacuum and maintain it for a minimum of three minutes with the engine speed at idle.

Fig 2: Installing Vacuum Pump
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the vacuum and remove the vacuum pump.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.

Fill the reservoir.
- Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
  
  Fig 3: Filling Reservoir
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Reinstall the vacuum pump. Apply and maintain maximum vacuum.

Fig 4: Installing Vacuum Pump
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 can occur.

Fig 5: Rotating Steering Wheel Fully To The Left And Right

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Cycle the steering wheel fully to the left and right every 30 seconds for approximately five minutes.
Stop the engine, release the vacuum, and the remove the vacuum pump.
Install the reservoir cap.
Check for fluid leaks at all of the connections. If the power steering fluid shows signs of air, repeat this procedure.